What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word. Ayur means life and Veda means sacred text or knowledge.

As per Hindu Mythology three Gods, Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh control the Universe. Brahma is the creator, Vishnu is the preserver and Mahesh is the destroyer. Lord Brahma delivered the knowledge of Ayurveda to mankind.

Before 5000 years rivers of knowledge were flowing through Indus Valley, Ayurveda was developed at that time. There is a reference of Lord Mahavir, a great saint of Jain religion, being treated by Jivak, a guru of Ayurveda, before about 2500 years back.
In short one can state that “ Ayurveda is an Encyclopedia of Longevity.”

Why Ayurveda?

As per Ayurveda philosophy the universe consists of five basic elements, Akash- the space, Prithavi -the earth, Jala – the water, Vayu – the air and Agni – the fire. These are known as Panch Maha Bhuta. Ayurvedic pharmacology is based on these five elements.

As per Ayurveda a human body consists of three humors. Humor is a fluid that constitutes human energy, body and the temperament. The three humors are known as Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These are also known as Tridosha

Tridosha are formed by a combination of five elements shown above. A person is born with a specific proportion of each of this dosha. This is known as a person's Prakruti.

Any variation in the Tridosha of a specific Prakruti results in imbalance and ultimately leads to. illnesses, Ayurveda aims to correct these changes by integrating Body, Mind and Soul in bringing the Prakruti back to its normal stage. Use of natural materials like herbs, spices, minerals etc. are encouraged in addition to yoga and meditation to bring balance to mind, body and soul. In the present day medicinal herbs are also available in suitable tablet form.

Ayurvedic philosophy does not suggest chemicals prepared in a laboratory however. what is acceptable to human body is only recommended. Use of extracts is now very common.