Themes

Yoga / Ayurveda

Ayurveda, the ancient medical science, originated in India more than 5000 years ago. Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word that is derived from two words ayur and veda which means 'Science of Life'. Ayurveda finds mention in the oldest available texts, the vedas. Ayurveda deals with both physical and spiritual health. It is a gift that India has given to the world.

Ayurveda, therefore, has been the world's longest ongoing medicinal tradition. It aims at promoting the overall well-being of an individual rather than just treating diseased individuals. Not just physical cure, Ayurveda cures emotionally, mentally and spiritually as well. Ayurveda has, therefore, rightly been called a way of life.

According to Ayurveda, the human body is composed of five elements, which are :

• Prithvi (earth)

• Apa (water)

• Vayu (air)

• Tejas (fire)

• Akash (space)

Every individual's structure is composed of five elements, earth, fire, water, space and air. There are three biological humors called 'doshas', that govern the functional aspect of the body. First one is the Vata dosha governing the principle of movement. The process of metabolism is governed by the Pitta dosha. Kapha dosha, the last one, regulates the digestion process.

The treatments in Ayurveda not only cure a disease but treat the root cause. All the remedies of Ayurveda are natural. Ayurveda includes the preparation of medicines at home using the traditional methods. The best part of an ayurvedic treatment is that these medicines do not have side effects.

India is far-famed for its reliable ayurveda treatments. There are various treatment centers in different parts of the country, Kerala being the most popular one. The authentic treatments in Kerala invite tourists from India and abroad. Out of the various therapies of ayurveda, Pachkarma is the one that is used extensively. It helps eliminating wastes from the human body. Ayurveda is not merely restricted to curing a disease but it describes the diet, actions and lifestyle to be followed for leading a healthy lifestyle.

The subtle yet scientific, and now a popular medicinal form too, Ayurveda soothes the mind and spirit in addition to healing of the body. Ayurveda, undoubtedly, acquires an edge in comparison to the other methods of healing. Ayurveda is not merely a medicinal therapy, rather it is a way of life.