Ayurveda” – the science of life, is one of the oldest forms of medicine known to man, originating in the Indian sub-continent, dating back about 3000 years. Ayurveda is gaining in popularity as people become more health conscious and explore traditional medical systems.
Ayurveda is a comprehensive and scientific system of medicine based on natural products, promoting a healthy & long life, and can complement modern medicine. Ayurveda has two main aims: to treat the root cause of the disease and manage the disease where it has already occurred, and to prevent disease through purification and strengthening of the immune system. Ayurveda treats the body, mind and spirit of a person as a whole entity, and works on the basis that the mind and body affect each other, and together can overcome disease.
Ayurveda recognizes three primary levels of healing:
- Treatment of disease
- Prevention of disease and promotion of well-being
- Development of self awareness and balance of body, mind and spirit
Ayurveda as it name implies is a “science of life” according to which we are made up of the same five elements as the universe (Water, Fire, Air, Earth and Space) When we are close to these elements or one with them and nature, then there is perfect balance in the energies (the doshas) within us and we enjoy good health.
When these links are disrupted there is an imbalance in the energies within us, and this leads to ill -health and disease. In these circumstances Ayurveda uses natural products – made up of the same elements as the universe, derived from trees and herbs, to prepare medicine that can treat the root causes of the illness and restore our balance and good health. This aspect of Ayurveda is known as “Shamana Chikitsa”.
Our modern life style is such that we invariably move away from our natural balanced state. The food we eat, the air and noise pollution we face, the stress at work, and balancing competing interest of work and family all add up to build toxin which collect in various parts of the body and lead to disease. So Ayurveda recommends a system of purification with natural ingredients and therapies to collect the toxins in specific parts of the body, and then expel them from the body. This purification process also includes a process of rejuvenation and strengthening of the immune system to prolong well-being. This life enhancement therapy, aims at improving our vitality and enables us to delay the aging process and live longer. This aspect of Ayurveda is called “Shodana Chikitsa”.
At a profound level, Ayurveda encourages development of self awareness, through a conscious way of life. Health is not an end in itself and our energy has to be channeled to developing self awareness of our place in the universe.
The philosophy of Ayurveda was first discovered (or revealed) to the “Rishis” or the wise men during times of deep yogic meditation. Thus Yoga and meditation complements Ayurveda Therapies and are important elements in achieving a harmonious balance of body, mind and spirit.