Ayurveda - The Indian Traditional Healing System And Way Of Life

Ayurveda

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of healing incorporating a number of different techniques such as dietary therapy, herbal medicine, meditation and massage.

Background and History

Ayurveda means 'science of longevity' and it originated around the 6th century BCE. Originally a Hindu system, it soon spread across religions. Its principles were said to have been passed down to humankind from by the gods, originating with Brahma, the father of all gods.

By the Middle Ages the system was extremely well developed, with great universities teaching all aspects of Ayurveda. However, it began to suffer as India was invaded, with the final straw being the colonization of India by the British, who bought scientific Western medicine with them. Thankfully, the Indian Congress realized how important Ayurveda was and supported it and in 1921 Mahatma Gandhi opened the first new college for ayurvedic medicine. This began the revival in the old ways, and now ayurveda is practiced alongside Western medicine in India. Ayurveda has become increasingly popular in the West since the 80s, due to such figures as Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, and Dr. Deepak Chopra MD.

How does it work?

Ayurveda holds that we are born in a state of perfection and poise, but soon lose this due to bad diet, temperament or living conditions. The ancient texts talk of 3 basic constitutions or 'doshas' - Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These are balanced in health, but become unbalanced in illness. Vata controls movement and communication and relates to the nervous system. Pitta is connected with fire and water, and it regulates heat and digestion and the metabolism. Kapha is responsible for stability and moisture and relates to the structure of the body.

In order to prevent or treat illness these three doshas must be balanced and this can be achieved by changing your lifestyle or diet, by massage, meditation, yoga, or herbs, among other things. An experienced Ayurveda therapist will choose the best treatment for each specific case.

Ayurveda is truly a holistic system, more of a way of life than just a healing therapy, and incorporating every strand of human existence. Still very common in India, it is relatively unknown in the West, and certainly not as well known as traditional Chinese Medicine, with which it shares some broad similarities. This is a shame, as it has much to offer.

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What is ayurveda?

An ancient Indian system of preventive health care. (The name means "knowledge of life.") According to this system, bodily health is determined by three biological principles, called doshas: Vata, which regulates movement; Pitta, which regulates metabolism; and Kapha, which regulates structure.
Is from India, and is more than 5,000 years old. "Ayur" means life and "Ved" means knowledge. This holistic science is the knowledge of complete balance of the Body, Mind and spirit, including the emotions and psychology, on all levels. It includes in its consideration, longevity, rejuvenation and self-realization therapies through herbs, diet, exercise, yoga, massage, aromas, tantras, mantras, and meditation. ...
Ayurveda (आयुर्वेद Sanskrit: ayu—life; veda—knowledge of) or ayurvedic medicine is a more than 2,000 year old comprehensive system of medicine based on a holistic approach rooted in Vedic culture. Its conspicuous use of the word veda, or knowledge, reveals its role in early Hinduism and describes its hallowed place in India. Ayurveda also had a tradition of surgery. ...