Origin of the name
Ayurveda, the science of life is a holistic healing system which is originated in India, around 5000 years ago.
The name is derived from two Sanskirt words: Ayur – life and Veda – knowledge/science. Thus Ayurveda is the knowledge of life, or we can say in a better way, the science of life.
Text books
The root of the Ayurveda knowledge lies in the Vedas, the sacred scriptures of the Vedic People . The two other important treatises on Ayurveda are Charaka Samhita and Sushrutha Samhita. The former deals with the internal medicine, while the latter deals with the surgery. These earlier texts had been compiled concisely in Ashtanga Hridayam, which is the knowledge base of the current Ayurveda practices.
The Philosophy
Ayurveda is deeply influenced by the philosophy of creation and manifestation. According to this, every human being is a creation of pure existence or awareness. To use Ayurveda in daily life, it is not necessary that one has to understand this philosophy or accept it. But a proper understanding of this will deepen your insight towards Ayurveda and its healing methodology.
The Science
- Body constitution: Ayurveda says the functional aspects of the body will be determined by three biological humors, called doshas – vata, pitta and kapha.
- Mental Constitution: The human mind is classified into in to three categories: satvik, rajasik and tamasik.
A state of imbalance brings the deceases. Ayurvedic medicines are based on the fact that the every human being has a unique constitution.
The prime aim of Ayurveda is not just cure or prevent diseases, but also to provide relief for a patient by making him positive towards his own affliction.
The medicine of the future
Ayurveda is not just a medical treatment or diagnostic scheme for diseased conditions. It is a set of simple, practical guidelines for maintaining a long, healthy life. This aids you to bring a harmony between your body, as well as mind.
Nothing other than this brings Ayurveda to the fore-front of mind-body medicines. Thats why, it will not be a great wonder, if it will be seen as the medicine of the future.
