Ayurveda is India’s traditional, natural system of medicine that has been practiced for more than 5,000 years. Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word that literally translated means "science of life" or "practices of longevity." Ayurveda is the system of health care conceived and developed by the seers (rishis) and natural scientists through centuries of observations, experiments, discussions, and meditations. Ayurveda is truly holistic medicine.
Ayurveda emphasizes prevention of disease, rejuvenation of our body systems, and extension of life span. The profound premise and promise of Ayurveda is that through certain practices, not only we can prevent heart disease and make our headaches go away, but we can also better understand ourselves and the world around us. Also we can live a long healthy life in balance and harmony, achieve our fullest potential and express our true inner nature on a daily basis.
Ayurveda provides an integrated approach for preventing and treating illness through lifestyle interventions and natural therapies. It is based on the view that the elements, forces, and principles that comprise all of nature - and that holds it together and make it function - are also seen in human beings. In Ayurveda, the mind (or consciousness) and the body (or physical mass) not only influence each other - they are each other. Together they form the mind-body. The universal consciousness is an intelligent, aware ocean of energy that gives rise to the physical world we perceive through our five senses. Ayurvedic philosophy and practices link us to every aspect of ourselves and remind us that we are in union with every aspect of nature, each other, and the entire universe.
Ayurveda is based on the premise that the universe is made up of five elements: Air, Ether(space),Fire, Water and Earth. These elements are represented in humans by three "doshas", or energies: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. When these doshas are in balanced state it leads to the health. When any of the doshas accumulate in the body beyond the desirable limit, the body loses its balance. Every individual has a distinct balance, and our health and well-being depend on getting a right balance of the three doshas ("tridoshas"). Ayurveda suggests specific lifestyle and nutritional guidelines to help individuals reduce the excess dosha. These will help him to stay balanced,thus free from the diseases.