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Ayurveda

Overview
Ayurveda originated in India during the Vedic periodThe period when the famous Hindu scriptures, the Vedas were documented in archaic Sanskrit (2500-7000 BC), and is considered the oldest healthcare and disease prevention system in existence upon which other healing systems have emerged. The word “Ayurveda” comes from the ancient Indian language, Sanskrit. It translates to life (meaning "ayu") and knowledge/science (meaning "veda") – knowledge of life. Preserved from ancient Sanskrit texts, Ayurveda is considered a branch of Indian philosophy which is also the science of healing based on man’s response to his environment. It has been heavily researched and documented throughout the centuries, becoming more and more refined with use. It is founded on the principles of accepted western medicine, including pharmacologyThe study of drugs and their origin, nature, properties and effects upon living organisms and physiologyThe branch of the biological sciences dealing with the study of the mechanical, physical, and biochemical functions of living organisms.

There are 8 branches of medicine within Ayurveda as taught in Ayurvedic colleges and universties:

1. Internal Medicine
2. Ears, Nose, and Throat
3. Toxicology
4. Pediatrics
5. Surgery
6. Psychiatry
7. Aphrodisiacs
8. Rejuvenation

The basic principle of Ayurveda is to prevent illness by maintaining balance within the body, mind, and spirit. This is done by adjusting the general lifestyle, diet, activity levels, stress levels, and other lifestyle factors which may create an imbalance. Disease occurs when a body falls out of harmony with the universe.

There are two types of Ayurveda: traditional and Maharishi. Maharishi Ayurveda is based on translations from the classical texts by Maharishi Mahesh YogiThe founder of Transcendental Meditation (1917-2008). Although both forms of Ayurveda are very similar, Maharishi promotes the use of transcendental meditation(TM)The trademarked name of a meditation technique introduced in 1958 by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (1917-2008), and which is used to experience subtler and subtler states of thought, until the experience of absolute silence is experienced (also known as bliss consciousness, or the experience of a sense of oneness with all creation) to tune into the natural rhythms of the body, and as a method for experiencing an enlightened state of being.

In Ayurveda, all living things (including human beings, animals, plants, bacteria, etc.) are seen as being made up of the 5 primary elements: earth, air, fire, water, and ether. These five elements are a materialized form of universal energy (known as “prana” in India, “qi” in Japan, and “chi” in China). As we are a composite of these 5 elements, any imbalance of these elements within the body or surrounding environment will, in turn, affect the health of the body. Each of these 5 elements has the ability to combine with eachother. There are three combinations of these elements which are called “the three doshas” (also known as “tridosha"). These dosha combinations are found within each individual and determines their metabolic constitution, characteristics, and personality traits.

One of the 4 ancient holy scriptures of the Hindu religion (known as the four Vedas), is called Atharva Veda, focuses on the healing aspects of spirituality and living. Atharva Veda contains references to the digestive system, metabolism, anatomy, and descriptions of diseases, as well as the bacteria that cause them. It also refers to the concept of the three doshas and describe these doshas as being subtle elements within the human body which are responsible for its functions. The main principle of Ayurveda states that all imbalances and diseases within the body occur due to the disturbance of the equilibrium of the three doshas.

Due to the advent of conventional medical treatments and medications, Ayurveda and other alternative healing methods have experienced a decline; however, this is changing as more and more people are leaning towards and discovering natural forms of healing and are choosing a more spiritual and holistic way of life.

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