Ayurveda – A Natural Way to Health and Happiness

Ayurveda is the oldest form of complimentary medicine known to man and is more popular than ever, as people seek natural ways to live healthier and happier lives.

If this is what you are looking for look no further than Ayurveda.

History and Origins

Ayurvedic medicine originated over 5,000 years ago in India is the oldest form of holistic medicine known to man. Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word meaning: ayu-life; veda-knowledge of); this knowledge of life is the key to harmonizing our body and spirit, which enhances wellbeing and helps us fight and prevent disease and ill health

The knowledge of Ayurveda is believed to be of Divine origin and was communicated to the saints and sages who received its knowledge through meditation.

Ayurvedic knowledge was passed down from generation to generation, by word of mouth and then finally put into writing in the Vedas, which are believed to be the oldest writings in the world. 

Ayurveda is part of the spiritual tradition of the Sanatana Dharma Universal, or Vedic Religion. VedaVyasa and shaktavesha avatar of Vishnu, put into writing the concepts of Ayurveda, along with writings on spiritual insights of self realization contained in the Vedas and the Vedic literatures.

Current practicing of Ayurveda is generally taken from later writings, primarily the Caraka Samhita the Ashtang Hrdyam, and finally, the Sushrut Samhita.

These describe the basic principles and theories from which Ayurveda has evolved.

Ayurveda

As with any holistic form of medicine it sees treatment of the whole as the key to wellness – this does not just mean treating the symptoms of an illness but looking at the broader picture of our total being.

Ayurveda aims to facilitate the union of our Spirit with the Divine Universal Power (God consciousness) - In essence a healthy mind and body forms a temple for our spirit.

Principles

Ayurveda works on the principle that our being is the result of a combination of the five elements:

Ether, air, fire, water and earth all combine, in variations called the three doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Vata is a combination of ether and air, Pitta is mainly fire and some water and Kapha is a combination of both water and earth.

When one has a perfect balance of these three doshas, a person is at the peak of health however, when an imbalance of these three doshas occurs, disease, illness and poor health follows. 

How Ayurveda Works

Ayurveda operates to prevent illness by understanding the function of the body, the relationship of body and mind and the particular individual nature of the individual being treated.

Each individual has a specific constitution and Ayurveda offers a systemic approach to well-being customized specifically to the body type of the individual.

Treatments

Ayurvedic medicine uses the following in the healing process

• Advice on diet   
• The provision of specific ayurvedic medications   
• Herbal medicines   
• Massage   
• Meditation   
• Yoga, Breathing and various relaxation techniques

Depending on your particular health problems, an ayurvedic therapist may suggest any or all of these treatments.

- Increase energy and promote overall well being   

- Balance mind, body and spirit   

- Reduce Stress  

- Prevent and cure ill health and disease

Ayurveda for Life

Ayurveda is the art and science of harmonious, healthy living and is a way of life.

Its emphasis is on education, and promoting self-healing by self-realization, to help the body return to and stay, in a natural state of balance.

Ayurveda is growing in popularity and many companies today are promoting wellness retreats in its country of origin – India.

With cheaper flights than ever combined with well qualified therapists and a beautiful culture to explore more people than ever are taking advantage of this ancient form of healing to treat a variety of conditions and achieve better overall health.