Introduction to Ayurveda
Ayurveda is a branch of Atharva Veda. Ayurveda in Sanskrit literally means "science of life" or "practices of longevity. It is not merely a system of medicines but it also imparts the knowledge to masses about the art of living a healthy life without suffering from various ailments. Specialised therapies of Ayurveda while curing such diseases strengthen the immune system in the body and thus help in the prevention of diseases and preservation as well as promotion of positive health.
Ayurveda is the science of life. Basic approaches of Ayurveda include:
- Maintenance of Positive health of healthy individuals
- To treat/cure the disease of diseased ones
Ayurveda represents a system that considers both the states of mind and body in its diagnosis and treatment. Patients are classified by body types, or prakriti, which are determined by proportions of the three doshas. Illness and disease are considered to be a matter of imbalance in the doshas. Treatment is aimed at restoring harmony or balance to the mind-body system.