Ayurveda is the oldest healing system in the world in continuous practice. It dates back to 5000 years, with roots going back even further. It is believed to be the world’s first universal system of health maintenance. A holistic discipline of medicine and healing, Ayurveda literally translates to ‘Science of Life’. This life science not only encompasses medicine, but also philosophy, psychology, lifestyle, and health. Ayurveda is based on the belief that the universe consists of five basic elements: Space, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth.

Similarly, the human body is also believed to consist of three basic energies- Vata (Air), Pitta (Water) and Kapha (Fire). These are known as Doshas. All of us contain a unique mix of these biological forces that gives us our special personality and determines our physical, emotional and mental predisposition. When these doshas are balanced, the body is healthy and when they are imbalanced, there is disease.

The most basic idea of Ayurveda is the concept of balance. We are healthy and happy when our doshas are working in harmony. Most disease results from an imbalance of our doshas. To heal disease, Ayurveda advises various treatments to restore the balance and strengthen the immune system, bringing the diseased back to his innate nature.

Once the balance is resumed, the body can heal itself. In essence, Ayurveda is a system that uses the body’s own defences to restore health and happiness. In essence, Ayurveda can help a healthy person to maintain health and the diseased person to regain health. However, it must be said that in Ayurveda, health is a state of spiritual and physical attainment. The primary aim of Ayurveda is prevention of disease by leading a happy, healthy lifestyle that consists of nutritious food, an active lifestyle, meditation, and regular detoxification. The Ayurvedic way always leads to health, strength, happiness, and ultimately, creative growth.