Ayurveda: Facts About Ayurvedic Medicine
Ayurveda is one of the oldest medical systems in the world. The term Ayurveda in Sanskrit means ayu r (life) and veda (science or knowledge), which means “the science of life,” focusing on bringing harmony in all areas of life including our mind, body and spirit. It takes a holistic approach on our health. Ayurveda is based on the concept that every person’s body is based on three doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) and the imbalance in any of these results in diseases. The philosophy of Ayurveda is its emphasis on prevention and living a long and healthy life. The five elements: air, fire, water, earth, aether are believed to build up the microcosm (human beings) and the macrocosm (universe) in Ayurveda . When the five elements are combined in pairs they form the three humors or doshas known as Vata (body movement), Pitta (chemical reactions and metabolism and temperature in our body) and Kapha (responsible for growth and protection). These are known as the constitution or Prakriti of...