An Introduction to Ayurveda

Ayurveda, also known as “The Science of Life”, was originated 5000 years ago and is one of the world’s oldest healing sciences. It originated from the ancient Vedic culture and in literal words, it means the “knowledge of long life”. It places great importance on prevention and thinks of health in much more absolute terms, instead of just a disease-free body. It focuses on wellness and the overall balance of the body and the three doshas. The key to this wellness lies in the fact that every individual’s body is unique and each person has a constitution that’s unique to them. Any imbalance would give rise to diseases and general weakness. Thus, the science of Ayurveda focuses on keeping the elements of the body (Named Doshas) balanced to keep one healthy and prevent further imbalances and diseases.

Now to understand how imbalances occur, we have to understand the fundamental premise behind Ayurveda. Ayurveda rises from the tradition that everything on earth, including us, is made of 5 elements, namely Earth, Water, Fire, Space, and Air. These 5 elements constitute to create 3 Doshas – Vata (Air and Space), Kapha (Fire and Water), and Pitta (Earth and Water), an imbalance in which causes health problems. The three doshas are associated with different nuances of our body, for example, Vata is associated with movement, such as pulsation of the heart, breathing, blinking, and others. Pitta expresses the metabolic system of the body and Kapha is the structure, our bones and energy behind our bodies. As and when either of the three doshas are imbalanced, health problems are likely to be seen in their respective associations. The medicines then would help to bring back the balance and cure the issue at its core.

Thus, this science of medicine is based on the study of one’s own body and its environment and the different elements that constitute it. By understanding what causes an imbalance, and working to bring back the balance, it helps one to cure themselves of their problems and prevent further imbalances. It is truly a science, not just a belief. It has been around for thousands of years and the medicines and formulations that we trust today have been passed on by Vaidyas, one after the other. It has proved itself over and over again as the forerunner in health and wellness and has now once again come under the limelight. In the current age of Covid, it’s preventive science has been pivotal to strengthening the immunity of thousands, not only in India but around the world.