Ayurveda
Ayurveda can be defined as a system, which uses the inherent principles of nature, to help maintain health in a person by keeping the individual’s body, mind and spirit in perfect equilibrium with nature.
Ayurveda is a Sanskrit term, made up of the words “ayus” and “veda.” “Ayus” means life and “Veda” means knowledge or science. The term “ayurveda” thus means ‘the knowledge of life’ or ‘the science of life’. According to the ancient Ayurvedic scholar Charaka, “ayu” comprises the mind, body, senses and the soul.
The aim of this system is to prevent illness, heal the sick and preserve life. This can be summed up as follows:
- To protect health and prolong life (“Swasthyas swasthya rakshanam“)
- To eliminate diseases and dysfunctions of the body (“Aturasya vikar prashamanamcha“)