Introduction to Ayurveda
Ayurveda is more than just a popular form of alternative medicine. It is a system of holistic healing unlike any other. Thought to be over five thousand years old, Ayurvedic medicine teaches us to see the world as it relates to the elements—or doshas—of vata, pitta, and kapha.
What Is Ayurveda?
- Sync up with our truest inner nature
- Honor and develop our strengths
- Hone in on our challenge areas
The name “Ayurveda” is derived from two words in Sanskrit, “ayuh” meaning “life” or “longevity” and “veda” meaning “science” or “sacred knowledge.” Ayurveda’s definition therefore roughly translates as “the science of longevity” or “the sacred knowledge of life.”
Ayurveda: A Brief History
The practice of Ayurveda as a medicine is believed to date back to over five thousand years, during the Vedic period of ancient India. The earliest known references to Ayurveda and its sister science, Yoga, appeared in scholarly texts from the time called “the Vedas.”
There are four main Vedic texts, known as the Rig Veda, Atharva Veda, Sama Veda and Yajur Veda. For those who wish to dive deeper, you may be asking, "So, the origin of Ayurveda is in which Veda?" Primarily, Ayurveda's philosophy and practical application show up in the Atharva Veda.1
8 Health Benefits of Ayurveda
The traditional practice of Ayurveda is used to treat the cause as opposed to the symptom. It is therefore considered to be more preventative in nature than many other forms of medicine. Ayurveda can show you how to support your immune system and minimize the stress that often leads to imbalances and illness, getting to the root of the problem.
Learning about Ayurveda can help you establish a dinacharya, or daily routine, to help you feel grounded, stable, and ready to start each day. Your daily routine might involve cleaning your tongue upon waking, practicing some yoga or meditation daily, and soothing your system periodically with a loving oil massage.
Ayurveda has many diet and food combining suggestions to help maximize the agni, or digestive fire. Learning about your constitution and state of balance will help you determine which dietary choices are right for you.