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MysticalGypsi
12 April 2007, 11:20 PM
"Ayurveda"

(āyus meaning "life principle" & veda meaning a system of "knowledge") is an ancient system of holistic health care originating in India approximately 5000 years ago. This system is still widely practiced in India and has gained credibility in the West as a form of alternative medicine. Scriptural basis for ayurveda is found within the Vedas (Atharvaveda).


Discussion: The basis of ayurveda centers around evaluating the individual's body type, with classifications based on certain doshas or combinations of doshas (vata, kapha and pitta), which are combinations of earth, fire, air, water, and space. Disease is said to begin with imbalance/disturbance of the doshas, and healing lies in bringing harmony/balance to the doshas. Impurities in mind or physical body must be released. The goal of ayurveda practice is to establish balance/equilibrium, allowing the body and mind to function efficiently and in a manner conducive to wellness. The body, when properly taken care of and attended to, has a natural tendency to eliminate disease. In ayurveda the basis for diagnosis and treatment revolves around understanding the individual's normal dosha make-up and the disturbance occuring in the doshas (diagnosis of the patient and diagnosis of the disease). Therapy usually involves natural therapies and life-style changes.

References & further reading:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayurveda
http://www.niam.com/corp-web/disease.html
http://ayurveda.iloveindia.com/ayurveda-basics.html
http://www.ayurveda-4-wellness.de/Ayurveda-Wellness-Germany/Ayurveda-elements.html
http://store.chopra.com/content.asp?id=22