What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is an ancient system of health and states that the mind and body are inextricably connected, and nothing has more power to heal and transform the body than the mind, which is connected to one’s soul.

If you have heard of Turmeric (curcumin), Ashwagandha, and Shatavari which you may have come across on the herb’s aisle in the pharmacy or health shops, then that is Ayurveda. Ayurveda is one of the oldest of the traditional systems of medicine originating from India that predates over 5000 years. This ancient system of health states that the mind and body are inextricably connected and nothing has more power to heal and transform the body than the mind, which is connected to one’s soul.

Ayurveda will become an integral part of a new and more humane approach to health care, just like yoga and meditation because the demand for the return of natural treatments has become more prevalent these last few years.

Ayurveda is a Sanskrit term composed of two parts, Ayuh means life and Veda means science or knowledge with the final translation ‘science or knowledge of life’. Ayurveda scholars Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya compiled these ancient texts in Sanskrit, which are the oldest and most valuable medical texts with extensive knowledge on all aspects of life, diet, behavior, herbs, health, and illness.

As per Ayurveda, wellness is not the absence of dis-eases, but the ability of our bodily tissues, organs, and systems to function together in a balanced way and able to maintain health and wellness despite potential illness. People are more vulnerable to illness or dis-ease when vital energies of the mind, body, and spirit are out of balance. Ayurveda believes that by balancing the various mind-body functions, the natural function of the body will automatically recover itself to an equilibrium of wellness over time.

Ayurveda has eight branches:
1) Internal Medicine – treat one’s entire natural being. 
2) Surgery – used in most severe cases.
3) Shalakya Tantra – dealing with ailments of the eyes, head, and throat.
4) Paediatrics – prenatal and postnatal baby care and mother.
5) Toxicology – dealing with poison and toxins in the body.
6) Psychology – mental health treatment which includes diet, herbs, pranayama/breathing, mantra, and meditation.
7) Rasayana – the science of rejuvenation – renewal of one’s vitality after an illness or aging process.
8) Science of Aphrodisiacs

An Ayurveda Doctor (Ayurveda Vaidya) who has studied for 5 years or more in India would be more well-versed in all these branches, depending on their specialisation. Hence, one must get a proper diagnosis and make the right choice of choosing the appropriate treatment for one’s ailment or illness. Both conventional (allopathic) and holistic or complementary treatments work well together. An Ayurveda lifestyle coach also known as Svastha Acharya in Sanskrit (Wellness coach) can assist and guide with managing, maintaining, and improving or regaining one’s health. This coincides with the adage ‘prevention is better than cure’ or taking charge to regain strength and recovery using natural resources that surround us. Ayurvedic treatments combine natural products, diet, exercise/yoga, meditation, breathing/pranayama, and lifestyle that can contribute to an individual’s health and well-being as a complementary, alternative, or integrative practice.