Ayurveda means the science of life. It is the ancient Indian system of natural and holistic medicine. Ayurveda is the oldest healthcare system in the world which originated in India around 3000 B.C and was pioneered by renowned sages.
Ayurveda is believed to be created by Lord Brahma. He passed his knowledge to his disciples in the form of verses. It was passed on to Prajapati, then Aswini Kumar (celestial twin physicians), and to Indra, and so on. Ayurveda was brought to earth and revealed by Lord Dhanvantari who is considered as the physician of the gods and the father of Ayurveda. He was the first to impart the knowledge of ayurveda to humans.
Ayurveda has emerged out as the branch of Atharvaveda. The oldest known texts on Ayurveda are the Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and the Ashtanga Hrudaya. These texts detail the affect that the five elements found in the cosmic system-earth, water, air, fire, space–have on our individual system, and expound on the importance of keeping these elements balanced for a healthy and happy life. Ashtanga Hrudaya, known as The Kernel of Ayurveda was composed by Vagbhata.
Ayurveda names three elemental substances, tridoshas called Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, and states that a balance of the doshas results in health, while imbalance results in diseases.
Vata dosha, in which the air and space elements dominate
Pitta dosha, in which the fire element dominates
Kapha dosha, in which the earth and water elements dominate
Tridosha affects not just the shape of one’s body but also bodily tendencies (like food preferences and digestion) and the temperament of one’s mind and emotions.
Kerala -The cradle of Ayurveda
Ayurveda places great importance on one’s lifestyle. Ayurveda also provides guidance on how to adjust our lifestyle based on the change of seasons. Kerala is blessed with a very pleasing and enjoyable climate throughout the year. The monsoon season is considered ideal for ayurvedic programs. Moreover, ayurvedic treatments done in Kerala are more famous than other locations due to their equable climate. The climate in Kerala is tropical and the temperature varies from 18-degree centigrade to 35 degrees centigrade which is most suitable for ayurvedic treatments.
The system of Ayurveda in Kerala was carefully preserved by eight traditional families of Ayurvedic doctors known as Ashta Vaidyas. Ayurveda is not just a system of medicine. It is indeed a science and a way of life. Kerala is the only place where Ayurveda is practiced in its true and authentic form. Now, no country is unaware of the ayurvedic packages of Kerala. World-class medicines that are produced by various Ayurvedic houses are the best both for rejuvenation and cure.
Ayurveda believes that man is influenced to a great extent by his environment which affects his health status too. These routines include diets, habits, and a general attitude towards life. These are to be changed according to the age and sex of an individual, his living condition, and the environment. This helps the body to maintain its natural resistance to Ayurveda which helps to rejuvenate.
Ayurveda like other systems of traditional medicine has its unique features. It lays emphasis on the promotion of positive health and the prevention of diseases.
