Ayurveda is a holistic system of healing which evolved among the
Brahmin sages of ancient India some 3000-5000 years ago. There
are several aspects of this system of medicine which distinguish
it from other approaches to health care:
1. It focuses on establishing and maintaining balance of the life
energies within us, rather than focusing on individual symptoms.
2. It recognizes the unique constitutional differences of all
individuals and therefore recommends different regimens for different
types of people. Although two people may appear to have the same
outward symptoms, their energetic constitutions may be very different
and therefore call for very different remedies.
3. Ayurveda is a complete medical system which recognizes that
ultimately all intelligence and wisdom flows from one Absolute
source (Paramatman). Health manifests by the grace of the Absolute
acting through the laws of Nature (Prakriti). Ayurveda assists
Nature by promoting harmony between the individual and Nature
by living a life of balance according to her laws.
4. Ayurveda describes three fundamental universal energies which
regulate all natural processes on both the macrocosmic and microcosmic
levels. That is, the same energies which produce effects in the
various galaxies and star systems are operating at the level of
the human physiology--in your own physiology. These three universal
energies are known as the Tridosha.
5. Finally, the ancient Ayurvedic physicians realized the need
for preserving the alliance of the mind and body and offers mankind
tools for remembering and nurturing the subtler aspects of our
humanity. Ayurveda seeks to heal the fragmentation and disorder
of the mind-body complex and restore wholeness and harmony to
all people.