Ayurveda by Brendan Feeley
Ayurveda is an ancient science of healing that utilizes yoga, meditation, nutrition, herbs, massage, and life style recommendations based on the needs of the individual constitution. It originated in India more that 5,000 years ago and it was cognized in the minds of the great ancient Rishis of that culture. The ancient Rishis discovered the secrets of Ayurveda through their intensive practice of meditation and yoga. It is a medico-metaphysical healing system, and many believe that it is the oldest healthcare system in the world.
The word "Ayu" means life and "Veda" means knowledge, and Ayurveda therefore is a science that gives us to the capacity to develop a profound understanding of ourselves through our communion with the spiritual forces of creation. Although many of us may be drawn to Ayurveda because we want to improve our physical or mental health, the goal of Ayurveda is far greater than the removal of physical or mental symptoms. Its true goal, is to give a happy and fulfilling life through rejuvenation, longevity, and spiritual realization.
At the core of Ayurveda, is the understanding of tridosha. The ancient Rishis, or the scientists of old, found that there were certain causative factors common to all phenomena in human beings and in nature. They found that all activities in the universe could be grouped into three basic principles: creation, preservation, and destruction. The tridosha theory relates these three functions to the three biological humors or doshas, and they are referred to as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Our individual constitution, as well as our propensity towards mental or physical diseases, is based on a combination of these three doshas, but it is the humoral dominance or imbalance that is the most important factor in both health and disease.
For the maintenance of health, each individual must know his or her constitution. Diet, behavior, and daily activities can be modified to address doshic imbalances to prevent disease. When the constitutional type is known, then through herbs, diet, yoga, meditation, and other lifestyle recommendations, the longevity and happiness of the individual can be promoted. Through the study of Ayurveda, anybody can acquire the knowledge of self-healing, and the process of degeneration of mind and body can be reduced.