Ayurveda

Ayurveda means 'Knowledge of Life'. This system of medicine is derived from philosophical theories propounded in India over 2,000 years ago. More than being a system of treatment this system's thrust is the prevention of disease, through a harmony in body composition.

The basic concept of ayurveda is that the body is composed of three principles: pittha, kapha and vatha. These are called the tridoshas. Each dosha is located in a certain organ of the body and is a combination of the five natural resources (earth, fire, water, air and space or ether). Depending on the predominance of a particular dosha, an individual falls into a particular character type and is prone to particular types of diseases. For example people of the pittha type are said to be hot tempered and competitive. They are thought to be more prone to ulcers and rashes.

Depending on the analysis of the patient type, ayurveda advises a particular diet, treatment and care. There are different types of treatments in ayurveda.

This section contains information under the following topics.

Who is a healthy Person?
Personality Checklist
Balancing Act
Diseases & Treatments
Some Popular Ayurvedic Drugs
Making of Medicines