ayurveda

Ayurveda, Sanskrit for "science of life", is based on the wisdom of South Asia's ancient sages as well as practical knowledge gathered by healers throughout the ages. With written records dating back over five thousand years, it is considered by many to be the world's first medical system.

Ayurveda is holistic, and focused on promoting health in mind, body and spirit rather than fighting disease. Based on a unifying philosophy linking together all living and nonliving matter in the universe, Ayurvedic theory describes three functional attributes, or doshas, that are present in all matter and have specific materials to which they are associated.

The three doshas are Vata (air and ether), Pitta (fire and water) and Kapha (earth and water). Each dosha has an anatomical, physiological, and psychological expression. The state of harmony or disharmony amongst the doshas is reflected by the state of health of the individual.

By examining the state of the doshas and addressing health problems based on which doshas are out of balance, Ayurvedic treatments can be better tailored to suit each individual's needs.

Ayurvedic treatments include herbal remedies, dietary recommendations, yoga and other exercises, meditation, herbal steam baths, and massage or other treatments using medicinal oil preparations.