Ayurveda

Life (Ayu) is the combination(Samyoga)of body, senses, mind and reincarnating soul. Ayurveda is the most sacred science of life, beneficial to humans both in this world and the world beyond.

Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana, I.42-34

Ayurveda, known as the ancient Vedic science of healing, traces its roots back to India some 5000 years ago, establishing itself as the most venerable among natural holistic health systems. Far predating contemporary medical practices, Ayurveda has been the seed from which other comprehensive healing modalities like Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have bloomed. It shares a profound spiritual kinship with Yoga, which is often regarded as its sibling science. Both Ayurveda and Yoga are deeply interwoven spiritual disciplines that cater not just to the physical or mental realms, but extend their reach to nurture the soul and our connections with the cosmos.

These healing arts were traditionally imparted together in bygone eras, with Ayurveda focusing on sustaining and enhancing physical and mental wellness to support the spiritual journey that Yoga facilitates. Yoga's purpose lies in the quest for unity and spiritual freedom, while Ayurveda lays the groundwork for this pursuit by providing avenues to foster health and vitality. The significance of Ayurveda extends beyond the confines of curing ailments; its principles are equally beneficial for those in good health, emphasizing prevention and the maintenance of wellness as much as it does the healing of diseases.

The vast repository of knowledge within Ayurveda is not confined to individual well-being; it transcends to benefit all living beings, social structures, and even the environmental integrity of our planet. By nurturing our health, we not only present a gift to ourselves but also contribute to the welfare of our families and communities, becoming pillars of support and fostering collective harmony.

The core objectives of Ayurveda can be distilled into four fundamental goals. First, it seeks to ensure the vitality and health of individuals who are already in good health, emphasizing prevention as much as treatment. Second, it endeavors to restore equilibrium within the body when imbalances cause health disruptions. Thirdly, Ayurveda aims to elevate one's quality of life, ensuring that each individual can lead a fulfilling existence. Lastly, it is dedicated to extending longevity, allowing one to enjoy a fruitful life for as long as possible.

Ayurvedic wisdom imparts the understanding that our well-being is inherently tied to our alignment with nature. It postulates that humans are a reflection of the vastness of the universe, a smaller version of the larger whole. When we diverge from the path of Nature, or defy its laws, we unwittingly invite ailments. Problems such as anxiety, depression, and chronic stress, which plague modern society, are often symptomatic of our estrangement from the natural world. Ayurveda urges a reconnection to these natural roots as a remedy for both physical and existential maladies.