Introduction to Ayurveda

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Origins of Ayurveda:

About 5000 years ago, Ayurveda's divine origin is traced back to the eternal consciousness of Lord Brahma, the creator of the Universe in Hindu mythology.

Ayurveda is the Upaveda (sub or near to veda) of Atharva veda. It’s also called Panchama veda (5th veda). The word Ayurveda is made of two words Ayu and Veda. The word Ayu doesn’t mean just life, instead it means

                                        शरीरेन्द्रिय सत्वात्मा संयोगो। – चरक संहिता १।४२
                                            śarīrendriya satvātmā saṃyogo।1.42

The union of Shareera (body), Indriya (sense organs), Satva (mind) and Atma (soul).

and Veda means knowledge. Hence, Ayurveda means the knowledge of the union of body, sense organs, mind and soul. 

The ancient teachings of Ayurveda provide a vast guide with practical advice and wisdom covering nearly every aspect of life. Offering insights into health, Ayurveda serves as a comprehensive approach to well-being, emphasizing harmony and balance.

स्वस्थस्य स्वास्थ्य रक्षणं, आतुरस्य विकार प्रशमनं। (चरक संहित सूत्र ३०।२६​)
svasthasya svāsthya rakṣaṇaṃ, āturasya vikāra praśamanaṃ। (Caraka Saṃhita Sūtra 30।26​)
                   

svasthasya svāsthya rakṣaṇaṃ: "Protecting the health of the healthy"

āturasya vikāra praśamanaṃ: "Alleviating the disorders of the diseased"

Panchamahabhuta (Principle of Five Fundamental Elements):

Ayurveda, being a practical and subjective science, posits that every cell, organ, and substance in the universe, including organisms, is composed of the Pancha Mahabhoota, or five proto-elements, each in varying proportions. These fundamental elements are:

Prithvi (Earth):
Predominant in substances that exhibit hardness, such as bones.

Aap (Water):
Prevalent in substances that manifest unctuousness, found in bodily fluids.

Agni (Fire):
Dominant in substances that contribute to temperature, like digestive fluids and the body's heat.

Vaayu (Air):
Preeminent in substances that facilitate movement, influencing enzyme activity, bodily movements, and the transportation of substances.

Akasha (Space):
Prevalent in substances that exhibit hollowness, seen in organs like lungs and the heart.

Tridosha Siddhantha (Principle of Three Doshas):

The combination of the five Mahabhootas gives rise to the Tridoshas, which are fundamental to maintaining the body's physiology in a stable state. However, when imbalanced, they can lead to diseases. The three Doshas are:

Vata:
Responsible for the movement of atoms and facilitating various bodily processes like respiration, peristaltic movements, and nerve impulses.

Pitta:
Drives transformations within the body and influences temperature changes, including functions like digestion, metabolism, and breaking down food particles.

Kapha:
Plays a role in energy storage, the formation of structures, and protection in the body. Examples include immunity, synovial fluid, mucous lining, and stability.

These Doshas, akin to the body's basic software, are integral to maintaining balance and health. Their equilibrium is essential for overall well-being, and an imbalance can lead to various health issues.

Nourishment as Prevention:

Ayurveda views the physical body as a vessel for righteous actions and promotes a proactive approach to health through a systematic diet and lifestyle.

Ingredient choices and food combinations are crucial, impacting the equilibrium of doshas

Ayurvedic Lifestyle:

The Ayurvedic lifestyle is a holistic approach to well-being encompassing diet, daily routines, and environmental awareness. It emphasizes a balanced diet tailored to individual constitution and seasonal changes, incorporating practices like rising early, maintaining oral hygiene, regular exercise, and adapting to seasonal influences. The mind-body connection is prioritized through practices such as meditation and stress management. Adequate sleep, self-care rituals, and environmental harmony contribute to a mindful and balanced life, promoting overall health and wellness.