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What is Ayurveda? Definition of Ayurveda

Ayurveda is the traditional medicine system originated is Indian Subcontinent. Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word derived from two words – Ayus & Veda Ayus means life, Veda means Science or Knowledge. Ayurveda means Knowledge of Life.

History of Ayurveda

Some scholars claims that Ayurveda was originated is prehistoric times. Some concept existed in Indus valley Civilization. 

The main text of Ayurveda is Sushruta Samhita. In this text, Sushruta mentions Dhanvantri, god of Ayurveda, incarnated as King of Varanasi and preached it to group of physician including Sushruta. 

Ayurveda is considered as Upaveda ( Auxiliary Knowledge ) and also found in Atharvaveda having 114 hymns described as magical cure for disease.


What is the concept of Ayurveda?

In Ayurveda, emphasize is given to balance and not suppressing natural urges. Unbalance & suppressing natural urges leads to unhealthy & illness. But balancing should be done reasonably and natural urges should be within limit.

Human body is composed of Doshas, Dhatus ( tissues ) & malas ( waste ). There are 7 dhatus – rakta ( blood ), rasa ( plasma ), meda ( fat ), mamsa ( muscle ), asthi ( bone ), shukra ( semen )& majja ( marrow ). Read different dosha type in previous blog. Malas are waste produced from body – faces, sweat & urine.

Prevention is better than cure is also a main motto in Ayurveda

What is health & disease according to Ayurveda? 

Balance in body & mind is considered to be healthy state. According to Ayurveda, disease is a state where body & mind feels discomfort & pain. Imbalance in doshas or body & mind or dhatus or malas is main reason of disease. Imbalance can be due to Agantuka (external), Nija ( internal ).

Where does Ayurveda practiced

Ayurveda widely practiced in India & Nepal. Around 80% people in India uses Ayurveda products. Ayurveda was also introduced to western world. Baba Hari Dass and Maharishi Ayurvedic Medicine are notable for popularizing Ayurveda in western world.

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Read Different Ayurveda Body type & Dosha type

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