About Ayurveda

Ayurveda is the complete traditional medical system of India.  It predates, and perhaps not so coincidentally parallels western (allopathic) medicine.  The Indians invented Rhinoplasty, C-section, and cataract surgery.  Ayur (life) Veda (science) differs from allopathic medicine in that it sees the person as an entire being that includes physical, energetic, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions of existence. 

Ayurveda parallels Chinese Medicine in that it sees the body as a makeup of five elements manipulated by  various internal and external forces.  In both systems tongue and pulse diagnoses and treatment with herbal medicine are hugely important.  Ayurvedic medicine places great emphasis on one healing one’s self through lifestyle, including diet. 

The Ayurvedic physician sees an individual as a complex web of variants guided by three main forces in the body/mind complex.  Treatments administered are based upon the practitioner’s assessment of this complex, and include strong recommendations toward healthy living.  These include, but are not limited to:  diet, lifestyle, sleep habits, exercise, yoga, meditation, oleation, internal awareness, and breathing.

“Good health stands at the very root of virtuous acts, acquirement of wealth, gratification of

desire, and final emancipation.”

                                                    Charaka Samhita, 1:15