What Is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is one of the oldest and most renowned traditional systems of medicine (TSMs) that has survived and flourished since the Indus Valley civilisation.

Ayurveda is the ancient Indian system of medicine where the origins stretch deep into antiquity. The term is derived from the Sanskrit Ayur, meaning “life” or “longevity,” and Veda, meaning “knowledge” or “science.”

More than being a system for the treatment of illness, it is a natural and holistic system of medicine which originated and developed in India over 5,000 years ago.

Long before modern medicine began to recognise the mind-body-spirit connection, Ayurveda was taught by accomplished sages and scholars to disciples over millennia. The teachings and principles were documented in the form of Sanskrit verse or “sloka” in what are now known as the classical texts or ancient scriptures of the “Vedas.”

The concept of Ayurveda is based on two major principles. The first principle is that the body and mind are inter-connected, and the second principle is that the mind is powerful enough to heal the body.

The wisdom of Ayurveda aims to keep the body and mind balanced so that the individual remains healthy.

Through the passage of time, the universal disciplines and timeless principles of Ayurveda still endure.