What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is a system of traditional medicine that has been practiced in India for over 5000 years. The name Ayurveda translates to “The Science of Life,” and focuses on achieving optimal health through a balance of mind, body, and consciousness.

The Ayurveda principles, which are based on achieving a balanced state of mind, are an important step in achieving a healthy body. The Yoga Sutras and the Vedas understood the connection between the purity of one’s mind through the constant and regular practice of Yoga, thereby applying the principles Niyamas and Yamas to achieve total health of the mind, body, and spirit.

• Giving without expecting in return
• Contentment
• Faith
• Modesty
• Developing a spiritual will
• Repetition or chanting of mantras
• Worship
• Scriptural listening and learning
• Fulfillment of faithful observance
• A focused effort on body purification and spiritual enlightenment. 

The Yamas, on the other hand, are goals and rules which also have ten traditional principles:

• Compassion
• Honesty
• Purity
• Truthfulness
• Non-violence
• Not stealing
• Divine conducts
• Overcoming non-perseverance
• Having a moderate appetite
• Patience

These are principles that help guide a person to achieve total mental, spiritual, and physical health. Taking the utmost care of our bodies and forging a healthy relationship with fellowmen are some of Ayurveda’s most important teachings. Ayurveda experts carefully assess a person’s life before recommending treatment, including diet, sleep, relationship aspects, and exercise. After looking closely at these details, the patient’s health emerges.

According to the ancient Vedic Texts called The Charaka Samhita, a healthy mind is a key to obtaining optimum health. If we have a positive and good outlook about other people and ourselves, then spiritual and physical health follows. The purification of the mind and body creates harmony in the universe, ourselves and those around us. If we have healthier minds and bodies, we exude confidence and balance and we are able to have close relationships with other people.

Living a peaceful life is Ayurveda’s goal. The balance between the mind and body is necessary to achieve its optimal state. Constant and regular application of the Yoga principles mentioned above helps create harmony in the mind, body, and spirit. You will be able to enjoy the best of everything life has to give.