Ayurveda-The Science Of Life

             The word 'Ayurveda' comes from the word 'ayur' meaning 'life' and the word 'veda' meaning 'to know'. Ayurveda means 'the science of life', and is a medical system practiced in India, Sri Lanka and Nepal .India has nurtured Ayurveda, an over 5000 year old system of natural medicine, which is still intact. They have the teaching of the Chakras. The concept of the chakras or the 'rainbow' in various cultures exemplifies that we are all reflections of our one creator. To understand how plants can heal us, we must look beyond our need for physical medicine. Plants can also teach us about where we are from and why we are here. There are many healing models to choose from these days, however there is one that is gaining a lot of attention as of late - Ayurveda, the 5,000 year old study of life rooted in India. Ayurveda has never been more relevant than it is now, in terms of counteracting the degenerative processes, environmental pollution, toxic build-up and mental stress, all of which have become undesirable features of modern life.

Many of the present beauty treatments have been handed down from generation to generation. These have been tried and tested through centuries of popular usage. Today, Ayurveda has found a prominent place in modern cosmetic care. Treatments that were lost in the mists of time have been revived and viewed in the light of modern scientific techniques. Today, along with the Indian philosophies of Yoga and Meditation, the world is looking at the holistic system of Ayurveda for health and beauty solutions. In fact, the interest in Ayurveda has prompted scientific research in many countries, to assess it in scientific terms.

Ayurveda is a holistic system of healing, which aims at activating the body's natural healing processes. Ayurveda is based on the theory of "Tridosha", somewhat like the "humours" of the Greeks. The three "doshas" represent combinations of the five elements of Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether (or space), giving rise to the three basic constitutions of the human body. The three "doshas" are Vata (a combination of Air and Ether); Pitta (a combination of Fire and Water) and Kapha (a combination of Earth and Water). The three doshas not only determine individual constitution, but our physical form and other attributes, our mental make-up and even individual metabolic processes. Most constitutions, however, result from the combination of two "doshas", with one being more predominant. All traits and even individual metabolism can be classified under the 3 doshas. However, most of us belong to dual dosha types and have traits of both the doshas, although traits of one dosha may be more prominent.

In Ayurvedic healing, the elimination of toxins and wastes is an important part of the treatment, so that tissues are cleansed, pure and healthy. This not only promotes metabolic functions, but also activates the natural healing process, by opening the channels of both body and mind. Apart from alleviating physical complaints, such treatments have helped in reducing mental stress and stress-related problems. There is overall improvement in cellular functions, specially in the regeneration of new cells and in revitalising the entire system. Ayurvedic treatments, therefore, are not only for those who are ill, but for all those who wish to come closer to a state of perfect health. Similarly, Ayurvedic formulations for the skin and hair help both general care and maintenance, as well as the treatment of specific problems. Although mentioned in ancient texts, the ingredients are still popular in India.

Ayurvedic texts contain the details of a staggering number of plant products, minerals and other natural substances, along with their medicinal properties, their methods of collection and extraction, as well as specific combinations of complementary herbs. The specific processing methods and the well-known combinations enhance the efficacy of the treatment. In Ayurvedic prescriptions, the complementary herbs also increase the effectiveness of the main herb. . Most of the herbs that are used in Ayurvedic treatments are available only in India. Some are available in other Asian countries.

K.P.Namboodiri's Ayurvedics, since 1925, has blended ayurvedic expertise with modern medical research methodology, to extend the science of ayurveda to produce scientifically verified herbal solutions.