About

Ayurveda is an ancient system of natural healing that originated in India. The word “Ayurveda” is derived from two Sanskrit terms: “Ayur,” meaning life, and “Veda,” meaning knowledge or science. Hence, Ayurveda translates to “the science of life.” It offers a comprehensive approach to health, healing, and longevity. This holistic medical system is believed to be the oldest form of healthcare still in existence today. What makes Ayurveda unique is its belief in addressing not just the physical ailments of the body but also the well-being of the mind and spirit.

According to Ayurveda, everything in nature—including the human body, foods, and even the seasons—is made up of five fundamental elements, called Panchamahabhutas: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space. These elements are categorized into three primary doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Ayurvedic philosophy holds that imbalances in these doshas are the root cause of illnesses. Ayurveda focuses on both treating the ill and maintaining the health of the already well.

The Atharva Veda outlines eight branches of Ayurveda:

1. Kayachikitsa (general medicine),
2. Kaumara Bhritya Tantra (pediatrics),
3. Shalya Tantra (surgery),
4. Shalakya Tantra (ENT and ophthalmology),
5. Bhuta Vidya (psychiatry),
6. Agada Tantra (toxicology),
7. Rasayana Tantra (geriatrics), and
8. Vajikarana Tantra (aphrodisiacs).

The guiding principle of Ayurveda can be summed up in its motto: “Swasthasya swasthya rakshanam, Aaturasya vikar prashamanam,” which means, “Preserving the health of the healthy and treating ailments by addressing the root causes of diseases.”

There is a beautiful story in Hindu mythology that explains the origin of Ayurveda. Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, possessed great divine knowledge and power. He shared the knowledge of Ayurveda with a sage named Daksha Prajapati, who attained this wisdom through deep meditation. Daksha passed it down to the Ashwini twins, the physicians of the gods. Eventually, Lord Indra, the king of the gods, also received this knowledge. Seeing humanity’s suffering from illness and pain, three great sages—Dhanvantari, Bharadwaja, and Kashyapa—were sent to Lord Indra to learn this divine art of healing. Thus, Ayurveda descended from the heavens to relieve human suffering on earth.

AYURVEDA – HEALTH & WELLNESS

Ayurveda is an ancient branch of medicine that originated in India and has been practiced for over 5000 years. It remains as relevant and beneficial today as it was in the past, and perhaps even more so in our modern lives. Ayurveda promotes a holistic lifestyle approach that enhances daily living. The Ayurvedic concept of ‘dincharya’ or daily routine aims to bring balance and harmony to one’s life. These routines are designed to improve overall health—both mental and physical—and are easy to follow, without causing any strain to the body or mind.

According to Ayurvedic lifestyle recommendations, getting 7-8 hours of sleep every night is crucial. Upon waking in the morning, it’s suggested to drink a glass of warm water to help flush out toxins that have accumulated in the body overnight. One should rise early and take a morning walk, which invigorates both the body and mind. Personal hygiene is vital for maintaining good health. Regularly brushing teeth and cleaning the tongue helps keep the mouth fresh and prevents bad breath. Ideally, brushing should be done after every meal. Washing the face should also involve cleaning the eyes, nose, and ears. Keeping nails and hair trimmed and clean is essential for hygiene.

Meals should be taken regularly and at consistent times to support optimal body function. Natural, wholesome foods are the best choices for maintaining health. Wearing clean clothes daily is also emphasized, with natural fibers like cotton, silk, linen, and wool being preferred. Light exercises such as walking, swimming, and yoga are recommended to keep the body flexible and to promote better circulation throughout. Exercise not only strengthens the body but also relaxes the mind, enhancing mental alertness, happiness, and overall well-being. It stimulates the appetite and aids in the efficient removal of waste from the body. Regular massages with herbal oils complement exercise, making the skin supple and boosting overall health.

Ayurvedic medicine also plays a key role in eliminating toxins from the body when one falls ill, speeding up the recovery process and restoring health quickly.

THE ROLE OF AYURVEDA IN BEAUTY CARE

In recent times, Ayurveda has gained a significant place in beauty treatment and care. Using a variety of herbal remedies and formulations, Ayurvedic beauty treatments are entirely natural and deliver excellent results. These natural treatments not only contribute to internal health and well-being but also enhance external beauty. Ayurvedic herbal beauty treatments bring harmony to the body and mind, which is visibly reflected in one’s appearance. This form of beauty therapy has gained widespread popularity for good reason.

One of the key reasons for the growing adoption of Ayurveda in beauty and skincare is its ability to bring out clear, radiant skin alongside feelings of happiness and relaxation, something that cannot be achieved with cosmetics alone. Ayurveda places a strong emphasis on inner beauty. Its approach involves not only caring for the external body but also promoting hair growth, improving vision, and taking care of hands and feet. The best part is that Ayurvedic treatments help eliminate toxins from the body, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, with a sense of mental peace and calm.

Ayurveda identifies three types of beauty: inner beauty, outer beauty, and long-lasting beauty, the kind that does not fade with age. Inner beauty is reflected in the healthy glow of your skin, which others see. Apart from consuming the right foods, getting adequate rest, and meditating regularly, another way to enhance your skin’s beauty from within and maintain a youthful appearance is by following Ayurvedic principles.