Ayurveda

Ayurveda

Sivananda Institute of Health - Ayurveda Treatments and Massage

Ayurveda, a Sanskrit word meaning "Science of Life", is a holistic system of medicine that has been practiced in India for more than 5,000 years. It was described in ancient times by Rishis or realized beings who practised intense meditation and other spiritual disciplines. As a result they understood the relationship between man, the universe and how the cosmic energy manifests in all things. They perceived that life is energy manifesting as five basic elements Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth.

In the human body, these elements manifest as Tridosha - Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The three principles govern all the biological and psychological functions of the body and mind. When there is an imbalance in the Tridosha, Agni, the biological fire that controls metabolism, is affected. The body's immune system is impaired, food is not digested or absorbed, but instead accumulates as toxins. Ayurveda teaches that unless these toxins are eliminated first, treatment will not affect the underlying cause of illness. So a large part of this system of healing is directed towards purifying the body. Ayurveda's aim is to re-establish the innate balance of a body's different elements. As each individual is a unique combination of doshas, treatments are personalised using herbal medicines and oils specific to each constitution. These treatments restore the body's proper balance and functioning, bringing back harmony and vitality.