What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is the science of life and it has a very basic, simple kind of approach, which is that we are part of the universe and the universe is intelligent and the human body is part of the cosmic body, and the human mind is part of the cosmic mind, and the atom and the universe are exactly the same thing but with different form, and the more we are in touch with this deeper reality, from where everything comes, the more we will be able to heal ourselves and at the same time heal our planet. 
--Deepak Chopra, M.D. 

Ayurvedic medicine (also called Ayurveda) is one of the world's oldest medical systems. It originated in India and has evolved there over thousands of years. In the United States, Ayurvedic medicine is considered a CAM(Cmomplementary and alternative medicine) a whole medical system with a complete system of theory and practice that has evolved over time in different cultures and apart from conventional medicine. 

Ayurveda is based on an individual approach to correct imbalances before they develop into diseases. It relates to modern preventive medicine through five process to maintain optimum health. Detoxification and cleansing, boosting the effectiveness of the immune system, helping the body cope with stress with adaptogenic herbs, protecting the body with antioxidants, and rejuvenative tonics that keep the body toned to retard the aging process. 

Everyone has a unique fingerprint, according to Ayurvedic beliefs, each person has a distinct pattern of energy. A specific combination of physical, mental, and emotional characteristics. It is also believed that there are three basic energy types called doshas, present in every person.

Vata -- energy that controls bodily functions associated with motion, including blood circulation, breathing, blinking, and heartbeat. When vata energy is balanced, there is creativity and vitality. Out of balance, vata produces fear and anxiety.

Pitta -- energy that controls the body's metabolic systems, including digestion, absorption, nutrition, and temperature. In balance, pitta leads to contentment and intelligence. Out of balance, pitta can cause ulcers and arouse anger.

Kapha -- energy that controls growth in the body. It supplies water to all body parts, moisturizes the skin, and maintains the immune system. In balance, kapha is expressed as love and forgiveness. Out of balance, kapha leads to insecurity and envy.

Everyone has vata, pitta, and kapha, but usually 1 or 2 are dominant in a particular person. Many things can disturb the energy balance, such as stress, an unhealthy diet, the weather, and strained family relationships. The disturbance shows up as disease. Ayurvedic practitioners prescribe treatments to bring the doshas back into balance. 

All life forms contain a unique mix of these forces giving them their special character. Thus, because every individual is unique and indivisible, what is balancing for one person's body and temperament, may cause imbalances and disease in another. 

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