Disease-free condition is the best source of virtue, wealth, gratification
and emancipation, while the diseases are destroyers of this (source),
welfare and life itself
Charaka Samhita 4: 15-16
Ayurveda is the traditional medical system of India with roots going back to ancient times. It is a form of naturopathy which focuses on maintaining optimal health and longevity. However it also has a curative aspect as well which relies on herbs and diet as well as behavioral and psychological interventions. It is closely allied with Yoga and is the basis of Yoga therapy. It is a holistic science which takes into account body, mind and spirit.
The term Ayurveda comes from two words: ayus, meaning life and veda, meaning science. As Swami Vibhooti Saraswati writes,
“The science of Ayurveda began thousands of years ago in the Himalayan regions. The great seers who founded it did not differentiate between our inner and outer world, seeing both as one. They treated spiritual suffering along with the body and mind. In fact, the fundamental philosophy of Ayurveda is that any kind of suffering can be termed disease ('dis-ease'), while inner contentment is equated with good health. True health, according to Ayurvedic science, means a sound body, a sound mind, sound emotions and a sound soul, which also equates with another great science -yoga. Ayurveda used plants and herbs, diet, aromatics, and even cosmetics, for restoring and maintaining mental equilibrium. Ayurveda also used the breathing and meditation techniques that form the basis of yoga, its sister science.” http://www.yogamag.net/archives/2005/lnovdec05/ayurcom.shtml
To understand Ayurveda and Yoga, for that matter, we need to appreciate their particular viewpoint and value system. Health and happiness are not seen as based on external circumstances but on inner peace, contentment and joy. It is a matter of balance within body, mind and spirit and well as within nature. Our modern society, unfortunately, is out of balance on all levels as we fall prey to diseases like cancer and depression while living in and continuing to create a toxic environment for ourselves. However, these traditional approaches can help us get back on the right track.
Ayurveda employs a number of common herbs which are often used in preparing meals as a way of promoting and maintaining health. Traditional Indian cooking is based in the principals of Ayurveda. Common condiments such as garlic, ginger, coriander, black pepper, cumin, fenugreek, cardamom, tamarind, cinnamon, turmeric, and nutmeg can be used based on knowledge of their properties. Rosemary is another common herb with wonderful properties which will be presented in a workshop at The Spiritual Treatment Center in Redlands, CA by Mina Jain and Mina Lerma on November 4, 2011 at 6:30 PM. (For more information visit: http://www.meetup.com/The-Spiritual-Treatment-Center-of-Redland/events/36989772/)
You can learn more about the relationship between Yoga and Ayurveda from this short video with Dr. David Frawley: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0TJkqhsKLQ
Or for a more in depth presentation on Ayurveda, here is another video you can enjoy by Dr. Shudha of UCSF: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTOJ8c__rk8
For Ayurvedic supplements for a variety of needs visit India Herbs at:
http://www.india-herbs.com/aff/Turiyaom/main
http://www.india-herbs.com/aff/Turiyaom/main_es (Español)
(These are an affiliate links so commissions on any orders will help support this blog : )
