Ayurveda
India's 5,000-year-old system of holistic medicine — balancing body, mind, and spirit through diet, herbs, therapies, and lifestyle.
Origins
5,000+ Years
Doshas
Vata, Pitta, Kapha
Medicinal Plants
1,500+ Used
WHO Recognition
Traditional Medicine
The word 'Ayurveda' derives from Sanskrit: 'Ayus' (life) and 'Veda' (knowledge). It is a complete system of medicine — encompassing prevention, diagnosis, and treatment — that views the human being as a microcosm of the universe. Originating in the Vedic period, Ayurveda was codified in classical texts like the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, which remain authoritative today.
Unlike modern medicine's focus on disease, Ayurveda emphasises 'Swasthya' — the state of being established in oneself. It prescribes personalised diet (ahara), lifestyle (vihara), herbs (aushadhi), and therapies (chikitsa) to maintain or restore one's unique constitutional balance.
Core Principles
The Three Doshas
त्रिदोष
Ayurveda classifies all matter — including the human body — according to the balance of three bio-energies or doshas: Vata (air + ether), Pitta (fire + water), and Kapha (water + earth). Each person has a unique prakriti (constitution) determined at conception. Health is the state of dosha balance; disease arises when doshas are aggravated or depleted. Diagnosis and treatment aim to restore each individual's natural equilibrium.
Panchakarma
पंचकर्म
Panchakarma ('five actions') is Ayurveda's signature detoxification and rejuvenation protocol. The five procedures — Vamana (therapeutic vomiting), Virechana (purgation), Basti (enema), Nasya (nasal administration), and Raktamokshana (bloodletting) — remove deep-seated toxins (ama) from the body. Preceded by oleation and sweating therapies, Panchakarma is ideally undergone seasonally or during chronic illness.
The Three Doshas
Vata
Qualities
Dry, light, cold, rough, subtle, mobile
Governs
Movement, circulation, breathing, nervous system
Imbalance Signs
Anxiety, constipation, dry skin, insomnia
Pitta
Qualities
Hot, sharp, light, oily, liquid, spreading
Governs
Digestion, metabolism, intelligence, body temperature
Imbalance Signs
Inflammation, acidity, anger, skin rashes
Kapha
Qualities
Heavy, slow, cool, oily, smooth, stable
Governs
Structure, lubrication, immunity, emotional stability
Imbalance Signs
Weight gain, congestion, lethargy, attachment
Eight Branches of Ayurveda
Kayachikitsa
Internal Medicine
Balachikitsa
Paediatrics
Graha Chikitsa
Psychiatry
Urdhvanga Chikitsa
ENT & Ophthalmology
Shalya Tantra
Surgery
Damstra Chikitsa
Toxicology
Jara Chikitsa
Geriatrics
Vrushya Chikitsa
Aphrodisiacs & Fertility
Popular Ayurvedic Treatments
Shirodhara
Warm oil poured in a continuous stream on the forehead for deep relaxation and mental clarity
Abhyanga
Full-body warm oil massage using herbal oils suited to one's dosha
Udvartana
Herbal powder massage to stimulate circulation and reduce Kapha
Kizhi
Poultice massage using warm herbal bundles for pain relief and detox
Netra Tarpana
Eye rejuvenation with medicated ghee held in a dough dam around the eyes
Karna Purana
Warm oil application to the ears to calm Vata and improve hearing
Key Medicinal Herbs
Ashwagandha
Adaptogen; stress relief, strength, vitality
Brahmi
Memory, focus, nervous system support
Triphala
Digestive health, detox, rejuvenation
Turmeric (Haridra)
Anti-inflammatory, immunity, liver support
Tulsi (Holy Basil)
Respiratory health, immunity, stress
Shatavari
Women's health, hormonal balance, vitality
Guduchi (Giloy)
Immunity, fever, chronic conditions
Neem
Skin health, blood purification, antimicrobial
Classical Texts
Charaka Samhita
~300 BCE
Internal medicine (Kayachikitsa)
Sushruta Samhita
~600 BCE
Surgery (Shalya Tantra)
Ashtanga Hridayam
~7th century CE
Comprehensive compendium
Madhava Nidana
~700 CE
Diagnosis and pathology
Ayurveda Destinations
Kerala
Panchakarma, traditional treatments
Global hub for Ayurveda tourism
Rishikesh
Ayurveda + Yoga integration
Himalayan healing retreats
Coimbatore
Classical Ayurveda, research
Arya Vaidya Pharmacy origins
Jaipur
Rajasthani Ayurveda traditions
Heritage wellness resorts