The Story of Ayurveda
According to Hindu mythology, the science of life was first enunciated by Brahma, the Creator, in the Brahma Samhita. One version has it that when disease, in the form of fever, first made its presence known on earth, the rishis (sages) of the time gathered together and sent Bharadwaj to the devas (gods) to get the knowledge to combat it. Bharadwaj studied Ayurveda from Indra, king of the devas, and returned to earth to spread the knowledge. He taught several sages, who in their turn, propagated the knowledge further.Ayurvedic Principles
Ayurvedic principles, techniques and formulations were eventually laid down in many texts, such as the famous treatises by Charaka and Sushruta. Preserved and built upon by traditional Ayurvedic experts, called Vaidyas, Ayurveda flourished in India for millennia until it was relegated to the shadows by long periods of Moslem and British rule.A holistic approach to healing Ayurveda -- literally Science of Life -- is based on the twin principles of wholeness and balance. As a holistic healing tradition, Ayurveda recommends treating the whole person-body, mind, senses, emotions and spirit-instead of following the one-cause-one-cure principle and focusing on the symptoms of the moment. The premise is that if the roots are nourished and watered, the plant will flourish. Diet, sleep, lifestyle, daily and seasonal routines and internal cleansing are just as, or more, important than herbs and potions in order to maintain good health. And Ayurveda is equally about maintaining or preserving good health as it is about treating disorders.
