Ayurveda is the oldest surviving complete medical system in the world. It is a holistic health system based on human harmony with nature. It's origin is shrouded in the mists of time, but Ayurvedic references are found in the Vedas, the oldest known written records of human civilisation.The art of Ayurveda spread around in the 6th century BC to Tibet, China, Mongolia, Korea and Sri Lanka, carried over by the Buddhist monks travelling to those lands. Although not much of it survives in original form, its effects can be seen in the various new age concepts that have originated from there. The roots of many recently developed therapies like aromatherapy,homeopathy and naturopathy are based in Ayurveda as well.

Ayurveda is a complete way of life. It is not only about treating sickness - it is based on preventing disease and enhancing health, longevity and vitality. The goal of Ayurveda is to achieve harmony and balance. 

In Indian tradition, the four basic goals of human life are described as
DHARMA accomplishment of spiritual & religious duties
ARTHA acquiring material wealth
KAMA satisfaction of desires, and
MOKSHA attaining liberation

Ayurveda describes ‘health’ as a state where we are successfully able to pursue these four goals. Health is a state of total balance between the body, mind, senses and the soul. In the modern medical system only the body is focused upon whilst the mind, senses and soul are neglected. Any irregularity at these levels must also be recognised as an illness. Therefore Ayurveda treats the patient and the root cause of the disease and not just the symptoms or end effects of the disease.

The Ayurveda is divided into 8 branches :
KAYACHIKITSA - internal medicine
SHALYA TANTRA -  surgery
SHALAKYA TANTRA -  ear nose throat & ophthalmology 
AGADATANTRA -  toxicology
BHUTA VIDYA  - psychiatry 
KAUMARBHRITYA TANTRA -  paediatrics 
RASAYAN  - science of rejuvenation 
VAJIKARAN  - science of aphrodisiacs 

Copyright Pure Ayurveda 2002