Quite possibly the oldest complete medical system in the world, Ayurveda, dates back some 5,000 years to ancient India. A holistic approach that resonates with those seeking a healthier more balanced lifestyle, Ayurveda has grown increasingly popular in the increasingly fast-paced Western world in recent years and today is recognized by the World Health Organization.

Ayurveda, a Sanskrit word literally meaning "science of life," was derived from the Vedas, the classical religious texts of Hinduism. It is believed that the sages—physicians of the time—received their training of Ayurveda through direct cognition during meditation. Within the Vedas, written more than 2,000 years before the microscope was even invented, is a description of how the body is made up of cells, a list of different microscopic organisms that may cause disease and detailed surgical procedures. This medical information includes both spiritual and philosophical advice on living a healthy and purposeful life. According to Vedic philosophy, human lives will only be filled with purpose when they strive to fulfill their potential, which cannot be achieved without health on a basic level.

Ayurveda is a combination of science and philosophy, which details the many physical, mental, emotional and spiritual components necessary for holistic health. The goal of Ayurveda is not only healing of the sick, but the prevention of illness and the promotion of health, well-being and longevity. It is a comprehensive system of healthcare that essentially prescribes a way of life, rather than a treatment for specific illnesses. Ayurveda has wide-ranging, clearly defined methods of treatment for a variety of ailments and conditions affecting all systems and organs of the body. Many therapies are utilized including nutrition, herbal formulations, yoga, meditation, color, sound and aromatherapy, lifestyle adjustments and Pancha Karma, or cleansing therapies. All modern Ayurvedic practitioners work in accordance with traditional beliefs and practices and treatment is tailored to the individual; no one treatment will work for the same ailment in every person.

Ayurvedic philosophy says that each person has a unique constitution, called Prakrti, that needs to be brought into harmony with nature for true healing to take place on all levels: mind, body and spirit. Comprising this constitution are three doshas or biological forces that are said to be the primary and essential factors of the human body that govern our entire physical structure and function: vata, pitta, and kapha, which can be loosely translated as air, fire and water. These three doshas are based on your individual characteristics including physical and emotional attributes.

Each individual has a different make-up and a different combination of the three doshas: while all three can be balanced, this is rare, and usually one or two dominate. Your constitution is a critical component of Ayurvedic philosophy as it determines your susceptibility to diseases and the course they take, plus any complications that may arise and the prognosis of the disease. In their normal, balanced state of equilibrium, the doshas give us strength, a good complexion, normal functioning of organs and a long life. When the three doshas are imbalanced, disease sets in. For all these reasons, your constitution is fundamental to Ayurvedic diagnosis and treatment and is always first on the list of things for the Ayurvedic physician to examine.

While it may seem that Ayurveda is a complex approach to healthcare, applying the Ayurvedic philosophy to your life does not require understanding much more than the importance of making healthy choices in everyday life. On top of this, it welcomes you to do this in a relaxed manner at your own pace. These choices can be as simple as choosing a fresh organic locally-grown apple over an empty calorie snack, or getting an adequate night’s rest and enough exercise. Above all, Ayurveda encourages you to use your intuition and common sense as you strive to maintain health. Because Ayurveda is about lifestyle, you are the most important component in following its principles.

For those who wish to consult an Ayurvedic health professional, it’s still difficult at this time to find enough qualified practitioners. According to some experts, a qualified practitioner will have completed a five-year degree course from India or Sri Lanka, as well as a one-year internship in an Ayurvedic hospital. Unfortunately, Ayurveda is still not recognized as a medical discipline in the United States, and there is no licensure system in place for its practitioners. However, a few medical doctors and osteopaths combine Ayurvedic philosophy and practice with contemporary medicine and other types of alternative health care. Some U.S. colleges have also begun to offer certifications.

To learn more, there are several books available on the subject, such as those included in the reference section, as well as cookbooks that incorporate Ayurvedic principles. Cookbooks available at the Coop include Ayurvedic Healing Cuisine, by Harrish Johari and Ayurvedic Cooking for Westerners, by Amadea Morningstar.