Ancient Knowledge
What Is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is a classical system of healthcare originating
from the Vedas, documented around 5,000 years ago. It is
recognised and practised in India and many countries of
the Indian subcontinent. It is one of the oldest
healthcare systems to take a holistic view of the
physical, mental, spiritual and social aspects of
human life, health and disease.
Scattered references to health, disease and the use
of natural sources for treatment were initially made
in the Vedas, particularly the Rigveda and Atharvaveda.
Between approximately 5000 and 3000 B.C., Ayurvedic
knowledge was comprehensively documented in texts
including the Charak Samhita and Sushruta Samhita.
According to Ayurveda, health is a basic prerequisite
for pursuing the goals of life: Dharma (duties),
Arth (finance), Kama (material desires) and
Moksha (salvation).