Zwell Herbs · Ayurveda

Ayurveda Science

Explore the classical system of Ayurveda, its holistic understanding of health, the five fundamental elements, Tridosha and the role of diet, medicines and lifestyle in traditional Ayurvedic philosophy.

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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).

Ayurvedic Philosophy

Pancha Mahabhootas — The Five Elements

According to the fundamental basis of Ayurveda, all objects and living bodies are described in terms of five basic elements, known as the Pancha Mahabhootas.

P

Prithvi

Earth

J

Jal

Water

A

Agni

Fire

V

Vayu

Air

Ā

Akash

Ether or space

Traditional Concept

Tridosha — Vata, Pitta and Kapha

Ayurveda describes three physiological principles, collectively called Tridosha. In traditional Ayurvedic philosophy, they are associated with different combinations of the five elements.

V

Vata

Traditionally associated with ether and air. It is described in Ayurveda in relation to movement and functional activity.

P

Pitta

Traditionally associated with fire. It is described in Ayurvedic theory in relation to transformation and metabolism.

K

Kapha

Traditionally associated with earth and water. It is described in Ayurveda in relation to structure and stability.

Ayurveda aims to maintain equilibrium among the body's structural and functional entities, a state associated with good health (Swasthya) in its traditional framework. The source page explains that internal or external imbalances are addressed through appropriate procedures, regimens, diet, medicines and behavioural changes.

Mind and Behaviour

Triguna — Three Mental Qualities

In Ayurvedic philosophy, the mental characteristics of human beings are described through three psychological properties collectively called Triguna.

S

Satva

One of the three traditional psychological qualities described in Ayurvedic philosophy.

R

Rajas

One of the three traditional psychological qualities described in Ayurvedic philosophy.

T

Tamas

One of the three traditional psychological qualities described in Ayurvedic philosophy.

Ayurvedic Approach

Prevention, Care and Lifestyle

The Ayurvedic approach described on the original Zwell Herbs page is holistic and individualised, with preventive, curative, mitigative, recuperative and rehabilitative aspects.

01

Svasth-Vritta

The preventive aspect of Ayurveda includes personal hygiene, daily and seasonal regimens, appropriate social behaviour and practices associated with healthy ageing.

02

Aushadhi

Aushadhi refers to medicines used within the traditional Ayurvedic approach to care.

03

Ahara and Vihara

Ahara refers to diet, while Vihara refers to lifestyle and daily habits. Both form part of the traditional Ayurvedic approach to care.

Natural Sources

Plants, Herbs and Ayurvedic Medicines

Ayurveda largely uses plants as raw materials in the manufacture of medicines. Materials of animal and marine origin, metals and minerals are also described as being used in some Ayurvedic preparations.

The original Zwell Herbs page states that Ayurvedic medicines are generally considered safe when manufactured properly and used judiciously, following the necessary precautions and directions.

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This page presents traditional Ayurvedic concepts for general information. It does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The historical descriptions and concepts above are based on the original Zwell Herbs Ayurveda page.

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