In today’s world, we tend to lead our lives without an awareness of the impact that our daily choices have upon our health. It’s only when something goes wrong that we try to fix it.
We are taught to follow generic solutions. Dosages of vitamins and even medicines are often based solely on our age or gender with little recognition that we are all unique individuals.
In contrast, Ayurveda (which literally translates to the Science of Life) addresses each person’s unique physical, emotional, and spiritual constitution through proper diet, lifestyle practices, and herbal remedies. Ayurveda teaches us to understand the laws of nature so that we may live in harmony with them.
It’s a science of holistic medicine that has been in practice for over 5,000 years. That means it’s the oldest medicine in the world: so old that its origins actually pre-date writing.
Ayurvedic concepts were eventually documented in Vedic texts along with various spiritual insights. The information was divided into four books that were known as the Vedas, one of which represents the basic foundation of Ayurveda and Yoga.
Vedic scholars subsequently assembled all of the Ayurvedic teachings into another series of books that dealt with the nature of health and disease, principles of treatment, the use of herbs, spirituality, etc. The principles were divided into eight branches: Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Surgery, Diseases of the Ears, Eyes, Nose and Throat, Toxicology, Psychiatry, Pediatrics, the Science of Rejuvenation, and the Science of Fertility.
Vedic sages became Ayurvedic physicians (Vaidyas), but they were also priests (Brahmanas) who performed religious rites and ceremonies. Because of this, they saw the links between health and spirituality: a connection that today’s Ayurvedic practitioners still embrace.
Ayurvedic medical schools were attended by scholars from China, Tibet, Greece, Rome, Egypt, Afghanistan, and Persia. Even Paracelsus (also known as Theophrastus Philippus Aureolus Bombastus von Hohenheim), a 16th Century European physician referred to as the father of modern Western medicine, borrowed many of his principles from Ayurveda.
Whether you have current health challenges, or are interested in practical ways to avoid them, Ayurveda is an investment in your wellbeing… for the present and the future.
Mary-Alice had the opportunity to participate in the feature documentary “Invisible Illness,” sharing her experience with Ayurveda in addressing the issues of those living with invisible and chronic illnesses.
Here’s a video vignette from the film.