Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine and health care which addresses all aspects of one's health and wellbeing. It emerged in India during the Vedic Age. The word Ayurveda is a compound of the words ayus meaning life and veda, referring to a system of knowledge. Thus, Ayurveda roughly translates as the "science of life" – a way of living that brings mind, body and spirit into harmony and results in extremely good health and longevity.
Ayurveda defines health as the balance between the three fundamental Doshas (bodily humours): Vata, Pitta and Kapha. All physical, mental and emotional problems can be traced to imbalances of the Doshas. Stress, poor diet, pollution and many other factors in our everyday lives contribute to an overall imbalance.
The Ayurvedic treatments purify the body and rebalance the Doshas. This allows the body to become powerful and gives it the capacity for self healing.
In Western countries Ayurveda is often seen as a pleasurable treatment for relaxation. Traditional Ayurvedic treatments reach deep into old blockages and toxins which may have been in the body for many years. Such powerful cleansing is an intense experience, which can sometimes cause discomfort.