Ayurveda.....

Ayurveda (Sanskrit for "Science of life") a traditional system of Indian medicine, based on the principle that disease is caused by an imbalance of life forces. Derived from spiritual visions received by Indian Rishis (Sanskrit for "seers of truth") 5000 years ago, it is believed to be the oldest existing system of medical practice and is regarded by its proponents as a complete way of life aimed at spiritual, mental, and social well-being as well as physical health.

It is attributed to Dhanvantari, the physician to the gods in Hindu mythology, who received it from Brahma. Its origin can be traced back to the portion of the Vedas known as the Atharva Veda (c. 2nd millennium BC). The earliest Ayurvedic texts such as Charaka samhita and Susruta samhita (1st 4th century AD) analyze that the human body in terms of earth, water, fire, air, and ether as well as the three bodily humors (wind, bile, and phlegm). To cure illness, Ayurvedic medicine emphasizes hygiene, exercise, herbal preparations, and yoga and further it relies on herbal medicines, physiotherapy, and diet. This form of medicine is still a popular form of health care in India and it has also gained momentum in the West as a form of alternative medicine.

Ayurvedic therapies focus on lifestyle changes and herbal remedies, concentrating on diet, exercise, yoga, meditation, massage, herbal tonics, steam baths, enemas, and other alternative medical practices such as aromatherapy. Special cleansing therapies such as bloodletting and blood-thinning herbs are also used to rid the body of disease-causing toxins. Ayurveda is reckoned to be useful in supporting many other kinds of treatment programs. Proponents do believe it is a preventive as well as a curative therapy that can strengthen the immune system against disease. Changing lifestyle habits can improve persistent problems such as back pain, arthritis, tension headaches, high blood pressure, obesity, constipation, allergies and colds, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and other stress disorders.