"In the great teaching of the Vedas, there is no touch of sectarianism. It is of all ages, climes and nationalities and is the royal road for the attainment of the Great Knowledge."-
Thoreau, American Thinker

The central theme of Indian Vedic sciences is to use the body, mind and soul to service the real self (cosmic spirit).  Ayur(life) Veda(science) is the knowledge concerning the maintenance of a long and healthy life. Ayurvedic philosophy and teachings encourage people to follow a pure lifestyle, one that gives clarity, peace of mind and true satisfaction.

The research was done by two Indian sages Charaka and Agnivesa. Their work involved looking into the science of healthy living and prolonging life without illness. Charaka has compiled 150 chapters on details of food and drink substances, detailed classification of disease, lines of treatment, use of drugs, diet and practices of achieving good health.

The resulting Ayurvedic tradition is at least 5,000 years old in India. It is an integrated and comprehensive system of health, diet, wellness and balance for the mind, body and spirit. 

The Essence of Ayur(life) veda(sciences)
- Elemental Diet - Every element has its own taste. The earth is made of elements. Every season is rules by specific elements. Every individual has specific elements in them. By using diet for a balance in elements results in good health.

- A balance diet in the Ayurvedic tradition does not revolve around fats, carbohydrates, proteins, calories, vitamins and minerals.  Ayurvedic Nutrition takes into account body tissues, water levels, salt levels, electrolytes in the body, gunas or properties of food, dosha or element properties of the individual, tastes, qualities present in the food and food sadhana or assimilation by our body.

- Ayurveda is a science of the individual -  eating according to one’s unique metabolic and neurological constitutional type and needs

A book that I would recommend for learning Ayurveda is Perfect Health : The Complete Mind/Body Program for Identifying & Soothing the Source of Your Body's Reaction by Dr. Deepak Chopra Perfect Health by Dr. Deepak Chopra

© Kavita Mehta