📜 Brief History

India’s Healing Legacy Since the Vedic Age.

Ayurveda originated during the Vedic period (1500 BCE–500 BCE), with roots in the Atharva Veda. It was later systematized by ancient sages such as Charaka and Sushruta into organized texts of internal medicine and surgery. Over centuries, Ayurveda evolved through scholarly commentary, empirical practices, and royal patronage.

Despite decline during colonial times, it resurged post-independence and gained formal recognition. Today, Ayurveda is a globally respected system under India’s Ministry of AYUSH.

📚 Source Book

Ancient Wisdom in Timeless Texts.

Ayurveda draws from sacred Vedic literature, especially the Atharva Veda. Its core knowledge is compiled in three classical treatises known as the Brihat Trayi:

  • Charaka Samhita – foundational text of internal medicine (Kayachikitsa)

  • Sushruta Samhita – key text on surgery (Shalya Tantra)

  • Ashtanga Hridaya – comprehensive text covering all 8 limbs of Ayurveda

These texts are revered not only for medical insights but also for philosophy, ethics, and lifestyle guidance. Contemporary Ayurvedic education still begins with these timeless scriptures.

🌀 Basic Concept

Balance the Doshas, Embrace True Health.

Ayurveda views health as a balance between three Doshas — Vata (air & space), Pitta (fire & water), and Kapha (water & earth). Each person has a unique constitution (Prakriti) formed by these Doshas. The body is also governed by seven Dhatus (tissues), Agni (digestive fire), and Mala (wastes).

Disease arises from Dosha imbalance, poor digestion, or toxin accumulation (Ama). Treatments aim to restore harmony by addressing root imbalances. Understanding your Dosha helps you tailor diet, lifestyle, and therapy choices.

🩺 Diagnosis

See, Touch, Ask — The Triad of Ayurvedic Diagnosis.

Ayurvedic diagnosis is personalized and holistic, guided by the Trividha Pariksha (threefold examination):

  • Darshana (inspection of skin, tongue, eyes)

  • Sparshana (palpation including pulse, temperature)

  • Prashna (detailed questioning of history and symptoms)

It assesses Dosha balance, Agni, Prakriti, and mental state. Pulse reading (Nadi Pariksha) is a specialized technique to detect subtle imbalances. Diagnosis is not just about symptoms but understanding the root cause in the patient’s lifestyle and constitution.

🌱 Treatment

Treating the Root, Nourishing the Whole.

Ayurveda’s treatment focuses on eliminating the cause of disease and restoring natural balance. It uses herbal medicines, cleansing (Shodhana), palliative care (Shamana), diet, yoga, and meditation. Therapy is customized to Dosha and Prakriti. Lifestyle correction, sleep, emotional health, and seasonal adjustments are part of care.

Long-term wellness is the goal, not just temporary relief. Side effects are minimal when treatments are guided by a qualified practitioner.

🛁 Types of Treatment

Cleanse, Rejuvenate, Revive.

Ayurveda offers a wide spectrum of treatments:

  • Shodhana (purification) – includes Panchakarma, a 5-step detox

  • Shamana (palliative) – balances Doshas using diet, herbs, and lifestyle

  • Rasayana – rejuvenation therapies to improve immunity and longevity

  • Satvavajaya – mental and emotional therapies

External treatments include Abhyanga (oil massage), Nasya (nasal therapy), Basti (medicated enema), and Shirodhara (oil drip on forehead). Each protocol is designed to correct Dosha imbalance, remove toxins, and revitalize tissues.

🏛️ Regulatory Authority

Safe, Certified, and Standardized.

Ayurveda is regulated by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.

Key regulatory bodies and acts include:

Ayurvedic drugs must follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and practitioners must be registered under state licensing boards.

🎓 Study Path / Course

Study Nature’s Science, Become a Healer.

The most common professional path is BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery), a 5.5-year course including a 1-year internship.

Postgraduate options include:

  • MD/MS (Ayurveda) – 3 years in specialized branches like Kayachikitsa, Panchakarma, or Rasashastra

  • Diplomas in Panchakarma, Ayurvedic Pharmacy, or Nutrition

  • Certificate courses – Yoga, Nadi Pariksha, Dietetics

Eligibility for BAMS: 10+2 with Biology and NEET score. Institutions include National Institute of Ayurveda, Banaras Hindu University, and state AYUSH colleges.

👨‍⚕️ Job / Practice Options

Practice Ayurveda, Serve the World.

Ayurveda graduates can work as:

  • Registered Medical Practitioners in AYUSH hospitals or private clinics

  • Panchakarma therapists, wellness consultants, or lifestyle coaches

  • Researchers in herbal pharmacology and clinical trials

  • Teachers and professors in Ayurvedic colleges

  • Pharmacists and entrepreneurs in herbal or Ayurvedic product manufacturing

Opportunities also exist in health tourism, digital health platforms, and government health missions. With global interest rising, Ayurvedic professionals are in demand across wellness resorts, telemedicine, and even international consultancies.

Important Institutions

FAQ on Ayurveda

What does Ayurveda mean?

Ayurveda means “Science of Life” (from Sanskrit: Ayur = life, Veda = knowledge). It is a holistic system of medicine developed in ancient India.

What are the three Doshas in Ayurveda?

The three Doshas are Vata (air & space), Pitta (fire & water), and Kapha (water & earth). They represent fundamental energies that govern body and mind.

What is Prakriti in Ayurveda?

Prakriti is an individual’s unique constitution formed by the combination of Doshas at birth. It determines one’s physical, mental, and emotional traits.

What causes disease according to Ayurveda?

Disease arises from an imbalance in the Doshas, poor digestion (Agni), accumulation of toxins (Ama), or lifestyle errors.

What are the seven Dhatus in Ayurveda?

The seven Dhatus are bodily tissues: Rasa (plasma), Rakta (blood), Mamsa (muscle), Meda (fat), Asthi (bone), Majja (marrow), and Shukra (reproductive tissue).

What is Agni in Ayurveda?

Agni is the digestive fire. It is responsible for digestion, absorption, and transformation of food into energy and tissues.

What is Ama in Ayurveda?

Ama refers to toxic, undigested substances in the body that clog channels and lead to disease. It is a key factor in many ailments.

What is the goal of Ayurvedic treatment?

The goal is to restore Dosha balance, enhance digestion (Agni), eliminate toxins (Ama), and promote harmony of body, mind, and spirit.

Is Ayurveda only herbal medicine?

No. While herbs are a key part, Ayurveda also includes diet, lifestyle, detoxification therapies, meditation, yoga, and massage.

Can Ayurveda be used with modern medicine?

Yes, Ayurveda can complement modern medicine, especially in chronic or lifestyle-related conditions. However, professional supervision is advised.

Is Ayurveda based on science?

Ayurveda is based on thousands of years of observation and experience. Modern research is increasingly validating its principles.

What are the eight branches of Ayurveda?

They include: Kayachikitsa (internal medicine), Shalya Tantra (surgery), Shalakya Tantra (ENT/eye), Kaumarabhritya (pediatrics), Agad Tantra (toxicology), Rasayana (rejuvenation), Vajikarana (aphrodisiacs), and Bhuta Vidya (mental health).

How does Ayurvedic diagnosis differ from modern diagnosis?

Ayurvedic diagnosis focuses on the root cause, lifestyle, constitution (Prakriti), and mind-body balance, not just disease symptoms.

What is Trividha Pariksha?

It’s a threefold diagnostic method: Darshana (inspection), Sparshana (palpation), and Prashna (questioning).

What is Nadi Pariksha?

Nadi Pariksha is Ayurvedic pulse diagnosis, where the practitioner feels subtle variations in the pulse to assess Dosha imbalances.

How important is tongue examination in Ayurveda?

Very important. The tongue reveals digestion quality, toxin buildup (Ama), and Dosha imbalances through its color, coating, and shape.

Can Ayurveda detect diseases early?

Yes, Ayurveda emphasizes detecting imbalances before they manifest as disease, allowing for early correction.

What role does the mind play in Ayurvedic diagnosis?

Mind and emotions are integral in Ayurveda. Mental states (like stress, anger, fear) are assessed for their impact on Dosha balance.

How are lifestyle and diet assessed in diagnosis?

Detailed inquiry into eating habits, routines, sleep, work, and emotions helps identify root causes of disease.

Is there lab testing in Ayurveda?

Classical Ayurveda doesn’t rely on modern lab tests but may integrate them in contemporary practice for additional insight.

Do Ayurveda doctors diagnose chronic diseases?

Yes. Ayurvedic doctors assess and treat conditions like arthritis, diabetes, asthma, and digestive disorders with holistic methods.

What are the main types of Ayurvedic treatment?

Treatments include Shodhana (cleansing), Shamana (balancing), Rasayana (rejuvenation), and Satvavajaya (mental therapy).

What is Panchakarma?

Panchakarma is a five-step detox program that removes deep-rooted toxins and restores Dosha balance through therapies like Vamana, Virechana, and Basti.

Are Ayurvedic treatments safe?

When administered by qualified practitioners using authentic herbs and protocols, Ayurvedic treatments are generally safe and gentle.

What is Abhyanga?

Abhyanga is a full-body oil massage using herbal oils tailored to the Dosha type. It promotes relaxation, circulation, and toxin removal.

What is Nasya therapy?

Nasya involves administering medicated oils or powders into the nose. It cleanses the sinuses, enhances mental clarity, and treats ENT conditions.

Is diet a part of Ayurvedic treatment?

Yes, diet is foundational in Ayurveda. Foods are selected based on Dosha balance, season, and digestive strength (Agni).

Are Ayurvedic medicines regulated?

Yes, Ayurvedic medicines are regulated in India under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

Can Ayurveda help with stress and anxiety?

Absolutely. Ayurveda uses herbs like Brahmi and Ashwagandha, along with meditation and lifestyle changes, to calm the mind and strengthen resilience.

How long does Ayurvedic treatment take?

Duration depends on the condition. Chronic diseases may require months, while detox or lifestyle treatments may take days to weeks.