Perhaps you already have some knowledge about Ayurveda , or perhaps this is the first time you've read about the term. In any case, a general introduction to Ayurveda and its fundamental principles will certainly be useful to you, whether it's to refresh your memory or to start learning gently.

Let's go back to the etymology of this word: the term Ayurveda comes from Sanskrit, the official language of India, and is formed from the terms " ayur " m eaning life and " veda " meaning knowledge . Ayurveda would therefore be the "science of life". Ayurveda is a complete system of medicine that emerged several thousand years ago in India and is thus the oldest medical system in human history. Knowledge of Ayurvedic medicine has traditionally been transmitted orally but has also been transcribed in writing in 3 fundamental texts: Caraca Samhita, SushRut Samhita and Ashtang Hrdyam.

Recognized by the World Health Organization as a traditional health system, this type of medicine is still little known in the West, although our German neighbors, for example, regularly follow Ayurveda cures in India, but also in Europe where trained and qualified doctors offer their skills in the field in the service of health.

Ayurvedic Medicine: A Holistic Approach

Unlike other forms of medicine, Ayurveda is based on a holistic approach. Holism, from the Greek "holos" meaning "totality, whole," can be defined as "the tendency in nature to form wholes that are greater than the sum of their parts, through creative evolution." According to this principle, the human body and man thus form an indivisible whole and cannot be reduced to the simple sum of its parts. If an illness occurs, it is the individual as a whole that must be treated, and not just the infected cells. This holistic approach avoids undertaking invasive Treatments that would cure problems, without taking into consideration the collateral damage they may cause. Thus, the ailments from which we suffer are dependent on our overall constitution, and individuals, even if presenting similar symptoms, must be treated differently in order to achieve lasting healing.

Men and the universe: more or less stable balances between 5 elements.

In its holistic approach, Ayurveda considers that humans, like the universe, are in fact wholes, all different, made up of 5 main elements: ether (or space), air, fire, water and earth. Each individual is influenced by all these elements and their inner balance depends on the interactions between them and the environment. Each individual thus has their own constitution, and a type of Dosha (combinations of elements) dominates in each: Vata, Pitta, Kapha. Diseases occur when the balance of our Doshas is disturbed by external elements. The ailments we suffer from are dependent on our overall constitution, our personal Dosha type, and individuals, even if they present similar symptoms, will have to be treated differently in order to be able to heal lastingly.

Diseases treated and types of care

Ayurvedic Treatments are suitable for everyone and can help prevent illness and maintain good health. However, there are certain contraindications, and it is important to always be medically monitored to be aware of them. Ayurvedic medicine can also help treat many illnesses such as arthritis, asthma, constipation, depression, diabetes, insomnia, high cholesterol, Parkinson's disease, etc.

The Treatments are varied: Diet adapted to the type of Dosha, taking natural medicinal plants, aromatherapy, detoxification, Meditation or even Yoga Exercises.