Ayurveda is an Indian science over 5000 years old. It is a complete mind and body health care system, whose principles and practices have evolved through many centuries. The word Ayurveda is composed of two Sanskrit terms - Ayu meaning life and Veda meaning  knowledge. Therefore Ayurveda means the knowledge of life or science of life. The classical Ayurvedic texts discuss all forms of science like biology, toxicology, philosophy and theology. Ayurveda encompasses both preventive and curative health care. This science seeks to detoxify the body and to build up its immune system. It is now renowned the world over for its extensive usage of natural herbs to help the body heal itself.

Ayurvedas principles and philosophy describes a human as a universe within himself, made up of the cosmic forces. Like the entire universe, the human body is also made up of five basic elements. These elements are Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space.  

According to Ayurveda, human body consists of three main life forces, which are Vatha, Pitha and Kapha. These three doshas are also known as the tridoshas. A balance among these life forces is essential for proper health and any imbalance among these tridoshas cause a state of unhealthiness or disease. An imbalance is the effect of the constant reaction of the internal environment of body to the external environment. We are only required to bring about a balance of these doshas, to bring back the state of healthiness.

Other essential concepts of Ayurveda are the Saptha Dhathus (the bodily tissues), Srotas (Channals), Ama (toxins) and the trinity of life - body, mind and spiritual awareness.

Treatment under Ayurveda first seeks to determine the constitution of the persons body; the emphasis is on the patient rather than the disease. It is believed that the same disease might appear in different forms in two people because their body constitution is different. This difference in constitution makes a difference in the treatment for both the people though the disease might be the same. This difference in treatment methods according to the constitution is essential for bringing back the natural balance of the doshas. Thus, understanding of ones constitution helps one to have a life style that is ideal for his constitution, and consequently optimise his health.

Ayurvedic treatments can be classified under two groups - tonification and reduction. Reduction therapies decrease the excesses in the body while tonification methods nurture insufficiency in the body. Reduction therapy has two parts called pacification and purification. Pacification is done using with herbs, fasting, exercise, sunbathing and exposure to wind. Purification is a special form of therapy for elimination of the disease causing imbalances, this methodology guides the toxins to their sites for elimination. It comprises five parts - the pancha karmas - cleaning enemas, nasal medication, Purgation, Emesis and blood letting.

Kerala, has gained global fame with their specialized Ayurvedic treatments. Methodologies like Dhara, Pizhichil, Navarakizhi, Elakizhi, Sirovasthi, Thalapothichil etc. which are highly effective in a number of diseases including motor neuron diseases, arthritis, skin diseases, heart diseases, ulcers, asthama, peripheral vascular diseases and gynecological disorders.

Ayurvedic pharmacology is based upon the concepts of rasa, veerya and vipaka. Plants, metals, minerals, animals, birds and even mud and sand are used for preparing medicines in Ayurveda.

Ayurvedic medicine is divided into eight branches. Kaya chikitsa (general medicine), Shalya (surgery), Shalakya (ENT and Ophthalmology), Graha (Psychotherapy), Damshitra (toxicology), Bala (Pediatrics and Gynecology), Jara (rejuvenation) and Vrishya (Aphrodisiacs).

Jara or rejuvenation therapy is a unique method, which Ayurveda performs. Until death our body is engaged in a continuous struggle against the ageing process. Hence the body is called Shareeram, meaning something that degenerates.