Definition of Ayurveda
"Hitahitam sukhamdukhamayustasya hitahitam|
manam cha taccha yatroktam ayurveda sochyate||
Ayurveda is defined as the healthcare science which encompasses Hitayu & Dukhayu (attribute pertaining to
better social health or otherwise), Sukhayu & Dukhayu (pertains to better personal health or otherwise),
beneficial and harmful factors for these for types of life and the life span.

Aim of Ayurveda
Ayurveda has two primary aims viz.
1. Prevention of diseases and Maintenance and promotion of health in healthy
2. Alleviation of diseases in diseased

Basic principles of Ayurveda
Like any other science World's oldest health care science is also based upon some basic principles which
are rooted from Indian Systems of Knowledge.

The three pillars
Hetu(aetiology), Linga(signs and symptoms) and Aushadh(medicine) constitutes the tripod upon which the
whole Ayurveda rests. if some one is well versed with all these then he can do successful therapeutic intervention.

Panchamahabhutas (Five basic Elements)
Ayurveda considers that all animate or inanimate substances are made up of five basic elements known as
Mahabhutas viz. Akash(space),Vayu(air), Agni(Fire), Jala(water) and Prithvi(Earth). all that exist in this universe
is nothing but manifestation of these mahabhutas in specific combination and configuration.

Three Doshas(Humours)
Three basic elements known as doshas viz. Vata- symbolic of movement and sensation, Pitta- symbolic of
energy and Kapha- symbolic of binding force, constitute the body. these doshas determine the health of the
individual. The state of equipoise of three doshas is known as health and if this balance is lost then we
become unhealthy.These doshas are the biological manifestations of the mahabhutas.

Prakriti (constitution)
Ayurveda is an individualistic health care system which considers every individual is unique.This uniqueness is
reflected in the concept of Deha Prakrit or Body Constitution and is defined by the doshic composition of the body. Although all the three doshas are present in everyone's body but they are present in a particular composition in each one of us. This composition of the doshas is determined at the time fertilization. If Vata is predominant then the individual is said to have Vatic Prakriti, if Pitta is predominant then it is called as Pattik Prakriti. If two doshas are predominant then the prakriti is called as Dwandaja(Dual), for example, Vatapattik, Kapahavatik. The prakriti can be evaluated by physical and mental parameters. To know your prakriti click here.

Panchakarma
Our body accumulates toxins consequent of daily metabolism and the under the impact of seasonal changes,
which has to be cleansed periodically. The basic concept of Panchakarma is to get the body rid of these toxins
periodically to keep us healthy. These five karmas are - Vamana (Purification through oral route), Virechana
(Purification through oral route), Niruha (Purification by medicines devoid of fat given per rectum), Asthapana
(Purification by fat based medicines given per rectum) and Nasya(purification through nasal route). Ayurveda
considers these purification measures are mandatory before administering medicines as the body does not accept the medicines well without that.

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