Ayurveda is said to be a holistic system of medicine that deals with our body, mind and also our spirit. The word ayurveda means ’science of life’ or ’wisdom for longevity’. For many thousands of years, Ayurveda has been a successful primary health care modality for millions of people in India. The world is increasingly recognizing the merits of Ayurveda, which offers effective cure for several diseases. It helps rejuvenate the body, fight stress and offer relief for a wide variety of ailments.

AYURVEDIC DRINK. Ayurvedic drinks are commonly used by yogis after practice to stretch ligaments and heal injuries. — **AYURVEDIC DRINK.** Ayurvedic drinks are commonly used by yogis after practice to stretch ligaments and heal injuries.

Ayurvedic treatments works at the causative levels while most of the modern medical treatments operate at the symptomatic level. It employs only natural treatment methods, since it recognizes the human being as being an integral part of nature.

AYURVEDIC MEAL. Warm food sered in a banana leaf absorbs its nutrients and taste – it makes the meal complete. The seeds of earth are small in size, but bears the concept of growth and balance. — **AYURVEDIC MEAL.** Warm food sered in a banana leaf absorbs its nutrients and taste – it makes the meal complete. The seeds of earth are small in size, but bears the concept of growth and balance.

Ayurveda explains nature with its ’Five Great Elements’ theory. It says each and every existence is composed of five elements:

1. Ether (akasa) – The principle of space

2. Air (vayu) – The principle of movement

3. Fire (agni) – The principle of conversion, heat, and light

4. Water (jala/aap) – The principle of liquidity and cohesion

5. Earth (prithvi) – The principle of form and structure.

AYURVDIC SPICE. Everything that enters your being leaves a mark. A balanced mix of herbs and spices brings both joy color into a persons life. — **AYURVDIC SPICE.** Everything that enters your being leaves a mark. A balanced mix of herbs and spices brings both joy color into a persons life.

Every human body has five elements in it, in varied proportions, making every individual unique. Maintenance of the equilibrium of these elements in the body is the key to health, according to ayurvedic principles. The five elements combine in pairs, to form three basic functional principles/energies called doshas in our body. Each of the three energies are believed to circulate in the body and govern physiological activity. These biological types are:

Vata – Air and ether

Pitta – Fire and water

Kapha – Earth and water

AYURVEDIC ROOTS. In sanskrit, tumeric is referred to as ”Kanchani” – the golden goddess. — **AYURVEDIC ROOTS.** In sanskrit, tumeric is referred to as ”Kanchani” – the golden goddess.

In Ayurveda, the food is considered the best and the most important medicine. The scholars say that when diet is wrong, the medicine is of no use and when the diet is correct, medicine is of no need. Each food item contains the same doshas and five elements as the human body but in different proportions. A personalised and customized diet for each individual is therefore the best path to holistic health.

Words by Acharya Ratheesh Mani

Images by Belén Vazquez Amaro, blogger, stylist & yogini and Albin Holmqvist art director & graphic designer. Belén is running the successful blog In the making by Belén and arranging Yoga & Breakfast-events.

AYURVEDIC OILS. Coconut rejuvenates the body instantly. Fresh, pure and raw oils are the remedy for healty joints. — **AYURVEDIC OILS.** Coconut rejuvenates the body instantly. Fresh, pure and raw oils are the remedy for healty joints.

The Art of Ayurveda