What is Ayurveda ?

Ayurveda has a long and turbulent history. It is the oldest known continuously practiced medical system in the world. Ayurvedic theory has influenced the development of many other medical systems including Chinese, Arabic, Greek, Tibetan and modern medicine.
As the origin of Ayurveda pre-dates written records, it is not exactly clear where and when it was first established. It is estimated to be between 5-10 000 years old. Ayurveda is generally considered to have been revealed to sages in the Himalayas, during meditation.

Nepal has a special place in the history of Ayurveda. It is thought by many that the original knowledge of Ayurveda was obtained in the Himalayan foothills of Nepal. There are thousands of ancient Ayurvedic manuscripts located here. In addition, the biodiversity of Nepal makes it is a fertile region for many Ayurvedic herbs. The geology, with mountains facing north, south, east and west, encourage the growth of unique flora.

The knowledge of Ayurveda was passed down orally for generations, and then eventually recorded as part of the vedas - the oldest books known on Earth. The vedas are vast texts that incorporate information on all aspects of society and life - politics, economics, religion, science, mathematics, architecture, and so on. The information on health and longevity is known as "Ayurveda" - the science of life.

Ayurvedic knowledge and practice flourished for several centuries, when many of the well known Ayurvedic texts were written. However, foreign invasions in India resulted in the loss of many of the texts and practices. When India was occupied by the British, Ayurvedic medicine was not supported and instead western medicine was introduced. Nepal has never been invaded or ruled by foreign forces, so many of the ancient texts survived and Ayurveda was practiced without interruption.

After India gained independence in 1947, Ayurveda was once again formally recognized by the state. The Government supported the establishment of institutions to teach Ayurveda, Ayurvedic hospitals and the use of Ayurvedic medicine.

Today, Ayurveda is a popular form of treatment for many people around the world. Its use is widespread in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. The value of many Ayurvedic herbs and therapies is now becoming recognized and clinically validated, and there is increasing interest in Ayurvedic systems of healing in the Western world. This is because it is a holistic, natural and effective healing system. It recognizes the individual as unique, as more than only a physical body, and with an inherent healing capacity.