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AyurvedaYoga


	Ayurveda, the science of life, is the oldest and most holistic medicinal system available on the planet today. 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 science of life and longevity". It is defined as the science, through which one can obtain knowledge about ways to lead as useful life. Although it is considered a science of medicine it is different since the basic principle of this ancient Indian medical system describes that treatment is not merely curing of disease. Being extraordinary from the modern medical science it has a holistic approach towards diseases as Ayurveda deals with the mental, spiritual and physical body complex. More than the specific sickness it is the patient who is sought to be treated.

According to Ayurveda the entire universe, as well as the body is made up of five basic elements. These elements are Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space.

This theory has been a part of history for the last 5000 years. The knowledge of Ayurveda was originally passed on from Guru- Teacher to disciple in the form of one to one lessons without the use of any written books. Later the knowledge was codified in the form of books (around 1000 BC). Reference of this science can also be seen in the Vedas the ancient Indian text of knowledge.

This eternal science has deep connection with the Indian philosophies viz. Sankhya, Nyaya, Vaishaeshika, Vyakaranam, Yoga, Meemamsa and Vedanta. Here the great connection has been depicted and elaborated as the co-relation between the universe and man.

It is based on the principles of Pancha Mahabhuta (five great elements) and Tridosha (three Biological humors) theory. Ayurveda describes in detail the principles of preservation and promotion of health as well as prevention and cure of diseases. It treats man as a whole. As the medicines used in Ayurveda are mainly plants, natural and very secure.


	Ayurvedic system teaches that, human body consists of three primary life forces or biological humors, which are Vatha, Pitha and Kapha. These three are called the Tridoshas. A balance among these life forces is essential for proper health. Any imbalance among the Tridoshas causes a state of unhealthiness or disease. According to Ayurveda, health is that state where mind, body, spirit, emotions and senses are all in perfect balance - the way nature designed them to be. Ayurveda offers rich, cumulative benefits that can help you enjoy a long, healthy, blissful life.


	�Yoga" the word derived from the Sanskrit means union of atma or individual soul with the paramatma or the universal soul. A yogi's ultimate aim is to be able to attain this 'union' with the Eternal Self with the help of certain mental and physical exercises. Yoga is a way of life, based on ancient Indian wisdom and culture. It is an art of living a healthy, balanced, peaceful and contented life. Since the days of Indus Civilisation, for more than 5000 years, Yoga has been practiced in India. There are various types of Yoga, all of which lead ultimately to the same goal - unification with the Divine. The Bhagavad-Gita talks of four branches that are considered the four main paths of Yoga : Karma Yoga (yoga of Action), Jnana Yoga (yoga of Knowledge), Bhakti Yoga (yoga of Devotion), and Raja Yoga (yoga of Meditation).

	The credit for encapsulating the various yogic practices and tradition goes to Maharishi Patanjali (known as the father of Yoga) who in his works �Yoga Sutra" has outlined 8 steps or methods (known as Ashtanga Yoga). He emphasizes that the aim of Yoga is knowledge of self. The eight stages of Yogic practices in Ashtanga Yoga are : Yama = Disciplined Behaviour Niyama= Self Purification Padmasana= Bodily posture in lotus position Pranayama= Breath Control Pratyahara = Control of Senses Dharana= Concentration Dhyana= Meditation Samadhi= Absolute state of tranquility and eternity Hatha Yoga in its many modern variations is the style that most people actually associate with the word "Yoga" today. It attaches a lot of importance to the perfect physical form, attained through the practice of various asanas, mudras and pranayama practice. It is believed that spiritual perfection and self-realization can be attained by this practice. Today people all over the world are practicing Yoga and its popularity is growing by leaps and bounds. There are lots of Yoga Ashrams in Kerala where one can get initiated into the practice of Yoga under the able guidance of a guru. Regular practice of Yoga under proper guidance can cure various lifestyle ailments like hypertension and diabetes. It is believed all illness is the result of disintegration of body (physical), mind (mental) and spirit (spiritual) and Yoga practice harmonises all three. Yoga has to be practiced with a correct breathing rhythm in relaxed state of mind in a proper ventilated area. With regular practice one can attain complete control over mind and body. To sum up we can say that Yoga is the result of human wisdom and insight on physiology, psychology, ethics and spirituality collected together and practiced over thousands of years for the well being of humanity.