This ancient science is indigenous to India, and dates back some 3,000 years. Its name is derived from the Sanskrit, Ayur, meaning life, and Veda or knowledge-that is, the Knowledge of Life. Ayurveda lays stress on the preventive rather than on the curative, and employs the medicinal properties of plants in its practice. 

Closely related to naturopathy, ayurvedic theory revolves around the principle of Panch Bhoota, or the five natural elements of which all physical matter is believed to comprise. Freedom from disease is attained by maintaining a balance of these constituent elements within the human body.

Even to this day, the primary reference manuals of the ayurvedic physician are archaic medical treatises like the Charaka Samhita. Examination of patients is generally based on pulse, blood pressure and facial readings, although modern diagnostic methods have begun to be incorporated in
the practice. 

Correct diet and timing of medication are the main aspects of this treatment, which is of two types-
Shodhana, which removes the cause of illness through cleansing and purification, and Shauana, which reduces the intensity of the disease by the application of prophylactics.

Special massages and other techniques are also sometimes used to alleviate pain in case of migraine and spondylosis. Ayurveda's major successes have been recorded in the curing of such problems as rheumatoid arthritis, liver and gastro-intestinal disorders, skin diseases and other chronic illnesses.

According to 1994 estimates, India currently has almost 2.4 lakh registered practitioners, 12,000 dispensaries 1,452 hospitals and 100 postgraduate colleges dedicated to this field, thus making ayurveda second only to homoeopathy in its popularity as an alternative system of
medicine.

Entry

A Bachelor's degree in ayurveda is the minimum qualification essential for certification as a practitioner.