Ayurveda means the "science of life". It originated in India more than 5,000 years ago and is believed to be the oldest healing science in existence, from which all other systems emerged. This ancient healing system has three main focuses:

1) Healing illness
2) Prevention of disease and
3) Longevity or age reversal.

In short, Ayurveda simply explains the laws of nature that cause health or disease. Most illness develops due to internal conditions (e.g., foods and liquids) or external conditions (e.g., seasons, lifestyle). The main factors that cause poor health (also described as imbalance) are 1) poor digestion and 2) Weak immune systems.

When food is not properly digested, it sits in the body. Nutrients are not absorbed and the food decays and forms toxins. These toxins cause most diseases in the body. Therefore, it is important to have good digestion.The immune system can become depleted by poor nutrition, overwork, drugs and other excesses. The finest essence of nutrition develops a life sap that protects the immune system; much like the sap of a tree heals the bruises in its bark.

In addition to promoting physical health, it is the life sap that becomes transformed through meditation to produce mental peace and spiritual development. With all the immune disorders that are prevalent these days, it is even more important that persons develop their immune sap.

What Makes Ayurveda So Unique?
This medical science offers numerous unique benefits:

1. It looks at people as individuals, not as a generic group.
2. It heals from the root-cause of an illness, not merely treating the symptoms.
3. Only natural therapies are offered.
4. No side effects develop from the therapies.
5. Therapies are highly effective.

What Diagnostic Measures Does Ayurveda Use?
Perhaps the most well-known diagnostic tool in Ayurvedic medicine is pulse analysis. The position and quality of the pulse felt under different fingers tells the Ayurvedic doctor the dosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) that is imbalanced. Further the health of 12 organs are also learned by pulse diagnosis.

Other forms of diagnosis include client health history forms, observation of the client's body, tongue, movements, voice, and other non-verbal behavior. Diagnosis is also conducted through touch, questioning, and inference/intuition.

What Therapies Does Ayurveda Offer?
Using a holistic approach, Ayurveda offers therapies for each of the five senses because each sensory pathway is a doorway to health and balance. All therapies are individualized to the patient's constitution and current imbalances. Additionally, Ayurveda considers breath therapy to be a central part of all healing. Therapies include,

Breath: Several types of breathing techniques for disease prevention, detoxification and vitality.
Taste: Herbs and nutrition.
Touch: Several types of Massage, Yoga, and exercise specific to the imbalance of the patient.
Smell: Aromatherapy.
Sight: Color therapy.
Hearing: Music and Sound therapy
Spiritual: Therapies include meditation, living ethically, and working in a career that one loves or is purposeful.
Detoxification: One of the most significant therapies offered in Ayurvedic Medicine is Pancha Karma --- a five pronged approach to detoxification.