Ayurveda ("Knowledge of Life") is one of the world's oldest medical systems, originating in India over 3,000 years ago. It focuses on balancing the body, mind, and spirit to prevent and treat illness.

Key Texts

• Charaka Samhita (c. 100 BCE - 200 CE): Foundational text on internal medicine. It classifies diseases and treatments.
• Sushruta Samhita: Focuses on surgery (Shalya Tantra).
• Ashtanga Hridaya: A synthesis of the earlier texts by Vagbhata.

Core Concepts

• Tridosha: Vata (Air/Ether), Pitta (Fire/Water), Kapha (Earth/Water). Health is the balance of these humors.
• Panchamahabhuta: The five elements (Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Space) composing the universe and the body.

Timeline

• c. 1500-1000 BCE: Early references to healing in the Atharva Veda.
• c. 600 BCE: Period of Sushruta (early recension).
• c. 200 CE: Compilation of Charaka Samhita.