Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old system of natural healing that has its origins in the Vedic culture of India. Although suppressed during years of foreign occupation, Ayurveda has been enjoying a major resurgence in both its native land and throughout the world. Tibetan medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine both have their roots in Ayurveda. Early Greek medicine also embraced many concepts originally described in the classical Ayurvedic medical texts dating back several thousands of years. More than a mere system of treating illness, Ayurveda is a science of life (Ayur = life, Veda = science or knowledge). It offers a body of wisdom designed to help people stay vital while realizing their full human potential. Providing guidelines on ideal daily and seasonal routines, diet, behavior and the proper use of our senses, Ayurveda reminds us that health is the balanced and dynamic integration between our environment, body, mind, and spirit.

Ayurveda defines physiology in terms of three forces called doshas. The three doshas are vata, pitta and kapha. Vata governs the physiology of motion in the body. Pitta governs the physiology of metabolism. Kapha governs the physiology of structure. Each person has all three of these doshas with them. The balance of these three doshas at the moment of conception defines what Ayurveda calls one's constitution or "prakruti". These doshas also fluctuate in accordance with how we live our lives and as they increase or decrease they cause different conditions in the body and mind. This is called "vikruti". The goal of Ayurveda is to restore the proper balance of these physiological forces . This is accomplished by utilizing one's senses properly and living a healthy lifestyle. Ayurveda utilizes diet, colors, aromas, sounds and touch to restore balance. In addition, Ayurveda is one of the most advanced herbal sciences in the world. Herbal medicine plays an important role in Ayurveda. Other tools often used by the Ayurvedic Practitioner include: Yoga, Meditation, Purification Programs (Pachakarma) and Lifestyle Counseling.