AYURVEDA OR the “science of life”, is a section of the last Vedas. However, the main texts are the “SUSHRUT SAMHITA” and “CHARAK SAMHITA”, dating back to the fifth and sixth centuries BC respectively.

There are ancient texts on surgery which, for example, describe primitive proctoscopes and endoscopes, several different kinds of suturing, and how agents are carried by the bodily contact, inhalation, and other channels to cause post-operative infections.

Indeed the “CHARAK SAMHITA”, lists 20 kinds of “KRIMI” or the microscopic pathogenic organisms ( in addition to beneficial ones ), and body as composed of cells, and about 2,000 years before the invention of the microscope.

There is probably, no dietary system as rich and sophisticated as that embodied within AYURVEDA.

In India, the HINDU AYURVEDIC system of medicine which developed from 1400 BC onwards suggested the consumption of testicular tissue to treat impotence and obesity. It was also suggested to take enema of goat’s fresh blood to treat excessive blood loss from injuries. It was also known at that time that hot baths could reduce fertility, which is still news over 3,000
years later.

Ayurveda means 'Knowledge of Life'. This system of medicine is derived from philosophical theories propounded in India over 2,000 years ago. More than being a system of treatment this system's thrust is the prevention of disease, through a harmony in body composition.

The basic concept of ayurveda is that the body is composed of three principles: pittha, kapha and vatha. These are called the tridoshas. Each dosha is located in a certain organ of the body and is a combination of the five natural resources (earth, fire, water, air and space or ether). Depending on the predominance of a particular dosha, an individual falls into a particular character type and is prone to particular types of diseases. For example people of the pittha type are said to be hot tempered and competitive. They are thought to be more prone to ulcers and rashes.

Depending on the analysis of the patient type, ayurveda advises a particular diet, treatment and care. There are different types of treatments in ayurveda.