Ayurveda is a tradition. The word tradition simply implies a belief, custom or way of doing things, something that has existed for a long time among a particular group of people, a set of these beliefs or customs etc…

The ever lovable bond between Mother Nature and human beings is the center stage of this system. That ‘mother child bond’ or that ‘belief’ existed from time immemorial. This recorded the earliest evidence of healing in the history of medicine. This belief gave way to a custom for the whole mankind. Ayurveda could well be said as a custom or a manual towards healthy living. It became a part of life with individuals, family and society. This custom existed from centuries. Any custom which when indicate us to a higher transcendental state, it is called wisdom. So this wisdom was transferred from time to time unpolluted through Guru shishya Prampara (Sacred Teacher-Pupil relation).

A particular group of people in the society – Bhishakvaryas/Vaidyas/Ayurveda Acharyas (Teachers cum doctors in the present sense) gradually developed in the annals of history. Zeroing in onto the cradle of Ayurveda – Kerala, the southernmost state of peninsular India, and the science was transferred from generation to generation from the Vaidya (senior most Physician) to an ardent member of the family. The tradition was kept unrusted within the test of time. In spite of unique multilingual and pluralistic traditions of India, which once witnessed the interaction of different cultures of the world and was subject to variable tides of governance, this science was unruffled as much like its scientific foundations. These dedicated families played a pivotal role in the preservation of the science.

Ayurveda deals with living beings with their soul and environment. It is a holistic science. A subjective approach is needed for its understanding. Its universal laws work under any conditions. The deduction and treatment of a disease is more or less arithmetic in nature. It mainly considers the basic elements of nature-

• Akasha (Ether)
• Vayu (Air)
• Agni (Fire)
• Jala (Water)
• Pridhvi (Earth)

And the basic functions of human body:

• Vata (Principle of Movement)
• Pitta (Principle of transformation)
• Kapha (Principle of Stability

We must not grasp only its literal meaning, these have much profound implications. Ayurveda takes into account the interaction of these factors. How this interaction affects the Dhatus (body tissues). Different Shodhana (Purificatory) and Shamana (palliative) treatment methods are being devised and applied individually determining the body constitution of the patient. Panchakarma therapies are the mainstay of the Ayurvedic treatment. Kerala Vaidyas has formulated specialized Panchakarma therapies to eradicate the diseases. These procedures along with intake of formulated drugs, yoga and righteous living in concordance with nature brings health, happiness and longevity. Ayurveda could be followed by anyone who has disease to cure his ailments and also by one who is healthy in order to improve his health consistency. This modality does not have any side effects at all. Whatever may the disease condition, an Ayurvedic Physician like a sculptor, carves out the complete healthy aspect of an individual dusting him off his imperfections.