Ayurveda is an immense contribution of India to the world. Ayurveda is composed of two Sanskrit words, "Ayu" or life, and "Veda" or knowledge, Ayurveda is regarded as "The Science of Life" and the practice involves the care of physical, mental and spiritual health of human beings. From where and when the spurt of Ayurveda started flowing still remains unanswered. But it is believed that, 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 of medicine emerged.Ayurveda is one of the oldest system of natural health care and is one of the leading form of holistic medicine available in the world; Ayurveda addresses all factors that influence our quality of life. It is a truly holistic system that embraces the healing of all aspects of our being (body, mind, and consciousness). Of the four vedas, Atharvaveda contain more faithful reference to medical knowledge and practice.And Ayurveda is considered as an auxiliary limb (upaveda) of Atharvaveda. ). It could be seen that Ayurveda is rooted in the knowledge revealed by ancient saints whose insights and visions are compiled in the vedas. Vedas are the earliest forms of documented knowledge. The six systems of Indian philosophy - nyaya, vaiseshika, sankhya, yoga, mimamsa and vendanta acknowledged Similarly, the influence of classical Indian Philosophies, especially of sankhya and vaiseshika is apparent in ayurvedic literature.These philosophical pillars makes Ayurveda not merely a science of disease but ‘’ science of life’’

Ayurveda has two basic principles-

Swasthasya swasth rakshanam- Longevity and Prevention of Disease

   Ayurveda believes that "Prevention is better than cure". A person who maintains his health will not be harmed by diseases. A number of procedure have been explained for this purpose.

1. Rasayana Chikitsa (Rejuvenative Therapy)
2. Vajikarana Chikitsa (Aphrodisiac treatment )
3. Dinacharya (Daily routines to be practiced)
4. Rithucharya (Seasonal regimes to be practiced)

Aaturasya Vikar Prashmanam –Treat illnesses of the diseased person.
Mainly two methods have been explained for curing the diseases.

 A. Samana Chikitsa (Pacificatory therapy)
   By using medicines and other procedure , the imbalanced and vitiated humors such as "Vatha", "Pitha" and "Kapha" (Doshas) are brought to a balanced state, thus curing the disease.

 B. Sodhana Chikitsa-Panchakarma Therapy (Purificatory therapy)
   The increased and vitiated doshas are expelled from the body by means of various Panchakarma therapies. These therapies are very significant as with these treatments not only the disease is cured but also prevent relapse of the diseased.