Ayurveda
Ayurveda is a Hindu system of traditional medicine, known for over 3500 years. Indian Vedic and Hindu traditions go back more than 16.500 years according to the Itihasa scriptures.
Ayurveda adopted the physics of the
“5 elements”, out of which the universe is said to be formed:
- Prthvī (earth),
- Jala(water),
- Agni (fire),
- Vāyu (air), and
- Akāsa (sky)
Part of this universe is the human body. It is composed of the 7 primary elements:
- plasma,
- blood,
- flesh,
- fat,
- bone,
- marrow, and
- semen or female reproductive tissue.
Ayurvedic literature deals elaborately with measures of healthy and happy living during all the phases of life. It stresses a balance of 3 elemental energies:
- Vātta (air & space – “wind”),
- Pitta (fire & water – “bile”), and
- Kappa (water & earth – “phlegm”).
According to ayurvedic medical theory, these 3 substances (doshas) are critical to health. When they do not exist in equal quantities, the body will be unhealthy in various ways.
It also asserts that humans possess a unique combination of doshas that define someone’s temperament/characteristics.
While surgery and surgical instruments were known early on, Ayurvedic theory claims that a healthy metabolism, good digestion, and proper excretion will lead to greater vitality.
Ayurveda also emphasizes exercise, yoga, and meditation.
Spinning Ashoka Chakra representing the eternal wheel of law
in the center of the flag of India.
Its 24 spokes represent the 24 cogs
in the wheel of
Rotary International
Dharma Wheel of Law:
2²+3²+4² = 29 spokes
Khao Klang Nai, Thailand
