Definition - What does Ayurveda mean?

Ayurveda is a holistic form of healing originating in India. Considered a form of alternative medicine, this whole-body treatment method is said to be over 3,000 years old. The premise of ayurveda medicine is that a person's health is dependent on the maintenance of a balance between the mind, body, and spirit. Ayurveda is not usually employed to treat a specific illness or disease, but as a means to maintain good health.

SureHire explains Ayurveda

The word Ayurveda is a combination of the words ayur, meaning life and veda, meaning science. Ayurveda medicine is said to be a mind-body healing system. Practitioners of Ayurveda believe that the mind and body are closely linked and that the mind is the greatest controller of one's physical health. Further, the practice emphasizes balance and self-awareness. Through awareness and mental control such as meditation, a person can affect their wellness.

Followers of an ayurveda program are encouraged to eat a varied and wide ranging diet, sleep well, and stay attuned to their natural environment and mental state. Nutrition and digestive health plays an important role in ayurveda. Plant-based substances are sometimes used for ayurvedic treatments. The practice also encourages exercise and yoga.

Related Terms

• Proper Storage and Movement of Supplies
• Full and Microscopic Examination of Urine
• Radial Nerve
• Dextroamphetamine
• Human Error
• Consumer-Driven Health Plan
• Magnetic Resonance Angiogram
• Oxycodone
• Phencyclidine (PCP)
• Material Safety Data Sheet
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
• Treadmill Test