Ayur Veda – ‘knowledge of life’.
From the ancient Artharva Veda, compiled in Sanskrit, Ayurveda is the science which deals with the 4 types of life: Hita (useful), Ahita (harmful), Sukha (happy), Dukha (unhappy).
Ayurveda is the most sacred science because it is good to mankind in respect of their present life as well as the life beyond. 
Pathogenic factors in the body (Dashas) are: Vata, Pitta & Kapha, and are overcome through proper diet/medicine/discipline.
Pathogenic factors in the mind (Gunas) are: Sattva, Rajas & Tamas (goodness, passion & ignorance), and are overcome through spiritual knowledge/patience/meditation.
QUALITIES
VATA
rough, cool, light, subtle, mobile, non-slimy, course
PITTA
unctuous, hot, sharp, liquid, sour, fluid, pungent
KAPHA
heavy, cool, soft, unctuous, sweet, immobile, slimy
Read about the Three Doshas >
Why Vegetarian? >
