"That is designated as Ayurveda or the Science of Life wherein are laid down the good and the bad of life, the happy and unhappy life, and what is wholesome and what is unwholesome of life, as also the measure of life."

Charaka

In simple terms, Ayurveda is a way of life. The word Ayurveda comes from two Sanskrit roots, "Ayus" meaning life and "Vid" meaning knowledge. Ayurveda shows the way to a harmonious and graceful life by healthy integration of body, mind and spirit. Thus holistic well-being is the aim of Ayurveda, not mere healing of a specific illness.

Genesis

Ayurveda is the oldest and most complete system of health care. Its origins date 4000 years back, to the Vedic Civilization in India. The Vedas are ancient Hindu books of knowledge that are said to have been divinely revealed to the sages of India. Of the four Vedas, the fourth Veda, the Atharva Veda is the source of knowledge about Ayurveda. The Charaka Samhita and the Sushruta Samhita are the most famous of the ancient treatises on Ayurveda.