How can I learn more about Ayurveda?

A Brief History of Ayurveda

Ayurveda is originated in India between 5,000-10,000 years ago. Its major branches include surgery, medicine, gynecology, pediatrics, toxicology, Otorhinolaryngology (ears, nose and throat), rejuvenation, and virilification therapy. Core treatment methods include Therapeutic Diet, Herbology, Yoga and Lifestyle routines (Dinacharya). Therapeutic Massage ( Marma Point Therapy), Astrology (Jyotish) and Vastu (Science of Architecture) are powerful adjunct Ayurvedic healing sciences.

Ayurveda is said to be the most ancient healing science. Ayurveda became known to realized seers of India who perceived - in deep meditation - humans' relationship to, and evolution from, the cosmos. This understanding gave rise to a medical system designed to maintain the optimal harmony of that relationship. Ayurveda survived through the centuries as an oral tradition, threading from masters to apprentices through the reciting of succinct Sanskrit phrases ("sutras"). The Vedas, the oldest scriptures of India, chronicles many of Ayurveda's powerful methods. Today Ayurveda is being re-discovered as a comprehensive medical system. It now occupies a central role complementary and integrative medicine in the west, given increasing scientific study and public experience of Ayurveda’s benefits

Resources

The information presented on Ayurveda can be explored in greater depth in the following resources below, authored by renowned Ayurvedic and Western physicians:

Lad, Vasant. (2002). Textbook of Ayurveda: Fundamental Principles of Ayurveda (Volume I). Albuquerque, NM: The Ayurvedic Press.

Lad, Vasant & Usha Lad. (1994). Ayurvedic cooking for self-healing. Albuquerque, NM: The Ayurvedic Press.

Lad, Vasant. (1984). Ayurveda: The science of self-healing. Wilmont, WI: Lotus Press.

Frawley, David. (1989). Ayurvedic healing. New Delhi, India: Shri Jainendra Press.

Frawley, David. (1999). Yoga and Ayurveda. Twin Lakes, WI: Lotus Press.

Svoboda, Robert. (1999). Ayurveda for women. United Kingdom: David & Charles.

Chopra, Deepak. (1997). Overcoming addictions. New York: Harmony Books.

Chopra, Deepak. (1991). Perfect health. New York: Harmony Books.

Johari, Harish (2000). Ayurvedic healing cuisine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.

Standish, Leanna, Cantwell, Michael, & Schlitz, Marilyn. (2004, November). New National Agenda for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The Future of Medicine 2004: Integrating Alternative and Complementary Healthcare in the 21st Century.
San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA.

Warrior, Gopi & Gunawant, Deepika. (1997). The complete illustrated guide to Ayurveda: The ancient Indian healing tradition. Rockport, MA: Element Books.