The term Ayurveda means the 'Science of Life'. Ayurveda originated in India
in the pre-vedic period. Early India texts such as the Rig veda and Atharva
veda (5000 years B.C.), discuss health and diseases. Ayurveda deals with measures
for healthy living during the entire span of a person's life. Besides, dealing
with principles for maintaining health, it has also developed a wide range of
therapeutic measures to combat illness. These principles of positive health
and therapeutic measures relate to the physical, mental, social and spiritual
welfare of human beings. Thus Ayurveda is one of the oldest systems of health
care, which deals with both the preventive and curative aspects of life in a
comprehensive manner.