It draws heavily from the doctrines developed in the Charaka-Samahita. The main quality that Ayurveda has borrowed from Charaka is its aim of removing the cause of illness and not just curing the disease itself. Ayurveda is based solely on herbs and herbal compounds. The herbs used in Ayurvedic remedies do not operate against the body?s metabolism; their effect is registered gradually resulting in minimum side-effects.

According to Charaka, a noted practitioner of Ayurveda in ancient India, ? A physician who fails to enter the body of a patient with the lamp of knowledge and understanding can never treat diseases. He should first study all the factors, including environment, which influence a patient?s disease, and then prescribe treatment. It is more important to prevent the occurrence of disease than to seek a cure?.

Ayurveda considers that an individual is made up of five primary elements. These elements are ether (space), air, fire, water and earth. While people are a composite of these five primary elements, certain elements have the ability and combine to create various physiological functions. For example, ether and air combine to form what is known in Ayurveda as the Vata dosha. Vata governs the principle of movement and therefore can be seen as the force which directs nerve impulses, circulation, respiration and elimination.

Fire and water are the elements that combine to form the Pitta dosha. The Pitta dosha is the process of transformation or metabolism. The transformation of foods into nutrients that our bodies can assimilate is an example of a pitta function.

Finally, water and earth elements combine to form the Kapha dosha. Kapha is what is responsible for growth, adding structure unit by unit. Another function of the Kapha dosha is to offer protection. Cerebral-spinal fluid protects the brain and spinal column and is a type of Kapha found in the body. Also, the mucus lining of the stomach is another example of the Kapha dosha protecting the tissues.

The system of Ayurveda state that humans are made up of unique proportions of Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas. These ratios of the doshas vary in each individual. When any of the doshas (Vata, Pitta or Kapha) become accumulated, Ayurveda suggests specific lifestyle and nutritional guidelines to assist the individual in reducing the dosha that has become excessive. Ayurveda may also suggest certain herbal supplements to hasten the healing process. If toxins in the body are abundant, then a cleansing process known as Pancha Karma is recommended to eliminate these unwanted toxins.
This art of healing had been held in high esteem in ancient India. It was elevated to a divine status and Dhanvantari, the practitioner of this art was deified as the God of Medicine. Even ordinary practitioners of this art- the Ashwinikumars- were given a special status in mythology and folklore.

Ayurvedic massage may have tongue-twisting names, but are close to guaranteed remedies. Massages are done on a long wooden table. Abhyanga, a synchronized massage uses traditional herbal oils as two masseurs knead the body. The effect of this is obvious as the body relieves itself of excess fluids. Pizhichil rejuvenation treatment is for those with rheumatism and arthritis. An unusual feeling of wellness is experienced with Sirodhara, as medicated oil is poured in an even stream onto the forehead, said to pacify and revitalize the mind and body.