Living in Balance

by WiredBerries Editors — February 18, 2008

Ayurveda is a buzzword around my health-conscious community - a word I know very little about. Turns out, Ayurveda is one of the world's oldest medical systems. Although it is considered an "alternative" medicine in the U.S., it originated in India thousands of years ago. According to the National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, the aim of Ayurveda is to integrate and balance the body, mind, and spirit. This approach is believed to help prevent illness and promote wellness. In Ayurvedic philosophy, people, their health, and the universe are all thought to be related. It is believed that health problems can result when these relationships are out of balance. Herbs, metals, massage, and other products and techniques are used with the intent of cleansing the body and restoring balance. With cold and flu season in full swing, it might be worth taking a deeper look at an approach to health that places weight on the idea of balance and interconnectedness.