Ayurveda is like an instruction manual of natural living for human beings.It provides a systematic approach to health that includes a proper diet, exercise and seasonal daily practices that lead to healthy living.

Ayurveda also provides treatments for physical and psychological ailments. These include herbal medicines, massage, oil treatments and body cleansing. The treatments are all-natural, and have no side effects. Further, because Ayurveda treats the root cause of the illness rather than the symptoms, it provides lasting effects rather than temporarily relief.

All ingredients used (herbs, plants and minerals) are found in their natural habitats, and are prepared in non-polluting ways. This ensures there are no negative impacts on our environment.

The written source of this science is ancient books of knowledge known as the Vedas. The Vedas contain practical and scientific information on a wide variety of issues including philosophy, logic, engineering, agriculture, economics and politics, amongst other subjects. These areas are fascinating subjects in their own right, but this book explores only one of the Vedic branches - that of health, Ayurveda.

Vedic knowledge propounds the principle of natural balance within the body and harmony with the environment. People are seen as an integral part of their habitat - not as a separate entity from the natural world. Obtaining and maintaining balance within the body and mind, and with the external environment, is one of the goals of this knowledge. Living in harmony with nature and according to natural principles ensures complete physical health and peace of mind.

Modern life often violates the principles of natural living. We work long hours in offices with artificial light and air conditioning systems. We rush from one mundane task to the next while being bombarded with advertising and constant noise, and absorbing pollution through the air and water. Pure water and air are becoming scarce resources, in an environment that is becoming increasingly toxic to the humans that live in it.

Living naturally according to some simple principles can prevent the need for expensive medical treatment or suffering needlessly from debilitating conditions. Learning to listen to your body and read the signals of distress can help you maintain health, making you more productive in your life as well as contented.

So is this ancient wisdom secret, or only available to a fortunate few? Or are the principles hard to comprehend and difficult to apply? You will be pleasantly surprised to know it is easily learnt by anyone and can be adapted into your life starting from today. It does not require any fancy equipment or expert knowledge, and costs no more (and probably less) than what you already spend on groceries. Maintaining your health is based on nothing more complex than understanding the characteristics of your body and qualities of the food you eat. Many of the remedies for common ailments can be simply and quickly prepared in your own kitchen with widely available herbs.

The instruction manual for the natural living of human beings is called Ayurveda, which is presented here in a simplified form. Understanding this philosophy of life enables you to become your own "healer". You learn about your body, how it functions and how to treat it through diet and herbal remedies. In fact, you also become your own dietician, personal trainer, counselor or psychologist, stylist and beautician! Ayurveda is a unified system that encompasses all these aspects. The magic of it is that it involves nothing more expensive or complex than adapting your diet and lifestyle..