Ayurveda is an ancient system of healing that has its roots in the Vedic knowledge of ancient India. It is thought by many scholars to be the oldest healing system in existence. The knowledge contained in Ayurveda deals with the nature, scope, and purpose of life. This system of healing embraces the metaphysical and physical, health and disease, happiness and sorrow, and pain and pleasure. It defines life as the expression of cosmic consciousness (sometimes called God, the Divine, Universal Awareness, or the Creator) manifest as the entire sphere of creation. In Vedic knowledge, the purpose of life is to know or realize the Creator (cosmic consciousness) and to express this divinity in one's daily life.

Ayur means life, and veda means knowledge. Systematized knowledge becomes a science, and so Ayurveda is considered the science of life. According to this system, individual life is a microcosm of the cosmos—an indivisible, unique phenomenon. Ayurveda evolved from practical, philosophical, and spiritual illumination, rooted in the understanding of creation. The ancient seers, or rishis, were highly evolved, spiritual human beings who came to understand creation through deep meditation and other spiritual practices. In their search for an understanding of the creation of all things, Ayurveda was evolved. It helps each person understand one's unique body, mind, and the nature of daily operating consciousness. According to Ayurveda, this basic knowledge of body, mind, and consciousness is the foundation of health and happiness.