Ayurveda recognizes three primary levels of healing:

1. Treatment of disease
   
   
2. Prevention of disease and promotion of well-being
   
   
3. Development of self awareness and balance of body, mind and spirit

The majority of us think of medicine when we "fall ill" and we seek treatment of a disease. The medicine we take is aimed at fixing something already broken. Western medicine treats disease through invasive therapies such as drugs or surgery which may have resulting side effects. Ayurveda treats disease with a series of internal and external therapies using natural ingredients that have little or no adverse side effects.

Ayurveda as it name implies is a "science of life" according to which we are made up of the same five elements as the universe (Water, Fire, Air, Earth and Space) When we are close to these elements or one with them and nature, then there is perfect balance in the energies (the doshas) within us and we enjoy good health.

When these links are disrupted there is an imbalance in the energies within us, and this leads to ill -health and disease. In these circumstances Ayurveda uses natural products - made up of the same elements as the universe, derived from trees and herbs, to prepare medicine that can treat the root causes of the illness and restore our balance and good health. This aspect of Ayurveda is known as "Shamana Chikitsa"

At another level of healing, Ayurveda prevents and eliminates disease before the symptoms manifest. To be able to do this, we have to consider our life style, environment, work and psychological conditions. We need to remove those factors of our lives that make us vulnerable to disease. Health then becomes a matter of continuing adjustment, and achieving a balanced life style.

Our modern life style is such that we invariably move away from our natural balanced state. The food we eat, the air and noise pollution we face, the stress at work, and balancing competing interest of work and family all add up to build toxin which collect in various parts of the body and lead to disease. So Ayurveda recommends a system of purification with natural ingredients and therapies to collect the toxins in specific parts of the body, and then expel them from the body. This purification process also includes a process of rejuvenation and strengthening of the immune system to prolong well-being. This life enhancement therapy, aims at improving our vitality and enables us to delay the aging process and live longer. This aspect of Ayurveda is called "Shodana Chikitsa"

At a profound level, Ayurveda encourages development of self awareness, through a conscious way of life. Health is not an end in itself and our energy has to be channeled to developing self awareness of our place in the universe.

The philosophy of Ayurveda was first discovered (or revealed) to the "Rishis" or the wise men during times of deep yogic meditation. Thus Yoga and meditation complements Ayurveda Therapies and are important elements in achieving a harmonious balance of body, mind and spirit.