The origins of Ayurveda are lost in the mists of time. Ayurvedic practitioners in India and Sri Lanka often claim to be heirs of a 5,000-year-old tradition. The most important Ayurvedic texts of the Indian tradition are much more recent than this, however, being 'only' about 1,200 years old. Yet we must remember that such texts, when they were first written down, distilled the wisdom of an oral tradition that was many thousands of years older. The ancient history of India and Sri Lanka are indistinctly documented; the practices of Ayurveda could well be 5,000 years old, or even older. Going purely by what is known and confirmed, Ayurveda is almost certainly the most ancient system of medicine still in widepread practice. Even today, some three-quarters of modern Indians and Sri Lankans continue to seek and obtain Ayurvedic treatment for their ailments.

But Ayurveda is more than just medicine. It a holistic system promoting complete wellness. The word ayurveda comes from two Sanskrit root-words meaning 'life' and 'knowledge'. The cure of disease, while important, is only a part of the life-knowledge imparted by the traditions and practices of Ayurveda.

In Ayurveda, true health is achieved through the care and treatment of mind, body, spirit and senses. This fourfold complex forms the whole person and all four elements must be treated in order to achieve complete wellness. According to one ancient authority, Ayurveda concerns 'what is good life and bad life, happiness and misery, that which supports or destroys, and the measurement of life. It works to heal the sick, to maintain health in the healthy, and to prevent disease in order to promote quality of life and long life.'

Sri Lankan Ayurveda is based on a philosophy of balance among the key life-giving elements of earth, air, fire, water and ether. Various 'metastable' states of balance exist among these elements, giving rise to three fundamental energy complexes, named vatha, pitha and kapha. These complexes have distinct physical, mental, spiritual and sensory affinities.

	Vatha is the dynamic, energetic aspect of nature; in physiological terms, it governs all movement of and within the body: breath, circulation, peristaltic motion, locomotion and speech. It is connected with creativity and enthusiasm.
	Pitha is the metamorphic or transformative aspect; in physiological terms, it governs digestion and metabolism, body temperature, vision and character aspects such as courage, cheerfulness and intellect.
	Kapha is the principle of growth; its physiological manifestations are in fluid secretion, fluid balance, potency, patience and such character elements as compassion and understanding.

At Meedhupparu, ancient, time-tested Ayurvedic remedies and principles will help restore your personal, unique balance of vatha, pitha and kapha, bringing about a transformation in your general health, physical energy, mental acuity and creativity, resistance to stress and physical appearance.