Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word derived from two roots: ayur, which means life, and veda, which means knowledge. It is the traditional medicine of India and one of the Vedic sciences along with its more widely known sister science yoga. Ayurveda encompasses our entire world – nature, the body, mind and spirit. Ayurveda focuses on prevention of illness and the body’s natural power to heal itself. It is a holistic medicine which takes into account each individual unique make-up. Ayurveda views each individual as having a unique constitution or Prakriti at birth. The Prakrati is comprised of a combination of the three humors; Vata, Pitta and Kapha. An individual’s current state of imbalance or Vikriti is the result of the aggravation or depletion of the dosha(s). Ayurveda uses; lifestyle changes (daily and seasonal), dietary changes, bodywork and herbs, to create a state of balance, body, mind and spirit.