A science of the body, derived from great ideas, ancient civilizations, and religion of the soul. India, a country in South Asia, never saw knowledge as a distinct entity, but as part of a larger system geared to foster human pleasure, health, and progress.
The love of truth is what philosophy is all about. Science is the process of discovering the truth via experimentation. Religion is the discovery of truth and its application in daily life.
Ayurveda, or the science of life, is a systematized knowledge and practical wisdom that includes all aspects of life, including the body, mind, and spirit. It, like all sciences, has both a practical and theoretical component.
Understanding the fundamentals of Ayurvedic theory will help you make the most of the practical instructions that follow later in this book. This first chapter may appear abstract at first, but please be patient and study it carefully since it is the foundation for all that follows.
You may also want to read more about Ayurveda and Healing here.