Ayurvedic treatment originated in India and has been in practice for over 2000 years. The practise was conducted by Indian traditional folk and they passed on this knowledge by word of mouth to the successive generations until written works evolved. Most Indians have faith in this treatment that over 80% use it either alone or as a complement to conventional medicine.

Ayurvedic practitioners believe that the universe plays an important part in a human beings life. They believe that a human beings life is connected to all that is in the universe and therefore, whether dead or living, such universal objects have a bearing on human beings. Such objects determine diseases and illnesses and hold the key to the treatment of the same. This belief holds that a person can only be healthy if he/she is in complete harmony with the universe. If such harmony is lost, disease sets in.

Ayurvedic medicine drugs are grouped in eight classes; those that act on the head and neck, for toxics, surgery, internal medications, well-being and rejuvenation, psychiatry, sexual vitality and gynaecology, obstetrics, paediatrics. Ayurvedic medicines include herbal plants, minerals, animal parts, oils and spices.

An ayurvedic practitioner will aim to achieve the following while administering treatment;

(a) Eliminate impurities from the body: These practitioners believe that undigested food stick on body tissues and interfere with normal functioning of body parts. The practitioner will administer drugs that aim to clear the digestive and respiratory tracts.

(b) Physical activity: The practitioner, after revewing a patient's condition and symptoms present, may prescribe body exercise accompanied by the used of certain minerals such as gold and iron. Changing of diet may also be prescribed.

(c) Well-being: After reviewing a patient's general condition, the practitioner may prescribe a combination of herbs, minerals and vitamins to help a patient improve his/her well-being. This will not be to treat any disease but to enhance the body's capacity to fend off any disease invasion.

(d) Eradicate stress: The practitioner will administer substances that will assist in nurturing the mind and stop negative worries.

Medicinal plants form a big component of ayurvedic treatment therapies and ayurvedic diets. There are currently over 600 herbal formulas and over 200 plants that are used. Such plants are can be used on their own or mixed with minerals, oils and spices to achieve the desired effects.

Different forms of ayurvedic treatment are practised all over the world with each country setting its own standards that have to be met. Most ayurvedic treatment practitioners even in other areas of the world are mainly Indians. This is attributed to the fact that India has a well developed structure for training and certifying such practitioners. India has over 150 undergraduate and 30 postgraduate training institutions dedicated to ayurcedic studies. These studies have training programs that lead to Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) and Doctor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (DAMS).

Ayurvedic treatment can be toxic if precautions are not taken. It strongly advised to visit a well trained and certified practitioner for treatment.