Ayurvedic medicine, also known as Ayurveda, is a traditional system of medicine that has its roots in ancient India. The word "Ayurveda" is derived from the Sanskrit words "Ayur," meaning life, and "Veda," meaning knowledge or science. Ayurveda is often considered one of the oldest healthcare systems in the world, with a history that dates back 5,000 thousand years.

Key principles of Ayurveda include the balance of the three doshas, which are biological energies believed to govern various physiological and psychological functions in the body. The three doshas are Vata (Air and Ether elements), Pitta (Fire and Water elements), and Kapha (Earth and Water elements). According to Ayurvedic principles, an imbalance in these doshas can lead to illness, and Ayurvedic medicine aims to restore balance and harmony.