Ayurveda is a medical system that began in India over 8,000 years ago. The system takes its name from the Sanskrit words ayur, meaning life, and veda, meaning knowledge or science. The central principle of Ayurveda is that illness and disease spring from stress or imbalance in a person’s body. Ayurveda encompasses several different types of interventions, from herbal supplements to massage. The goal of Ayurveda is to restore balance to the body, mind, and spirit.