What I find most striking about this book is how it encompasses, in less than 200 pages, most of the wisdom and “great tips” regarding good health that you had always heard somewhere else, namely, from “health gurus”, and “specialists”. It is because Ayurveda, the “science of life” is the primal source of the science of self-healing. Originating in Cosmic Consciousness, this millenary wisdom was intuitively received in the hearts of rishis or “seers of truth” who perceived that this consciousness is energy manifested into the five basic principles or elements which lie at the heart of Ayurvedic science: Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth, all present in every human being, considered therefore as a microcosm. The book is not only an enlightening treaty about how these elements relate to the organs of the senses and their actions and how Ayurveda aims to enable each individual to bring his body into a perfect harmonious relationship with that Consciousness, but it is also a useful guide on how to accomplish self healing. This practical guide includes indeed instructive illustrations, explanations on how disease develops, its diagnosis, treatment and helpful diet tips, as well as Yoga asanas or postures indicated for each ailment. And of course, last but no least, a chapter on “medicinals” including the kitchen pharmacy, or the healing power of food, metals, gems, stones and color therapy. This should definitely be one of your bedside books.

Ayurveda : the science of self-healing. Dr. Vasant Lad. Twin Lakes, Wisconsin: Lotus Press, Reprinted 2009. Published in 2004.