Ayurveda (Sanskrit for “science of life”) is a traditional system of medicine. It has a long history in India, where it is still practiced as a preventive measure against the disease. In the Western world it is considered a form of alternative medicine. Ayurveda is based on the concept of five elements that make up the universe, including the human body: earth and water, fire, air and ether . The three regulatory types, or doshas – vata (wind/air), pitta (bile), and kapha (phlegm) – are important in relation to the body. There are so many books on the subject that have been handed down by word of mouth that it would be difficult to pick just five, but here are my choices;
Handbook of Ayurveda by Shantha Godagama (2004)
This book is a short introduction and an excellent book to start with if you are new to Ayurveda. Overall, a basic book that will reveal the importance of Ayurvedic life and makes a complex subject accessible.
Ayurveda: Life, Health, and Longevity by Robert E. Svoboda (2004)
This book is an excellent introduction to the subject by a good author writing style to explain theory and philosophy. Ayurveda Dr. Svoboda claims the distinction of being the first Westerner to graduate from an Ayurvedic college and licensed to practice in India. He is on the staff of Kripalu, a yoga and health center in Massachusetts. If you are serious about Ayurveda, you might want to start with this book.
Ayurvedic Healing: A Comprehensive Guide by David Frawley (2001)
This revised edition is an expanded version of the original 1989 edition. This is a small book and a great introduction to the system. With it you can find your body type, determine what diet to follow to balance your system, and various remedies and remedies .
Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume One: Basic Principles (2001)
Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume Two: A Complete Guide to Clinical Evaluation (2007)
by Vasant Lad
There should be one more book in this series to come, based on the teachings of Dr. Lad in Ayurvedic Studies Program. Positive reviews on the cover of the first book from colleagues, Dr. They include David Frawley, and Deepak Chopra. The second book builds upon the first. These are backyards, so if you want some in-depth information, these are your best bet. Dr. Lad is also associated with the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, as well as the founder of the Ayurvedic Institute in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Heaven’s Feast: Vegetarian Cooking for lifelong health the way of Ayurveda by Miriam Kasin Hospodar (2001)
This book is unique among Ayurvedic cooks because it not only features traditional Indian dishes, but uses Ayurvedic principles in a variety of dishes, including paella, moussaka, and a delicious hummus recipe with coconut and cashews. The section is called “The Ten Commandments of Bean Cookery”, which is a great read. As a vegetarian for 40 years, I have quite a few vegetarian cookbooks, and this is one of my favorites.
There are several links among which I have selected mainly authors who have worked and/or continue to work in the field. While you may find many other books worth reading, I have selected these from the pioneers in the field. Most of these authors have also written other books that you may want to check out.
