Ayurveda - The Art of Being

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In Theaters: July 19, 2002 (limited)

1h 42m | Documentary, Drama

Ayurveda is probably the world's oldest continually practiced holistic healthcare system, a means to a more balanced state of mental and physical wellbeing. This film follows various Indian practitioners of this revitalized discipline as they apply the ancient doctrines in this age of nuclear power, the internet and instant everything.

Originating in India and then spreading to Egypt, Greece, Rome, Tibet, China, Russia and Japan, Ayurveda is estimated to be between 2500 and 5000 years old. It is the Science of Life, specifically referring to harmonious integration of the body, mind, senses and spirit, an art of living, an art of being.

Some Ayurveda and Ayurvedic formulas did make it to the West and Far East, including one for haircare using fruit products from which the word "shampoo" originated. European surgeons started to practice Indian techniques to repair damage to the face from battle, thus fostering the discipline we call plastic surgery. Acupuncture, Tibetan medicine and "Zen" meditation all derived from Ayurvedan science. Thus, Ayurveda has for centuries affected our existence regardless of where we live.