Ayurveda is direct observation and awareness of natural qualities and energies, and applying opposites for balance to prevent excess or deficiency. It is based on the observation that everything in nature is made from the same core elements and energetic forces. Core tenets of Ayurveda are 'like increases like' and 'opposites balance'. It is about responsible, peaceful living within natural boundaries. It empowers every person to observe and maintain their own health and well-being through daily balance with food, drink, sensory inputs, movement, rest, meaningful activity, and paying attention to nature's cycles, seasons, and stages. It is a way of being and looking at life. I think of it as a prescription for natural living. It is a 5000-year-old Vedic wisdom tradition and healing system that promotes living in rhythm with Nature, because we are made from Nature. It is the physical healing system of the Vedas and a sister science of Yoga which is the spiritual healing system. Ayurveda focuses on energetics and the active forces within our body that "sculpt" our individual compositions of biological tissue and chemistry. These are catabolic, metabolic, and anabolic forces - movement, transformation/digestion, stabilisation - known as Vata, Pitta, Kapha. Ayurveda acknowledges the intelligence in nature and natural law. It supports personal behavioural practice and is the ultimate preventative medicine.

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Jyotish is Vedic Astrology, and like all astrology provides a system or framework for considering the aspects of our human nature in more depth and detail with consideration for life at large, its effect on us, and our effect on life.  It is a very useful adjunct to Ayurveda for assisting with physical, mental, and emotional aspects of our nature, and to support our conscious awareness and choice. Jyotish is a sacred science with many profound layers of understanding life. However, we can use  its observations of patterns and natural law as a framework for deep self-awareness and to directly observe our human nature, and support what is true and kind for self and others.

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I use both of these healing systems because I find them to be accurate, truthful, practical, compassionate, and effective.