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Treating the root of the problem

Ayurveda is a form of traditional medicine that originated in India thousands of years ago. Its name comes from the Sanskrit term for “knowledge of life” and its practitioners strive to treat the cause of an illness rather than its symptoms.

Using primarily herbal medicines, Ayurveda combines preventive health care, healing and a healthy life philosophy. Treatments can include long-term detoxification programmes as well as quicker pick-me-ups, like oil massages designed to rejuvenate.

Established in 1967, Gujarat Ayurved University in Jamnagar, India, was the first institute devoted exclusively to Ayurvedic studies and research. Students from all over the world attend.

(All images Peter Volck / laif)

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