The area of Ayurveda known as Panchakarma is a comprehensive system of knowledge and practices to purify the body of toxins and restore it to balance with natural law. This book reflects the way the original text of Ayurveda, the Charak Samhita, first presented this knowledge. The first section explores in detail the principles which define Ayurveda as a science of life and health. The second section delves more deeply into the Ayurvedic understanding and how to treat it. This section begins with an elaboration of six stages of disease formation and then systematically unfolds the knowledge of Panchakarma, the science of rejuvenation. "This is an elegant exposition of Panchakarma presented by a practising Ayurvedic Vaidya... . The writings are rendered more lucid by the numerous tables, diagrams and black and white illustrative photographs of the practical procedures. A bibliography, glossary and an index lend an additional support." - Uma Krishnaswamy, The Hindu, 11th August 1998 Human beings are suffering despite access to technological advances that offer the promise of unequaled improvements in our quality of life. The flaws in our reliance on a materially-based approach to health are increasingly apparent. In this context, Ayurveda, the ancient system of healing from India, has captured the attention and imagination of the West. The message of Ayurveda is simple: health is more than the mere absence of a definable disease; rather, it is the dynamic integration between our environment, body, mind and spirit. The area of Ayurveda known as Panchakarma is a comprehensive system of knowledge and practices to purify the body of toxins and restore it to balance with natural law.