Ayurveda (the science of life) is one of the branches of vedas. It is regarded as upaveda of rigveda or atharva-veda but, really speaking,it is a stream of the knowledge coming down from generation to generation since eternity parallel to the vedic literature that is why its emergence has been said to be from the creator (Brahma) himself prior to the creation.It is called eternal because nobody knows when it was not there. All this shows its long tradition and deep attachment to the Indian culture.
Ayurvedic Definition of Health
Prasannatma, indriyas manah swath abhidayate.
Health is in balance when all three doshas (bioenergy) and agni (metabolic process) are in balance, and excretions are in proper order. When atman (soul), senses, manah (intellect) are in harmony with internal peace, the svastha (optimal health) is achieved.
Aim of Ayurveda
प्रयोजनं चास्य स्वस्थस्य स्वास्थ्य रक्षणं आतुरास्य विकार प्रशमनं च...
Prayojanam chasya swasthasya swasthya rakshnam Aturasya vikar prashamanam ch...
The objective of Ayurveda is to protect health of the body and to alleviate disorders in the diseased.
Dharmarthakamamoksanamarogyam mulamuttamam..... *Ch.Su.-I/16
Disease-free condition is the best source of virtue, wealth, gratification and emancipation while the disease is destroyer of this source, welfare and life itself.
Ayurveda provides knowledge of aetiology, symptomatology and therapeutics, best way for both the healthy and the sick, tri-aphormismic, continuing since time immemorial and virtuous which was first known to Brahma the creator.