Ayurveda is a Sanskrit term, made up of the words "ayus" and "veda." "Ayus" means life and "Veda" means knowledge or science. The term "ayurveda" thus means 'the knowledge of life' or 'the science of life'. According to the ancient Ayurvedic scholar Charaka, "ayu" comprises the mind, body, senses and the soul.

The origin of Ayurveda dates back to the Vedic era. Most material relating to the health and diseases are available in Atharva veda. Historians claim that Ayurveda is a part of Atharva Veda. However RigVeda which is the earliest Veda also mentions about diseases and medicinal plants. In Athrava veda there are hyms which mention about medicines like Accorus calamus and Phylanthus Embelia.

The systematized form of Ayurveda dates back to the prehistoric period of Rishi Conference which was held in the foot hills of Mount Himalaya. The earliest codified document on Ayurveda is Charaka Samhita. Sushruta samhita is another codified document. Sushruta tradition was said to be descended and propagated by Dhanvantari whereas Charaka tradition was descended through Atreya. Sushruta School is dominated by surgical procedures and techniques while Charaka Samhita deals with internal medicine.