In past times, humans considered Ayurveda as an integral part of daily life and holistic well-being. Originating in ancient India over 5,000 years ago, Ayurveda was more than just a medical system; it was a comprehensive approach to health, incorporating diet, lifestyle, and spiritual practices. Here's a more detailed look at how Ayurveda was viewed and utilized in the past:

1. Holistic Health System: Ayurveda was seen as a complete system of medicine addressing physical, mental, and spiritual health. It emphasized balance among the body's doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and the harmony between the individual and the environment.

2. Preventive and Curative: Ayurveda placed great importance on prevention through lifestyle practices, such as proper diet, regular exercise, meditation, and seasonal detox routines. It also offered curative treatments for various ailments using herbal remedies, dietary adjustments, and therapeutic techniques.

3. Integration with Daily Life: Ayurvedic principles were deeply embedded in daily routines, from morning practices like oil pulling and tongue scraping to dietary guidelines and seasonal regimens. This integration helped maintain balance and prevent diseases.

4. Individualized Treatment: Ayurveda recognized that each person is unique and therefore tailored treatments to individual constitutions and imbalances. This personalized approach aimed at addressing the root cause of health issues rather than just alleviating symptoms.

5. Spiritual and Ethical Dimensions: Ayurveda also encompassed a spiritual and ethical framework, promoting virtues like truthfulness, compassion, and non-violence (Ahimsa). It encouraged living in harmony with nature and respecting all forms of life.

6. Community and Knowledge Transmission: Knowledge of Ayurveda was passed down through generations orally and later through classical texts like the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita. Ayurvedic practitioners, or vaidyas, were highly respected members of the community.

7. Interdisciplinary Approach: Ayurveda often intersected with other fields such as yoga, astrology, and alchemy (Rasashastra), creating a multidisciplinary approach to health and well-being.

In summary, in past times, Ayurveda was revered as a profound science of life and longevity, intricately woven into the cultural, spiritual, and daily fabric of human existence.