Ayurveda finds its origins in India, where it is estimated that more than 5,000 years ago the holistic art of healing originated. The approx. 3,000 year old records "Agnivesha Tantra" testify to a thousand year old tradition. Over the years, the knowledge of Ayurveda has been further developed. Nowadays Ayurveda in India, Sri Lanka and Nepal is still widely practiced .
In India and Sri Lanka, Ayurveda is taught at state universities. The study of the Ayurvedic healing art is approximately five and a half years and is concluded with a state examination. The trained physicians may subsequently practice as Ayurvedic physicians and are called "Vaidya".
There are also some Ayurvedic institutes in Europe in which Ayurvedic training is offered in accordance with Indian traditions.