Ayurveda is an Eastern system of medicine that has been practised for over 5000 years. The relationship between occupations and health is a fundamental aspect of the ayurvedic health model. It could contribute a strong spiritual element to modern occupational therapy practice and may be more culturally appropriate for people with strong Hindu/Buddhist beliefs than modern occupational therapy models. The aim of this paper is therefore to introduce the ayurvedic model to occupational therapists that are unfamiliar with it. It describes assumptions underlying the ayurvedic model and related frames of reference that are relevant to occupational therapy. Yoga is the main occupational therapy intervention advocated by the model. The branches of yoga are described. Other traditional interventions are summarised but not described in detail. Sanskrit terminology has mostly been removed and concepts have been simplified for the ease of a general readership.