WHAT IS AYURVEDIC MEDICINE?
For centuries, the people of India have relied on the practices of traditional Ayurvedic medicine to cure everything from infertility to digestive disorders. Fortunately, in recent years, as alternative medicine practices have become more popular worldwide, Ayurveda has experienced a major global resurgence.
What is the aim of Ayurvedic treatment?
The main aim of Ayurvedic medicine is to help people live long, healthy and balanced lives, without the need for prescription drugs, complicated surgery or painful illnesses.
In fact, the very word Ayurveda in Sanskrit means something similar to “life span based on knowledge” or “science of life”.
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old system of natural healing that has truly stood the test of time. Originating in the Vedic culture of India, it is in fact considered by many to be the oldest healing science there is.
What is Ayurvedic medicine?
Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old system of natural healing that has truly stood the test of time. Originating in the Vedic culture of India, it is in fact considered by many to be the oldest healing science there is.
What is Ayurvedic medicine?
This system is based on the principle that there are three doshas: Vata, Pitta, Kapha.
Vata – It’s often said that Vata energy is like the wind. It is primarily responsible for mobility, movement, circulation, breathing and other essential bodily functions. Vata types are known to be creative and energetic when in balance, but fearful, stressed and “scatterbrained” when not. Physically, Vata types are generally thinner, have smaller bones and tend not to gain weight easily. They can also feel cold most of the time, have a delicate digestive system and dry, sensitive skin.
Pitta – Pitta is the energy force that governs most metabolic activities, including digestion, nutrient absorption, body temperature and energy expenditure. Pitta people tend to be intelligent, hard-working and motivated (even competitive) when in balance, but can be excessively angry and aggressive when not. They tend to be medium-built, athletic and versatile in terms of weight gain or muscle.
Kapha – Kapha controls growth in the body and is considered the nourishing dosha. It supplies moisture to cells and organs and helps maintain a strong immune system. Kaphas are known to be grounded, supportive, loving and forgiving when in balance – almost like a maternal type. However, they can also be lazy, insecure, envious and sad when out of balance.
Another fundamental belief of Ayurveda is that illnesses originate from an imbalance between these three energies and a disconnection with nature.
According to various studies, Ayurvedic medicine and an appropriate Ayurvedic diet can help treat inflammatory, hormonal, digestive and autoimmune problems, including:
Anxiety or depression
Asthma
Certain types of cancer
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)
Herpes
High blood pressure or cholesterol
Parkinson’s disease
Perimenopausal problems
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and cramps.
Ayurvedic herbs, practices and recommendations have also proved useful for ;
treating acne
relieve chronic constipation or irritable bowel syndrome
combat chronic fatigue syndrome
reduce pain
reduce the risk of obesity
How does Ayurvedic medicine work?
One of the fundamental principles of Ayurveda, and what distinguishes it from Western medicine, is that it takes into account “bio-individuality” and the whole link between a patient’s body, mind and soul.
Rather than treating symptoms with drugs and ignoring underlying problems, this system aims to examine the root causes of disease and how they relate to a person’s thoughts, beliefs and lifestyle – in other words, their “vital energy”.
What is of particular interest to researchers studying traditional healing symptoms such as Ayurveda is the power of the mind and its link with the body. Since various studies have recognized that beliefs surely have the capacity to change a person’s health, even after placebo control, new health models are beginning to focus more on the inclusion of the mind and its interaction with the body as the main lever for healing disease.
How effective is Ayurvedic medicine?
It helps reduce stress and anxiety. As stress is linked to almost every aspect of overall health, an Ayurvedic practitioner can use a number of different techniques to naturally combat symptoms of anxiety and depression, reduce cortisol levels and promote balance of the body’s hormones or “energy”.
Stress relief techniques can include; meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, herbal treatments, skin brushing, visualization, repetition of inspirational mantras.