Ayurveda & Ayurvedic Medicine.
Ayurveda is an ancient system of holistic medicine that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. It focuses on maintaining a balance between the mind, body, and spirit to promote overall health and well-being. The word “Ayurveda” is derived from Sanskrit, where “Ayur” means life, and “Veda” means knowledge or science. It encompasses a wide range of principles and practices aimed at achieving harmony within the individual and their environment. Ayurvedic treatment involves a personalized approach to healthcare. It categorizes individuals into different constitutional types or “doshas” based on their unique combinations of three fundamental energies: Vata (air and ether), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (earth and water). The goal of Ayurvedic treatment is to balance these doshas and address any imbalances that could lead to illness. Ayurvedic treatments can include a combination of dietary recommendations, herbal remedies, detoxification techniques, yoga, meditation, massage, and lifestyle adjustments. The emphasis is on natural and preventive approaches to health, focusing on maintaining balance rather than simply treating symptoms. It’s important to note that while Ayurveda has a rich history and many proponents, its effectiveness and safety can vary, and not all aspects of Ayurvedic treatments have been rigorously scientifically tested. If you’re considering Ayurvedic treatment, it’s advisable to consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or a healthcare professional familiar with the practice.
Meaning of Ayurveda?
“Ayurveda translates to life knowledge”. Ayurveda is a natural medicine system that originated in India more than 3,000 years ago. The term Ayurveda is derived from the Sanskrit words ayur (life) and Veda (science or knowledge).
How does Ayurveda help?
It has been practiced in India for at least 5,000 years and recently became popular in Western cultures.
Ayurveda prevents and treats illness by maintaining balance in the body, mind, and consciousness through proper drinking, diet, lifestyle, and herbal remedies. Ayurveda, the traditional medical system of India, delineates three categories of fundamental regulatory principles for the body; mind and behavior. These 3-categories are called Doshas which are named: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, and then their combination for various diseases.
The 5-Principles of Ayurveda?
Ayurveda believes that the entire universe is composed of five elements: Vayu (Air), Jala (Water), Aakash (Space or ether), Prithvi (Earth), and Teja (Fire). These 5- elements (referred to as Pancha Mahabhoota in Ayurveda) are believed to form the three basic humors of the human body in varying combinations.
Ayurvedic treatment starts with an internal purification process, followed by a special diet, herbal remedies, massage therapy, yoga, and meditation.
The concepts of universal inter-connectedness:
- The body’s constitution (Prakriti).
- Life forces (Doshas) are the primary basis of Ayurvedic medicine.
What are the 3-Qualities of Humans according to Ayurveda?
Ayurveda and the Doshas-A combination of each element result in three senses of humor, or doshas, known as vata, kapha, and pitta. These doshas control physiological, mental, and emotional healt.
How to use Ayurveda in daily life?
Dinacharya states that these practices in Ayurveda are fundamental:
- Drinking warm water.
- Evacuation.
- To wake up before the sun rises.
- Rinse your face with cold water to become alert for the coming day.
- Oil massage.
- Exercise.
- Bathe.
Just like Homeopathy, Herbalism; Ayurveda can treat a range of diseases with great success, such as:-
- Respiratory conditions such as; Asthma, Bronchitis, Hay fever etc
- N.T Conditions and Infections.
- Mental health & Psychosomatic conditions, such as Depression, Stress and Anxiety.
- Allergies, such as food allergies, Dermatitis (an allergic skin condition).
- Diseases of Joints & Muscles such as Arthritis, Rheumatism. Osteoarthritis
- Cardiac and circulatory diseases such as poor circulation, Low & High blood pressure.