What is Ayurveda and how does  Ayurveda work?

The concept  of holistic medicine is so rarely seen in  the western world that many people think it  is a new idea. But  the idea of keeping  the body, mind and spirit balanced to promote good health has  been around almost as long as medicine itself. One type of traditional medicine that relies heavily  on such concepts, ayurveda, has origins that go back thousands of years. 

Native to  India, Ayurveda consists of a variety of treatments based on doshas. Doshas are combinations of elements that are said to make up  the human body. There are three doshas: 

• Vata -  This dosha deals with air  and ether elements. It controls nerve impulses, muscle and joint movement, breathing and heartbeat. It also governs  the emotions of anxiety, fear and pain. 

• Pitta -  Represented by fire  and water, Pitta is associated with metabolism, digestion, intelligence and skin color. Emotions controlled by the pitta include anger, hate and jealousy. 

• Kapha -  Kapha is associated with earth and water. The body's physical structure and  the immune system are controlled by this dosha. It is also responsible for  the emotions  of calmness, forgiveness, love and greed. 

These doshas  are said  to form at  the time  of conception and play a major role  in each individual's physical characteristics and personality. If any dosha becomes unbalanced,  the corresponding systems suffer  and illness develops. This is why ayurvedic medicine emphasizes treatment  of the entire person, not just symptoms  of disease. 

The key to effective  Ayurvedic treatment is a thorough assessment. Ayurvedic assessments often last  an hour  or more. The practitioner asks  the patient questions about his health and lifestyle and checks  the pulse  at twelve different points. The tongue, skin, lips, fingernails and eyes are also closely examined, as they  may hold clues to imbalances  in the doshas. 

Ayurvedic treatment plans usually consist  of several different methods designed to create harmony in  the system. A patient might be advised to alter his diet, go through a detoxification regimen, take herbal medicine, meditate and exercise. Massage and yoga are also often used in Ayurveda. 

Ayurveda utilizes a number  of treatments  that are used on their own in alternative medicine. Some, such as diet modification and exercise regimens, are also frequently recommended by doctors of conventional medicine. While Ayurveda's treatment methods are not particularly unique, its philosophies and diagnostic practices are. 

In India, Ayurveda practitioners usually receive extensive training. In most other countries, however, no licensing or certification is required. If you choose to seek ayurvedic treatment, ask your doctor to recommend a practitioner who has received plenty of training. Ayurveda is a complex discipline, requiring a great deal of skill and knowledge. 

Notes: DrJMinor

[Watch page ]

EditText of this page (last edited December 10, 2009)