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.
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