Ayurvedic medicine referred to as simply Ayurveda, is one of the world’s earliest holistic healing systems and was developed a millennium ago in India.
The specific purpose of Ayurveda is not to cure illnesses, even though simple remedies are often suggested, but it is focused more on prevention by promoting healthy habits. The core principle involves maintaining the delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit; in order to achieve good health, they all need to synchronize or be in perfect harmony. Any disruption in this balance often leads to illness or poor health.
Followers of Ayurveda believe that everything in the universe is connected and certain things like birth defects, injuries, climate changes, age and emotions can affect our physical, spiritual, or emotional well-being which subsequently causes us to be out of balance with the universe.
The human body is also said to reflect the five fundamental elements of the universe, namely, space, air, fire, water and earth.
These elements therefore work together in the human body to form three life forces or energies, called doshas that control how our bodies work. The three doshas are:
- Vata dosha (space and air)
- Pitta dosha (fire and water)
- Kapha dosha (water and earth)
We are all born with a special combination of the three doshas, even though one is usually more dominant and becoming ill usually indicates an imbalance in our doshas.
Ayurvedic medicine treatments are not overly complicated and usually involve cleansing the body of undigested food called ama. This cleansing process known as panchakarma may include anything from a massage, to drinking special teas for blood purification or the use of enemas, laxatives, or purgatives to cleanse your intestines.
Other treatments methods also include:
- Diet changes
- Herbs, vitamins, minerals, and metals
- Plant-based oils and spices
- Lifestyle changes
- Aromatherapy
- Breathing exercises
- Meditation
- Stretching
- Yoga
Leave a Reply