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One of the world's oldest holistic ("whole-body") treatment systems is Ayurvedic medicine ("Ayurveda" for short). It was created in India around 3,000 years ago. It's founded on the premise that good health and well-being are dependent on a delicate balance of mind, body, and spirit. Its primary purpose is to promote good health rather than to combat disease as western medicine typically does. Ayurvedic practices are classified as complementary and alternative medicine in the United States (CAM), basically meaning that they are not viewed as a "cure-all" for disease, but may assist in combatting it.
Students of CAM believe that everything in the universe is related, whether it is alive or dead, and that you will have excellent health if your mind, body, and soul are in tune with the cosmos.
When this equilibrium is upset, you get ill. Genetic or congenital problems, accidents, climate and seasonal change, age, and your emotions are all factors that might throw this balance off.
Ayurvedic practices and practitioners work on the belief that everyone is formed up of the five fundamental elements found in nature: space, air, fire, water, and earth. In the human body, they unite to generate three life forces or energies known as doshas. These are in charge of how your body functions.
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Each person is born with a unique combination of the three doshas, each in charge of a certain bodily function. However, one is generally more powerful than the others. It's thought that the balance of your doshas is connected to your risks of being sick and the health issues you experience. The three doshas are:
Ayurvedic practitioners say this is the most formidable of the three doshas. It regulates essential bodily activities such as cell division. Your cognition, breathing, blood flow, heart function, and capacity to eliminate waste through your intestines are all controlled by it. Eating too soon after a meal, worry, sadness, and staying up too late are all things that might cause it to be disrupted. It is said you're more prone to acquire illnesses like anxiety, asthma, heart disease, skin issues*, and rheumatoid arthritis if your main life force is vata.
*Vata skin tends to be dry and age quickly, so you should be sure to use nourishing, hydrating, and moisturizing products.
This energy is in charge of your digestion, metabolism (how well you break down food), and some appetite-related hormones. Eating sour or spicy meals, as well as spending too much time in the sun, might cause dysfunction. It's believed that if pitta is your major life force, you're more prone to develop Crohn's disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, skin issues*, and infections.
*Pitta skin is thought to be more sensitive and prone to moles and freckles, therefore you should avoid sunlight, over exfoliating, and hot water/steam.
Muscle growth, physical strength and stability, weight, and the immune system are all controlled by this vital force. Sleeping during the day, eating too many sugary foods, and eating or drinking too much salt or water can all cause it to be disrupted. Practitioners say that if it is your primary life energy, you may acquire asthma and other respiratory problems, cancer, diabetes, nausea after eating, skin issues*, and weight gain.
*Kapha skin is typically healthy and balanced, however, it can become too oily. If this is the case, making sure to have a good cleanser and regularly exfoliating is key.
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Ayurvedic practices in the beauty industry have become more popular. The cleanical trend in skincare has led to many products and brands like Purearth and Mauli Rituals being labeled as Aryuvedic, emphasizing their natural, “healthy” ingredients.
If you intend to embark on a full ayurvedic treatment, you will need an Ayurvedic practitioner who will create a fully customized plan for you. They'll consider your specific physical and emotional composition, as well as your major life force and the balance between all three.
The purpose of true ayurveda is to rid your body of undigested food that might cause sickness if left in your system. The cleaning procedure, known as "panchakarma," is intended to relieve your symptoms while also restoring harmony and balance. An Ayurvedic practitioner could use massage, medicinal oils, herbs, enemas, laxatives, or even blood purification to accomplish this. A particular diet, herbal medicines, massage therapy, yoga, and meditation are all used within panchakarma.
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If you are trying any of these products or ayurvedic practices, it is important to remember that in both Western and Indian studies, many Ayurvedic materials have not been properly researched, though they do show promise. Some Ayurvedic medicine products contain herbs, metals, minerals, or other components that, if taken incorrectly or without the supervision of a competent practitioner, can be hazardous.
Ayurvedic medications are not required to fulfill the same safety and effectiveness requirements as conventional medicines since they are classified as dietary supplements rather than pharmaceuticals in the United States. Ayurvedic practices may have the potential to interact with or counteract the effects of Western medications. As always, doing your own research is key.
Written by Kiana St. Onge
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