What is Ayurvedic Medicine

Ayurvedic medicine is a traditional Indian system of healing. Its name is made up of two Sanskrit words, ayar meaning 'life' and veda meaning 'knowledge.'

There is an old saying 'prevention is better than cure' and often the Ayurvedic way is to treat people before they show signs of illness through prevention. People are in close touch with their therapist even when they aren't ill as their therapist will monitor all aspects of their life and advise changes when they feel it is necessary.

Ayurvedic practicioners work alongside orthodox doctors; people who are sixk will be treated with a mix of conventional/Ayurvedic treatments such as a change in diet and eating habits, mineral supplements and surgery.

Within the Ayurvedic doctrine, every one and everything in the universe is made up of three basic elements or forces and these control the mind and body. They are compared to the qualities of the sun, moon and wind.

Vata like the wind is always moving and controls the nervous system

Kapha, like the Moon's influence on the tides, controls the balance of tissue fluid and cell growth

Pita, like the sun, is an energy source and controls the digestive system and all biochemical processes.

When these forces are working together in harmony, a person is in good heath. Illness results when they are out of balance. The Ayurvedic practitioner will, through careful analysis, work out where there is imbalance that is causing any physical or mental problems. A Pitta (sun) imbalance for instance might be caused by alcoholism, depression, anxiety, anger while a Vata (wind) imbalance may be caused by eating unhealthy foods or irregular meals, jealousy, anger or leading too promiscuous a sex life. A Kapha (moon) imbalance might be due to a lack of exercise, lack of sleep or to seasonal affects.

Ayurvedic is a holistic system of medicine. No illness is approached in isolation. All conditions are divided into four main classes:

Accidental: Illnesses in this class can be related to a sting, bite, cut, fall, burn ... these illnesses are usually treated in the first instance through first aid

Mental: Illnesses linked to this category take the form of mental exhaustion, jealousy, pride, anger, laziness and anxiety. These illnesses can be treated through counselling and meditation.

Natural: This category incorporates the natural processes of living: birth, growing old and dying and the natural consequences of, for instance a lack of water or thirst: dehydration, of over eating or drinking or of insomnia.

Physical: Illnesses relating to this category are skin problems, tumours, inflations, blockages. They are treated with a mix of medicine, diet and orthodox medicine.

Treatments Used in Ayurvedic Medicine

Ayurvedic practitioners might use herbal medicine or suggest a change of diet. The right balance of treatment will mean regular contact between practitioner and patient until they get the balance right. Food should be prepared depending on the time of day, season and weather and the needs of the individual. Food should be eaten slowly and well chewed. Patients are encouraged to savour the taste and to swallow in a happy state of mind. Orthodox treatment includes surgery while Ayurvedic practitioners will also recommend massage, enemas, meditation, yoga, breathing exercises and steam baths.

Sources

Frawley D & Lad V "The Yoga of Herbs: An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine" Lotus Press (2001)

Shanhhag Vivek "A Beginner's Introduction to Ayurvedic Medicine" McGraw-Hill Contemorary (1994)