What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda

The name Ayurveda is derived from two Sanskrit words, Ayur meaning life and longevity, and Veda meaning knowledge or science. In other words Ayurveda means "the Science of Life" that teaches us to live life in a true and natural balance. It is the traditional natural healing system of India, which has been practiced for over 6000 years.

Ayurveda is based on the theories that a human being is a balanced composition of body, mind and soul. Life styles which are based on the true principles of Ayurveda will resist diseases, arrest premature ageing and retain youthfulness for a long time.

The Uniqueness in Ayurveda Treatment

Ayurvedic treatment is unique in its approach to health and disease. Instead of suppressing the main symptoms, the root cause is eliminated and thus gives permanent relief. The treatment is mainly carried out using powders, tablets, decoctions, medicated oils etc. prepared from natural herbs, plants and minerals, and massages.

The Basic Methodologies of Ayurveda

Ayurveda works upon the following principles:

1. The detoxification and cleansing of the body;

2. The stimulation of the immune system;

3. The handling of stress;

4. The deceleration of the progress of age;

5. The rejuvenation of lost energy.

The most important aspect of Ayurveda is how it defines 'health': it is an active state of wellness; not a state of existence, but a state where one lives and feels alive.

How Ayurveda works

Ayurveda offers to its followers precise guidance on how they should live, eat, and behave, all of which appeals to the very essence of Ayurveda: the balancing of the dosha, the triumvirate of elements within the human body. The 3 elements of the dosha each represent the 3 major systems of the human body: the respiratory system, as water (kapha); the digestive system, as fire (pita); and the reproductive system, as wind (vata).

The individual and collective states of these elements play a very important role in the health of a person, as any instabilities that arise may have dire consequences upon him or her. In fact, Ayurvedic belief has it that one only succumbs to illness when these elements within the person take to battle, by opposing or not complementing each other.

The Ayurvedic doctor has been trained to understand these elements. He will first put the patient (patient) through a procedure called pulse diagnosis. This diagnostic procedure will reveal to him any afflictions the patient is suffering from, after which he will be able to treat the patient accordingly. The Ayurvedic doctor will then try to improve the health of his patient, by employing a variety of natural herbs, oils, and massaging techniques, all of which have been fashioned to pacify the elements and keep the 3 doshas in equilibrium.

Among other things, opposing elements will be made complementary, toxins and residues foreign to the body will be extracted, and marma points (similar to acupuncture points) will be stimulated, all with time-tested methods.

Recent Trends in the Practice of Ayurveda

Ayurveda is considered to be the oldest health system still in existence. Its relevance is evidenced by how diverse and widespread enough it is to be practiced in many areas of the world.

The Ayurvedic system has been experiencing a revival in Western medical arenas lately, and the trend is towards its incorporation in Western health-care systems. Many centers have been and are being set up in different countries around the world to teach Ayurvedic knowledge, and more people are being exposed to the Ayurvedic lifestyle, technique, and concepts with each passing day.

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