Ayurveda is an ancient natural healing system. The theory and practice originated in the Vedic traditions of India, from sacred Hindu writings composed in Sanskrit over 5000 years ago. Ayurveda means "knowledge of life," or "science of life," and its focus is on achieving continuous health through maintaining balance. It is a holistic system which integrates mind, body and spirit.
Techniques
Ayurvedic methods include meditation, yoga, massage, herbal medicine and diet. In addition, a purification program called panchakarma helps cells release toxins and then flushes these toxins out through the elimination systems. Ayurveda recommends maintaining regular eating and sleeping routines.
Doshas
In Ayurveda, there are three basic tendencies, called doshas, which must stay in balance for optimal health. The doshas are vata, pitta and kapha. When a dosha becomes too strong or weak, digestion is impaired, and this creates toxins called ama, a residue which accumulates and clogs the cells. Imbalance can result from various factors including mental and emotional stresses, environmental concerns, and dietary issues.
Types
Each person has all three doshas in the physiology, but in different amounts. The prevalence of each dosha determines the person's body type and general personality characteristics, along with the most likely health and mental issues. Vatas generally have more problems with short attention span, indigestion and constipation, insomnia, excessive worrying and anxiety, and joint pain. Pittas can be hostile at work and in their relationships, and have a tendency toward ulcers, liver problems, skin conditions, and high blood pressure. Kapha types can be sluggish, with frequent colds and sinus troubles, a propensity for diabetes and a tendency to become overweight.
Nutrition
Ayurveda recommends eating mostly plant foods with prana, or life-force. These are whole, fresh, organic, alkaline and sun-ripened foods. Certain spices are excellent for health, including coriander, fennel, cumin, turmeric, rosemary and ginger. Sesame oil is recommended for reducing toxins and generating healthy tissues, as well as supplying essential fatty acids. People should avoid processed foods and additives, refined flour and sugar, hydrogenated fats, microwaved food and low-quality meat.
Conventional Medicine
Ayurveda has gained increasing attention in the Western world due to growing interest in alternative medicine and disease-preventive methods. Still, it is rare for physicians specializing in conventional, or allopathic, medicine to include a specialty of Ayurvedic medicine. The National Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine was founded by a medical doctor who also has a Ph.D. in Ayurveda (see Resources), and Ayurveda is vigorously advocated by popular author Deepak Chopra, a medical doctor who created The Chopra Center for Wellbeing.
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