Ayurvedic
0.0Ayurvedic is a medicinal practice used to combat disease and promote overall health. Originating in India, Ayurvedic is known as one of the world’s oldest medical practices. In the United States, Ayurvedic is known as an alternative form of medicine, as the Ayurvedic philosophy focuses on concepts of universal interconnectedness, constitution, and life forces. Overall, Ayurvedic medicine seeks to integrate and balance one’s mind, body, and spirit in order to promote wellness and prevent illness.
Ayurvedic and Interconnectedness
Interconnectedness focuses on relationships among people, metheir health, and the universe. Ayurvedic practitioners try to analyze the problems that can negatively affect health, while focusing on the following core beliefs:
- All living things in the universe are joined together
- Every human has elements that are found in the universe
- If the mind and body are in harmony, then one’s health will be good
- Disease is caused by a disharmony with the universe
- Disharmonies with the universe can be physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, or a combination of these
Constitution
The Ayurvedic focus on constitution is also known as Prakriti. The constitution is one’s general health, the likelihood of one’s body coming out of balance, and one’s ability to resist and combat disease or other health issues. One’s constitution, or Prakriti, is believed to remain unchanged during one’s lifetime.
Life forces
Life forces, also known as Doshas, refers to the life forces, or energies, of an individual. Ayurvedic philosophy believes that a person’s chances of developing some diseases are related to the way in which one’s Doshas are balanced.
Ayurvedic medicine also believes that Doshas, or life forces, have the following attributes:
- A Dosha is made up elements from the universe
- A Dosha has a specific relationship with bodily functions
- Each individual has a unique Dosha composition
- An imbalance of Dosha can produce symptoms, such as disease or poor health
How Does Ayurvedic Treatment Work?
Ayurvedic treatment is designed and uniquely tailored based on one’s constitution. Practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine require that patients become active participants in treatment, as treatments normally require that patients change their diet, lifestyle, or other personal habits. During any form of treatment, a practitioner focuses on primary goals, such as:
- Ridding the body of impurities
- Boosting the body’s immunity and resistance to diseases
- Decreasing worry and anxiety
- Improving one’s harmony
What Does the Treatment Process Involve?
Ayurvedic treatment may include treatments that often involve nasal sprays, supplements, herbs, or minerals. Specifically, Ayurvedic medicine has a history of relying heavily on plants for treatments. There are currently over 600 herbal formulas and 250 plant supplements that are considered to be treatments for patients of Ayurvedic medicine. While many consider Ayurvedic medicine to be “all natural,” patients should be aware that a failure to follow diet or supplemental instructions correctly can result in serious side effects. All treatments should be supervised by an Ayurvedic professional practitioner.