Ayurveda

Basics:

Ayurveda is a system of healing that was developed in India thousands of years ago. Even before documented history. The Rig Veda is the earliest documentation of it (about 4000 BC).

It is not really a medical system. It is the science of life. Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word (Ayu meaning life, Veda meaning knowledge) which means the knowledge of life.

Philosophy:

Every individual is made up of five elements: air, water, fire, earth, and ether (space). There are three energies present in any life form: growth, maintenance, and decay. These have been represented as the doshas in Ayurveda:

• Vata dosha: governs the movements, changes in processes, elemination.
• Pitta dosha: governs transformation and metabolism.
• Kapha dosha: governs the growth and maintenance.

When there is an imbalance of these doshas, there are recommendations of how to change lifestyle, diet, and supplements to bring the balance back. This is the principle of addressing to the needs of the body for healing in Ayurveda.

Practice of Ayurvedic include food supplements, diet control, rest, exercises, massage, and the five sense therapies including color, aroma, taste, touch and sound.

Note:

• This field of medical science is too vast and subjective to people's understanding of it. It is a complex science and is dependent greatly on the experience and skill of the practitioner. This article is purely educational. Its accuracy or content can be debated.
• The medicines and supplements that are given to cure your condition is generally uniquely made for you. There is no generalization possible in the effects a medicine can cause in two people.
• It is a very wrong concept to think that there won't be any interaction between ayurvedic medicines and other regular medicines you might take. Please tell your doctor about all medicines or supplements you are taking, including your diet.
• Please go to a licensed doctor only. There are plenty of practitioners who are not qualified enough. Your health is too precious for a gamble.
• This medical science has survived, accumulated, and improved through centuries of history and success. It is hard to even question it or challenge it. However, today's science has attempted to find logic behind this cure. There has been a lot of debate and still lot is not understood and many questions are still unanswered.

Compiled by: Indrajit Sinha; Last updated: 19.11.07 © Medhospital Foundation

There is no generalization possible in medicine. The pages included in this website are purely educational and have been presented for information purpose only. Each section has been prepared with utmost care but should not be used as a substitute for your own physician's advice and care. Please see conditions for use.