Ayurvedic medicine originated in India two thousand years ago and is an ancient system of medicine that places emphasis on good nutrition, massage, meditation and natural medicines.

Ayurvedic medicine’s aim is to maintain or restore the body to health in a completely natural way thus ensuring the stability and vitality of the body and mind.

The word Ayurveda comes from the Sanskrit term: ‘knowledge of life’.

Ayurvedic medicine was first made popular in the United States by the Maharishi Mahes Yogi who founded the Transcendental Meditation movement. In the 80’s and 90’s Deepak Chopra, MD promoted the system through books, tapes and lectures.

Ayurvedic medicine stresses a holistic approach – not just the treatment of the symptoms of a particular illness and it sees any disease process as the result of climatic extremes, bacteria, poor nutrition and stress or emotional imbalance.

Ayurvedic medicine practitioners believe that optimal health can only be attained by the cultivation of proper physical, emotional and mental habits and use practices like Hatha yoga, diet, herbal medicines and a positive approach to life to achieve this harmony.

Some practitioners also promote the cleansing of the body with enemas and laxatives. Good health is viewed as the product of a balanced body-mind system.

How is Ayurvedic Medicine Treatment Performed?

In the United States the type of Ayurvedic medicine practiced is similar to the ancient form, but somewhat refined to suit western culture.

Illnesses are diagnosed by observing the action of the pulse and the state of the tongue. Patients are divided into three metabolic body types (doshas): vata, pitta and kapha and treated accordingly. Vata people are thin, quick and energetic, pitta types are competitive and quick to anger while kapha individuals are calm and stolid. Each type is prone to certain illness patterns for example a pitta type will suffer ulcers, inflammation and rashes.

When you visit an Ayurvedic practitioner he or she will ask detailed questions about your temperament, skin, food likes and dislikes and other seemingly strange questions.

Ayurvedic medicine practitioners must determine the patient’s ‘tridosha’. This is a unique combination of the three doshas and determines the type of diet, exercise, lifestyle or therapies that should be followed.

The duration and frequency of treatments will vary depending on the ailment. Of course diet and exercise is something the patient carries out on a daily basis on his or her own but there are other therapies that may be carried out in the practitioner’s home or office.

These may include a warm sesame oil massage followed by breathing exercises and herbal saunas and enemas to detoxify the body.

A treatment program called panchakarma may be prescribed with the aim of general purification and rejuvenation.

Each dosha is said to be rooted in specific organs of the body that are linked to two of the earth’s elements i.e. earth, water, fire, air and space or ‘ether’. It is believed that combinations of the doshas in varying proportions yield ten body types. Each body type determines the character and ailments of the person.

Accurately identifying the tridosha means a unique treatment can be prescribed for a specific person. Dietary advice is based on flavor rather than nutritional content. For example it is thought that increasing the amount of sweet, sour and salty foods you eat will balance vata types. Herbal medicines are derived from a plethora of Indian remedies and include those that induce purging.

Ayurvedic Medicine – Special Precautions

Western medical practitioners believe Ayurvedic medicine to be ineffective and it is not often prescribed. It is generally seen to be a harmless way of achieving balance and harmony within the body and its claims of actually curing specific conditions are most often disregarded.

You should be wary of the excessive prescribing of purgatives and laxatives as their use can lead to chemical imbalances in the body. Never ever take a laxative if you have abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting. Consult a medical doctor first.

If you follow a special diet for diabetes or heart problems always talk to your doctor or dietician before adopting an Ayurvedic diet plan.

If you develop any unpleasant side effects after taking a herbal medicine, discontinue its use and consult a doctor.

Choosing a Therapist

In America there is no recognition for Ayurvedic medicine practitioners and no licensure system either so they may not be easy to find where you live. There are a few othodox doctors and osteopaths who combine the principles of Ayurveda with their regular practice. Ask at your local health shop or pharmacy or search online for a list of practitioners in your area.

When to Stop Treatment

If the condition fails to respond to dietary changes or herbal medicines discontinue them and seek alternative help. Yoga and breathing exercise may be continued for life, of course and will probably leave you healthier and more relaxed. If your symptoms worsen see a medical doctor immediately.