What is Ayurveda?

For the past few decades, the field of medicine has been largely influenced by the medical philosophy of the Western world. The emphasis of Western medicine has been predominately curative, relying on chemical preparations and invasive surgery as means of treatment.

In contrast, Eastern medical and therapeutic philosophy focuses on the more metaphysical side of human illness and treatment. Its practice uses a variety of methods ranging from the use of medicinal plants and herbs, massage, acupuncture, aromatherapy, and other alternative healing methods. These methods are now gaining acceptance even in modern societies, mainly due to the increased awareness about the healing arts of China and India. There are volumes of literature on traditional Chinese medicine. The folk remedies and traditional practices in India, which are also ancient and effective, at least according to those who have tried them, also deserve recognition.

Ayurveda, a healing system native to India, is a centuries-old practice that has recently been given attention by Western science. Like traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda practitioners adhere to a particular medical philosophy that regards illness as an imbalance in the body. Illness is also affected by internal and external factors, similar to the Chinese principles of yin and yang. Ayurveda also takes into consideration a patient’s emotions and state of mind alongside the symptoms. It places high importance on the patients sense of taste and diet.

The Three Elements

In Ayurveda, it is believed that the healing of a person must take into consideration three elements found in nature: air, water, and fire. Each of these elements has a deep philosophical background. These elements also govern the major functions of the body. Ayurvedic theory is based on the belief that the balance of these three elements is the basis of health. Any imbalance, blockage, or weakening in these elements causes illness.

It is the task of the Ayurveda practitioner to determine and restore the patient’s harmony. In other words, an infection or ailment is the result of an imbalance in the patient’s natural internal or emotional harmony. These imbalances can be caused by internal or external factors, and may be aggravated or alleviated by the patient’s emotional state and, in some cases, mental health.

Ayurvedic Treatments

The primary concept of Ayurveda is that the restoration of imbalances in the body requires a very personalised concept. Treatment can involve the use of natural oils, minerals, herbs, metals, and even animal ingredients. Similar to how herbal medication is used in traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda medications are given base formulas that are modified by the physician according to the patient’s needs. This process makes getting a treatment for an infection different from Western medicine, where the formulas are constant and only the dose is altered based on the patient’s metabolism and constitution.

As mentioned earlier, diet and taste play a central role in Ayurveda. However, unlike Chinese medicinal doctrine, the taste and quality of the food plays a much larger role in traditional Indian healing arts. Different tastes correspond to different conditions in the body. These tastes are taken into account by an Ayurveda practitioner before prescribing an appropriate treatment. For example, food with a bitter taste is generally considered to cool the body, dry out moisture, and work to remove toxins. This concept also extends to the herbal and animal ingredients that are used in Ayurveda medication.

Ayurvedic Massage

Ayurveda also prescribes a particular form of massage known as Panchakarma for the treatment of emotional distress. This practice is highly similar to acupuncture except that no needles are used. The strokes, pressure, and body manipulations used in Panchakarma stimulate energy flow throughout the body, a process that is necessary to ensure good health. Problems arise when the energy flow is disrupted, blocked, or stalled.

Massage is often prescribed in conjunction with a diet plan and herbal remedies to relieve problems such as sinusitis, stress and anxiety, and other symptoms linked to emotional disharmony, rather than just purely physical ailments.