What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is a form of natural medicine that originated in India over 3,000 years ago. Ayurveda Sanskrit Ayurvedic (Life) and Vedas (science or knowledge). Hence Ayurveda is translated as Knowledge about lifeAyurveda believes that disease is caused by imbalances in a person’s consciousness or stress, and recommends specific lifestyle interventions and natural therapies to restore balance to the body, mind, spirit and environment.
Ayurvedic treatment begins with an internal cleansing process followed by special diets, herbal remedies, massage therapy, yoga and meditation.
The concept of universal interconnectedness, the constitution of the body (Prakriti), and vitality (Dosha) are the fundamental basis of Ayurvedic medicine. The aim of treatment is to help the patient by removing impurities, reducing symptoms, strengthening resistance to diseases, reducing worries and improving harmony in life. Herbs and other plants, including oils and common spices, are used extensively in Ayurvedic treatment.
In India, Ayurveda is considered a form of medicine on a par with conventional Western medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, naturopathy, and homeopathy. Ayurvedic practitioners in India undergo institutionalized training that is nationally recognized. Currently, Ayurvedic practitioners are not licensed in the United States, and there are no national standards for Ayurvedic training or certification. However, some states have accredited Ayurvedic schools as educational institutions.
Ayurveda can have positive effects when used as a complementary therapy in conjunction with standard conventional medicine.
Many Ayurvedic ingredients have not been thoroughly studied in either the West or India. Some products used in Ayurvedic medicine contain herbs, metals, minerals, and other ingredients that can be harmful if used improperly or without the supervision of a trained physician. Ayurvedic medicines are regulated in the United States as dietary supplements, not drugs, and therefore do not have to meet the safety and effectiveness standards of conventional drugs. These drugs may interact with or reverse the effects of Western medicines. Investigate the training and background of any Ayurvedic physician you plan to use.
Always consult with your doctor before undergoing any Ayurvedic treatment. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, or anyone considering using Ayurvedic treatment to treat a child, should consult with their healthcare provider. It is important to ensure that a diagnosis of an illness or condition has been made by a healthcare provider with sufficient conventional medical training and experience in managing that illness or condition. Ayurveda can have positive effects when used as a complementary therapy in conjunction with standard conventional medicine, but should not replace standard conventional medicine, especially when treating serious conditions.
