What is Ayurvedic Medicine? Ayurvedic medicine is a complementary alternative medicine system (CAM). It incorporates other alternative therapies such as massage, exercise, and herbal remedies. Click, copy, download and save and share.
Hello, health friends. Hej, folk, der elsker sundhed.
WHAT IS AYURVEDIC?
Ayurvedic medicine is said to have originated in India more than 5,000 years ago and has evolved the years. Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest medical practices. In the United States, Ayurvedic medicine is considered a CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) whole medical system.
Ayurveda means “the science of life,” originating from the Sanskrit words ayur (life) and veda (science or knowledge). Many therapies used in Ayurvedic medicine are also used separately as a complete complementary medical system, such as massage, herbal remedies, and a special diet. It integrates mind, body and spirit. According to a recent National Health Interview Survey, more than 200,000 U.S. adults had used Ayurvedic medicine in the past year.
WHAT IS THE AYURVEDIC BELIEF?
Ayurvedic medicine is based on three basic concepts: 1) interconnectedness, 2) prakriti and 3) doshas.
Ayurvedic practitioners believe in interconnectedness — that all things are connected in the universe and disease occurs when we are out of balance with one or more things in the universe and/or within ourselves. When we are in harmony with mind, body and spirit and in harmony with others and the universe, then we are healthy.
Prakriti is one’s constitution, or one’s general health and ability to heal and recover. According to Ayurveda, prakriti is something that is unchangeable and the underlying condition that one is born with and is a combination of physical and psychological characteristics that affect the bodily functions.
Doshas are known by their original Sanskrit names: vata, pitta, and kapha. Each dosha is composed of five elements: air, water, fire, earth, and space. 1) Vata – ether and air, 2) Pitta – fire and water 3) Kapha – earth and space.
WHAT HAPPENS IN AN AYURVEDIC SESSION?
An ayurvedic practitioner asks a person about diet, lifestyle, history of illnesses, checking urine, bowel movement, speech, pulse, tongue, skin, eyes, weight, overall appearance. The treatment involves a change in diet, herbal supplements, massage, exercises including breathing techniques and meditation. Some concerns have been presented over typically presribed herbs, metals, minerals or materials that can be toxic to the body. Caution should be taken when ingesting herbal remedies. In 2004, NCCAM (the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine) published research findings stating that of 70 Ayurvedic remedies purchased over-the-counter, 14 contained lead, mercury, and/or arsenic at levels that could be harmful. All were manufactured in Southeast Asia. Also in same year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that in a recent three-year period, 12 cases of lead poisoning were linked to the use of Ayurvedic medications.
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Best wishes from your health and wellness friends at MBHA.
NCCAM (National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine)
CDC (Centers for Disease Control)
Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance 