Ayurveda

Ayurveda is the “Science of Life’ – this is what the word means in Sanskrit. It is an ancient Indian medical science, which has been practiced for around 5000 years. Originally it was an oral tradition, but there are ayurvedic texts dated 2000 years back, such as Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and Ashtanga Hridaya.

Ayurvedic medicine has a lot of things in common with the Traditional Chinese, Tibetan and ancient Greek medicine (probably, Greeks adopted some of the concepts, since ayurvedic texts are more ancient than Greek ones).

Ayurveda is known for its holistic approach to health, and the major concept behind it is the Balance at all levels of human existence: body, mind, emotions, environment and even relationships.

The basis for Ayurvedic treatment

Balance doesn’t mean that we are all the same; the basis for such balance is the regulation of Prakriti (Ayurvedic constitution), represented by three Doshas (bodily types): Vata (air), Pitta (fire) and Kapha (liquid). These three Doshas are there in each body, in a unique combination. When they come out of balance, a disease occurs. According to Ayurveda, maintaining the natural balance of Doshas means being healthy. Treatment is bringing the Doshas back to balance; once it’s done, the disease will be cured. For this there are different methods and remedies.

Among the various methods used in this ancient medical science, the most popular are:

• Abhyanga – using natural oils on skin to remove toxins.
• Rasayana – mantras and herbs are used together for rejuvenation.
• Yoga – yoga and ayurveda are known as ‘sister sciences’. The therapeutic part of yoga is used to improve blood circulation, digestion, to eliminate chronic pain, etc.
• Pranayama – another yogic discipline used to restore energy and make mind peaceful.
• Panchakarma – a method of body cleansing; it reduces the cholesterol level, and rejuvenates the whole body.
• Using herbal remedies – it helps to balance the Doshas.

The amazing thing about Ayurvedic medicine is that it is still valid today; if used properly, it is effective and safe; it helps to bring your body and mind back to natural balance they once had.