The Benefits Of Ayurveda

Ayurveda is an Alternative form of Medicine, traditional to India. It is older than history itself. Being holistic, it not only aims to cure diseases, but also helps people regulate their food habits and lifestyle to enjoy better health. Just as in other Alternative Medical practices, Ayurveda too has its unique way of treating maladies.

Ayurveda treats every individual differently as the constitution plays an important part in this system of medicine. Steeped in the knowledge from ancient texts like the Vedas, especially the Rig Veda, the Ayurvedic practitioner examines the patient, observes, and after many enquiries about the symptoms, his lifestyle and food habits, is able to advise the patient on how best he can combat his particular ailment.

Ayurveda is governed by belief in the Tridoshas or energetic forces that are said to play a part in the life of man and nature. Animals, plants and man are meant to live in harmony with nature. When this balance is upset, the individual ails. That is what Ayurvedic philosophy is based on. Since holistic healing is aimed at, the relationship between body and mind is focused on. Just as a sense of balance and harmony is innate in nature, the same is expected to be present within an individual, if he is to enjoy good health.

Man, according to Ayurvedic philosophy comprises five elements – earth, fire, water, air and ether or space. These elements are present in Nature as well as in the food we eat.

The combination of these elements is important for efficient physiological functioning. The Vata dosha, for instance, is the combination of ether and air. Vata influences movement and is responsible for circulation, respiration, neural activity and elimination of waste. Pitta dosha sees the combination of water and fire and is responsible for the process of metabolism. Pitta breaks down the food into nutrients that can be easily assimilated. It controls metabolism in the cells, tissues and organs. Kapha dosha is the combination of the elements of water and earth. It adds structure, in other words controls growth. It also acts as a protector. Kapha dosha in the form of cerebral-spinal fluid protects the spinal cord and the brain. Another example of Kapha dosha is the mucous lining that protects the tissues of the stomach. Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas are present in every individual and the ratio and proportions vary with every individual. This combination is what makes every individual distinct from the point of view of Ayurveda.

Ayurveda therefore, treats every individual according to the mix of the three doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha, present in his body. When there is an accumulation of one particular dosha, the Ayurvedic practitioner suggests a particular diet or a change of lifestyle to help bring down the level of the dosha that has accumulated to abnormal proportions. Besides, he could prescribe herbal remedies that speed up recovery. Sometimes toxins build up in the body. They need to be eliminated. Many resort to Pancha Karma, which is a cleansing process, to get rid of these harmful elements.

If it’s holistic healing that you are looking for, why not give Ayurveda a try?