Therapies
Ayurvedic
medicine
What
Is Ayurveda?
The word Ayurveda comes from two Sanskrit words -
Ayur meaning life, and Veda meaning knowledge. This traditional Indian life
science is the oldest form of medicine known to man; its guiding principles
are said to have been handed down from the Hindu gods, and written texts
date back 3500 years. Ayurveda still forms the basis of much medical
practice today in India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, where Orthodox doctors work
alongside ayurvedic physicians. Following an Ayurvedic diet is considered to
be an important way of maintaining health and preventing illness and
disease.
Ayurvedic medicine is a complete healthcare system
and involves detoxification, diet, exercise, use of herbs and techniques to
improve mental and emotional health.
Your individual constitution and how it relates to
your energies is the key to understanding Ayurvedic medicine.
Ayurveda aims to prevent disease by working with
your body rather than trying to change
it.
Each of us has a unique constitution, determined by
the balance of three vital energies in the
body, known as the three doshas or 'tridoshas'. The three doshas are known
by their
Sanskrit names of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Everyone's constitution is
governed by tile three
doshas in varying degrees, but each of us is also controlled by one or
possibly two dominant doshas, so that you are classed as either vata type, pitta type or kapha
type or a vata/pitta, pitta/kapha etc.
You keep healthy when all the three doshas are in
balance. Each one has its role to play in
the body. For example, vata is the driving force; it relates mainly to the
nervous system
and the body's energy. Pitta is fire; it relates to the metabolism,
digestion, enzymes, acid
and bile. Kapha is linked to water, mucous membranes, phlegm, moisture, fat
and lymphatics.
In Ayurveda good digestion is considered tile key
to good health. poor digestion produces
'ama' a toxic substance believed to cause illness. 'Ama'
occurs when the metabolism is impaired due to an
imbalance of 'agni'. Agni is the fire which, when working normally maintains
all functions. Imbalance agni is caused by irregularity in the doshas and
such things as eating and drinking too much of the
wrong food and repressing emotions. Agni affected by
too much Kapha can slow the digestive process making you feel heavy and
sluggish, while too much vata can cause wind,
cramps and alternating constipation and diarrhoea.
Toxins which cause illness
can be produced by emotional as well as physical factors. For example,
fear and anxiety relate to vata and the large intestine, when held
inside these emotions
can cause bloating and intestinal pain.
Food allergies can also develop because of
poor, emotional health. Failing to express your emotions can start cravings for foods likely to
cause imbalance. Yoga and meditation can
help
you to understand and deal with negative emotions.
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Is
Ayurveda Safe?
Ayurvedic consultation, Panchakarma, Marma
Therapy, Ayurvedic preparations are safe as
long as they are prescribed by the
qualified registered practitioner. Most members of the Ayurvedic
Medical Association have completed 5-6 years full time training in
universities or colleges in India,
Sri Lanka or Pakistan and some members have qualified from colleges
approved by the Association. All
practising members are covered by professional indemnity and
public liability insurance and come under a strict code of ethics and
a code of practice
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What
Conditions Can Ayurveda Help?
Ayurveda is a complete health care system. It
has an explanation for all modern conditions
or diseases, how the disease process
started, what caused it and how much help or control you
can get from Ayurveda. Generally the Ayurvedic physician can treat :
Gastro-intestinal problems;
disorders of the circulatory system; metabolic disorders and disorders
of the nervous system and other
symptoms like insomnia; headaches; tension, anxiety, high blood
pressure; blood sugar problems and
injuries etc. Ayurveda does not offer cures for cancers, Aids
and some mechanical lesions and conditions requiring surgery. Ayurveda
will benefit the day
old infant to the very elderly person.
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What
Are The Treatment Modalities In Ayurveda?
After an individual assessment, the Ayurvedic
physician may prescribe a variety of treatment
modalities according to the need of the
patient. They may include Ayurvedic Herbal Preparations:
all Ayurvedic preparations are herbal and mineral products. Most
preparations prescribed in Europe are
herbal products which are legally imported into the UK by well known
government licenced producers in India. Ayurvedic preparations go
through a very long manufacturing process
that was set out 3000 years ago and prepared using
modern technologically advanced techniques. Some preparations take up
to one year to produce. These
preparations are in the form of liquid, tablets, powders or paste. The
practitioner may give or prescribe raw or
powdered herbs that patients have to make a decoction
each day. No chemicals are used in ayurvedic medications.
DIETARY ADVICE An individual diet may
be prescribed to suit you and your problem.
LIFESTYLE The Ayurvedic physician may
check on your life style and habits and advice
will be given
accordingly.
YOGA - EXERCISE Yoga forms a part of
Ayurvedic medicine. 'Veda' the book of
knowledge explains the benefits of yoga
positions in controlling medical conditions and as an aid
to staying healthy and preventing illnesses.
MEDITATION This is a very important
area in gaining self control, confidence, overcoming
anxiety, tension, stress, insomnia etc. It
is always advisable for everybody to practice meditation
both at the beginning and the end of the day.
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What
Will Happen On My First Visit?
Your first visit may
take from 30 minutes to one hour depending on each individual. Your
physician will go through your past history: lifestyle, your family
history and present health problems. This is mainly to identify your
original constitution type (Prakriti) and a very important part in
Ayurveda to check your dosha levels. A physical examination involves
checking your skin, hair, nails, tongue, eyes and other areas
according to the need of each individual.
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How
Much Does It Cost?
Fees for the initial
consultation may vary from £30 to £50. Additional costs for
medications may vary from £5 to £15. Panchakarma sessions may cost
£30 to £50 per session. Marma massage or Marma puncture £25 to
£40.
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How
Many Visits Will I Need
The number of visits
will depend on your present condition. After the initial visit your
practitioner will tell you how often to attend. Usually at the
beginning the patient visits once a week or once a fortnight.
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