Ayurveda

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medical practice that encompasses a range of treatments, including Herbal Medicine, changes in diet, meditation, massage and Yoga, to maintain or restore health. Constituted of two words, Ayur meaning life and Veda meaning knowledge, ayurveda means the knowledge of life. Another accurate translation of ayurveda is 'the knowledge of longevity. The roots of ayurveda rest in the ancient Indian culture. Ayurveda can be thoroughly understood by getting woven up in the fabric of nature.

Ayurveda, a natural system of medicine, originated in India more than 3,000 years ago. Ayurveda is constituted of two words, Ayur meaning life and Veda meaning knowledge, ayurveda means the knowledge of life. Based on the idea that disease is due to an imbalance or stress in the individual's consciousness, Ayurveda encourages certain lifestyle interventions and natural therapies to regain a balance between the body, mind, and the environment. Another accurate translation of ayurveda is 'the knowledge of longevity. The roots of ayurveda rest in the ancient Indian culture. Ayurveda can be thoroughly understood by getting woven up in the fabric of nature.

Ayurveda encompasses the secrets of why Man needs to cooperate with Nature completely in order to insure his well-being. Ayurveda treatment begins with an internal purification process, followed by a special diet, herbal remedies, massage therapy, yoga, and meditation. Studies have shown reductions in blood pressure, cholesterol, and reaction to stress in people who practiced Ayurvedic methods. In some countries, Ayurveda is considered a form of medical care, equal to conventional Western and homeopathic medicine. Practitioners of Ayurveda in India undergo state-recognized, institutionalised training. However, Ayurvedic practitioners are not licensed in the United States.

Ayurveda can have positive effects when used as a complementary therapy in combination with standard/conventional medical care. According to Ayurveda, every person contains some of the universe's five basic elements: earth, air, fire, water and ether (or space). The combination of these elements in each individual breaks down into three metabolic body types, or doshas. They are known as vata, pitta and kapha. The theory behind Ayurveda states that sickness is caused by an imbalance in one ore more of the doshas, resulting in toxicity in the body and mind.

Ayurveda does not only address specific health concerns but also offers explanation as to why one person responds differently to another. Ayurveda itself is a holistic healing science that can be applied to every activity in life and for some, becomes a complete way of life. Research has shown that individuals who practice Ayurvedic methods are at a decreased risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and stress, all factors for heart disease. Herbal remedies within the treatment are considered to help allergies, arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, menstrual cramps, Parkinson's disease, and digestive disorders, including constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.

The first Ayurveda consult may last 45 to 90 minutes. Your doshic profile will be determined when questioned about your physical traits, emotional temperament, food preferences and mental attributes. Once your dosha is identified, a combination of Ayurvedic treatments will be prescribed. The frequency and duration of Ayurvedic visits varies widely, depending on your condition and the practitioner's prescription.