What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is the traditional medical system of India and the oldest surviving healing system in the world (about 5,000 years old).  “Ayu” means life and “veda” means knowledge, so Ayurveda is the science of life. It is based on three fundamental concepts: 

• Food is medicine.

• Disease can be prevented and eradicated through your daily habits.

• Lifestyle recommendations are based on an individual’s physical, mental
  and emotional makeup.

Ayurveda is a treasure chest of natural remedies that promote longevity, beauty and vitality.

 

Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word meaning 'life' and 'knowledge.' This alternative medical system, which has been practiced in India for thousands of years, combines medicine and science with religion and philosophy.

Practitioners of Ayurveda believe that body, mind and spirit are regulated by three doshas, or physiological principles, and that disease is the result of an imbalance of these doshas. Prana, (meaning life force), pulse, urine analysis, and tongue evaluations are used to determine doshic imbalances within the body. Herbal supplements are an important facet of Ayurveda, but should be used with caution.

Ayurveda definition; an East Indian healing that is based on thousands of years of observation and awareness. The first system of medicine with a clear beginning, middle, and end. A look at life while living it.

It defines the stages of life, young, middle and wise, the times of the day in their circadian rhythms, the psycho-physiological metabolisms of the body/mind into the humors or doshas: Vata or Air, Pitta or Fire, and Kapha or Earth/Water.

Ayurveda is all about balance. From the time you get up, to the routine throughout your day, and rest time, each very important and each maintaining its own balance or lack of it.

Balance equals Bliss and Joy; Imbalance though not always recognized starts the seeds of dis-ease.

I will provide a few tips every week how to stay in balance with you.

If you go to my web site DrSteveRadio.com you can hear a 1 hour conference call on Ayurvedic principles and practice.

Ayurveda, which originated in ancient India more than 5,000 years ago, is probably the world's oldest system of natural medicine. When translated, its name means "science of life," and it stems from the ancient body of spiritual teachings known as the Vedas. Some medical historians believe that Ayurveda was also the original basis for Chinese medicine.

Ayurveda is an integrated system of specific theories and techniques that use diet, herbs, exercise, meditation, yoga, and massage or bodywork. The goal of Ayurveda is to achieve optimal health on all levels: physical, psychological, and spiritual.

In India, Ayurveda involves the eight main branches of medicine: pediatrics, gynecology, obstetrics, ophthalmology, geriatrics, otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat), general medicine, and surgery. An estimated 80% of the Indian population uses Ayurveda, although it is often used in combination with conventional medicine. There are more than 250,000 Ayurvedic practitioners in India, and some hospitals are based solely on this approach to medicine.

Ayurveda is practiced in the West by healthcare professionals who are licensed in a variety of disciplines, such as MDs, osteopathic physicians (DOs), naturopaths, acupuncturists, nurses, massage therapists, and chiropractors. It is also practiced by lay people who are not licensed, but who function as health counselors, educators, or consultants. To practice this discipline, the standard length of training in India is five years, but there are no agreed upon standards in the West.

The West offers two major currents of training and practice. The first is offered by a diverse variety of teachers and practitioners, many of whom are either from India or were trained there. The second consists of devotees of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the Indian spiritual teacher who introduced transcendental meditation (TM) to the West. In 1980, this group coined the term "Maharishi Ayur-Ved," which incorporates TM as part of an Ayurvedic approach.

Ayurveda relies heavily on the individual's willingness to participate in lifestyle and behavior changes.

You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Ayurveda is an ancient, complete system of medicine dating back thousands of years, some say 5,000 years or more. It acknowledges the human connection to nature and emphasizes harmonious relationships with the rhythms and cycles of the natural environment. Ayurveda uses many ways to get back into balance including yoga, diet, herbs, exercise, and mental fitness. In recent times, Ayurveda has been used in spa treatments, which are lovely, but it is important to know it can be truly a beautiful, holistic system.

There are many Ayurvedic practitioners with varying credentials. When choosing to trust the advice of a health care professional, particularly with regard to alternative medicines, please ask questions, ask for references and always check with your regular doctor.