- Ayurvedic medicine, also known as Ayurveda, is an ancient medical system.
- It is one of the world’s oldest systems, and some experts even consider it the oldest.
- It is a holistic medical science, meaning that it focuses on the entire person, rather than just the condition alone.
- Ayurvedic medicine includes herbal remedies, similar to ancient Chinese medicine, but Ayurveda also includes yoga, detoxification, psychological treatment, and exercise. These ancient practices began before written records were kept, and were rather passed down generation to generation through word of mouth and tradition.
- “According to the Ayurvedic perspective, being "healthy" is more than the absence of disease - it is a radiant state of vigor and energy, which is achieved by balance, or moderation, in food intake, sleep, sexual intercourse and other activities of daily life, complemented by various treatments including a wide variety of plant-based medicines, states Dr. Andrew Weil.
- Ayurveda is strongly based on connections between people, their health, and the universe.
- According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), “key concepts of Ayurvedic medicine include universal interconnectedness (among people, their health, and the universe), the body’s constitution (prakriti), and life forces (dosha), which are often compared to the biologic humors of the ancient Greek system.“ Using these ideas, practitioners come up with personalized treatments for each patient.
- Please use caution and select a reputable source:
- Ayurvedic medicine uses a wide variety of herbs and products, some of which may cause harm if not used properly or without instruction from an experienced practitioner. Some treatments may also cause side effects or may interfere with other medications.
- Because they are regulated as dietary supplements, remedies do not have the same safety guidelines as conventional medications.
- The NCCAM has released a care sheet on using dietary supplements safely.
- A study funded by the NCCAM showed that one-fifth of the Ayurvedic products available on the internet contains toxic metals including lead.
- To be safe, make sure to find a reliable Ayurvedic practitioner with a good reputation.
- International Society for Ayurveda and Health.
- Educate yourself before you go see a practitioner.
- Professional organizations offer certification examinations to graduates of accredited education and training programs.
- In many states acupuncturists who do not have a doctor of medicine (M.D.) degree must be certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine to get licensed.
- Some of the other professional organizations involved in certification include the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, the Council for Homeopathic Certification, the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE), and the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners.
- Note: The content on our website is for educational purposes only. Please consult your health practitioner or a qualified expert.
- For all about coconut oil pulling.
- Meditation provides calm that lasts.
- REFERENCES:
- 1. "Ayurvedic Medicine: An Introduction." National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Mar. 2014.
- 2. "Ayurvedic Medicine." DrWeil.com. WEIL, n.d. Web. 15 Mar. 2014.
- 3. "Ayurveda." International Society for Ayurveda and Health. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Mar. 2014.
- 4. "What Is Ayurveda? Treatments, Massage, Diet, and More." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 15 Mar. 2014.
- 5. "Ayurveda." University of Maryland Medical Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Mar. 2014.
- 6. "Using Dietary Supplements Wisely." National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Mar. 2014.
- 7. "Study Shows One-Fifth of Internet-Available Ayurvedic Medicines Contain Toxic Metals." National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Mar. 2014.
- 8. "Lead, Mercury, and Arsenic in US- and Indian-manufactured Ayurvedic Medicines Sold via the Internet." National Center for Biotechnology Information. Journal of the American Medical Association, n.d. Web. 15 Mar. 2014.
