Ayurvedic medicine has been used for centuries to treat ailments of the mind, body, and soul. It is an ancient practice, still very much in use today. But where did it come from, and what is it exactly?
Ayurvedic medicine originated in India over 5000 years ago. Many acknowledge it to be the oldest form of healing medicine in the world. Indeed, its remedies and treatments have certainly stood the test of time.
Ayurveda is Sanskrit for “The Science of Life” and this is a great way of conveying the philosophy behind this particular type of medicine. It places an emphasis on a more holistic form of healing and states that all parts of the body are closely connected to one another. In Ayurvedic medicine, achieving a balance within yourself is the ultimate goal.
Sound interesting? That’s because it is. Read on to find out more!
1. It Identifies the Body’s Three Principle Energies
Ayurveda teaches that three main energy types are present in everyone and everything. These are: Vata, the energy associated with movement; Pitta, relating to the body’s metabolic system; and Kapha, the energy that forms the body’s structure.
Ayurvedic medicine focuses on balancing these three energies so they exist in harmony. This is achieved through a number of different means.
2. It Focuses on Health Instead of Illness
In Ayurveda, drugs and western medicines are not seen as useful. This is because they are seen as having toxic properties which can weaken the body. Aspects of Ayurvedic medicine can treat symptoms of ailments, but it focuses more on promoting good health than treating specific illnesses.
3. It Sets Out Specific Diets
The food you eat plays a big part in your wellbeing according to Ayurvedic medicine. It assigns certain foods with special meanings, for example, triphala churna, which Ayurvedic healers believe to have these benefits. An Ayurvedic medicine practitioner will be able to assign you a diet tailored to your own body and imbalances.
4. It Also Involves Treatments
In Ayurvedic medicine, diet is not the only way to improve your wellbeing. Special treatments may also be performed. There are many different types of treatments an Ayurvedic medicine practitioner might offer.
Massage therapy, yoga, and meditation are all a large part of the Ayurvedic philosophy. It also places great emphasis on an internal purification process during which all undigested food is flushed from the body.
5. It Has Eight Specialty Branches
There are eight main branches of Ayurvedic medicine. A practitioner may specialize in one or be familiar with many.
- Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat or Salakya Chikitsa
- Internal Medicine or Kaya-Chikitsa
- Surgery or Shalya Chikitsa
- Obstetrics/Gynecology or Prasuti and Stri-Rog
- Pediatrics or Bala Chikitsa/ Kaumarbhritya
- Psychology and Psychiatry or Graha-Chikitsa
- Toxicology or Agadha-tantra
- Rejuvenation/Geriatrics or Rasayana and Virilification/Sexology or Vajikaran
Ayurvedic medicine: A Fascinating Philosophy
Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient and well-regarded eastern philosophy passed down generation after generation for thousands of years. Its growing popularity in the west today is a testament to how fascinating and powerful it is. If you’ve enjoyed this guide, don’t forget to check out the rest of our content.
