Ayurvedic medicine ("Ayurveda" for short) is one of the oldest healing methods in the
world. A
practice over 3,000-year-old that was originated in India.
It is based on the belief that health and well-being depend on a critical balance between mind, body,
and
spirit. Its main purpose is to promote good health, not to fight disease. But treatment may be aimed at
certain health problems. Everything in the universe - dead or alive - is connected. If your mind, body,
and
spirit are in harmony with the rest of the universe, you are in good health. When something interferes
with
this balance, you get sick. Among the factors that can affect this are genetic or congenital
malformations,
trauma, climate change and seasonal changes, age, and mood.
Those who practice Ayurveda believe that everyone is made of five basic elements found in the universe:
space, air, fire, water, and earth.
These interactions in the human body form three life forces or forces called doshas. They control how
your
body functions. They are Vata dosha (space and air); Pitta dosha (fire and water); and Kapha dosha
(water
and land).
Everyone gets a unique mix of three doshas. But one is often stronger than the other. Each controls a
different body function. It is believed that your chances of getting sick - and the health problems you
develop - are linked to the balance of your doshas.
What are the Ayurvedic concepts of Prakriti and Doshas?
Ayurvedic philosophy maintains that humans are born with a specific constitution, called a Prakriti.
Prakriti, formed during pregnancy, is considered to be a unique combination of physical and
psychological
symptoms that affect the way a person works.
Throughout life, the basic human trait remains the same. However, human Prakriti is always influenced by
various internal, external, and environmental factors such as day and night, seasonal changes, diet,
lifestyle choices, and more. Ayurveda places great emphasis on preventing illness and recommends
maintaining
health by following daily and seasonal practices that create balance.
Ayurveda teaches that the three attributes, called doshas, form the basic elements of Prakriti, or
constitution. These doshas are called Vata, pitta, and Kapha, and they all have some effect on body
function.
Proponents of Ayurvedic medicine believe that each person has a “limited” three-dose dosage. Individual
dosha is constantly “flowing,” and is influenced by diet, exercise, and social interactions.
More about doshas
Each dosha has two of the five basic elements, each with specific characteristics. These are:
• Space (associated with expansiveness)
• Air (associated with gaseousness, mobility, and lack of form)
• Fire (associated with transformation, heat, and fire)
• Water (associated with liquidity and instability)
• Earth (associated with solidity and stability)
What is Ayurveda used for?
Some people use ayurvedic practises to maintain health, reduce stress, and improve flexibility,
strength,
and stamina. Practices such as yoga and meditation can help people with diseases such as asthma, high
blood
pressure, and arthritis.
Ayurveda emphasizes proper nutrition and health. Herbal remedies are given according to the type of
dosha
person.
Is Ayurveda safe?
Ayurvedic practices such as yoga and meditation can be safe ways to promote health. If you have a
chronic
illness, you can combine Ayurveda with conventional therapies.
Ayurvedic herbal remedies, such as conventional medicine, can cause mild side effects, which are
generally
manageable. Ayurveda uses natural things, things from nature, so its side effects are very limited.