Ayurveda: Facts About Ayurvedic Medicine

Ayurveda is one of the oldest medical systems in the world. The term Ayurveda in Sanskrit means ayur (life) and veda (science or knowledge), which means “the science of life,” focusing on bringing harmony in all areas of life including our mind, body and spirit. It takes a holistic approach on our health. Ayurveda is based on the concept that every person’s body is based on three doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) and the imbalance in any of these results in diseases. The philosophy of Ayurveda is its emphasis on prevention and living a long and healthy life.

The five elements: air, fire, water, earth, aether are believed to build up the microcosm (human beings) and the macrocosm (universe) in Ayurveda. When the five elements are combined in pairs they form the three humors or doshas known as Vata (body movement), Pitta (chemical reactions and metabolism and temperature in our body) and Kapha (responsible for growth and protection). These are known as the constitution or Prakriti of an individual. Ayurveda involves the use of herbs, spices, exercise, meditation, yoga and proper diet according to the bodily constitution of a person to stay in good health.

According to Ayurvedic Practitioners the following diseases develop when our doshas go out of balance. When Kapha dosha is out of balance an individual may get the following diseases: obesity, diabetes, gallbladder issues and insecurity. Vata imbalances lead to: anxiety, dry skin, joint pain and constipation. Pitta imbalances lead to inflammation, ulcers, heartburn, arthritis etc due to too much heat in the body. 

There are different factors which can make a person go out of balance such as stress, negative relationships and bad diet. By knowing what is our Prakriti a person is more equipped to prevent diseases by following a diet and lifestyle compatible to their dosha. 

In Ayurveda, diseases are treated by using not only herbs but also by using honey, milk, ghee, butter, rock salts and fermented alcohol. Yoga and meditation and certain daily lifestyle rules are applied to prevent diseases. Additionally, an ayurvedic doctor will tackle the root of the problem and try to solve it. Ayurveda does not just cure the symptoms. The root of the problem may be psychological, emotional, mental or physical. It aims to look at a patient in a holistic way. Ayurveda also has a branch for animals known as Pashu Ayurveda. It covers a wide range of topics which were all written in ancient scriptures about 5000 years ago.