Counseling,
Assistance,
Resource,
and Education
for the terminally-ill and their family
AYURVEDIC MEDICINE
| Ayurveda, considered by
many scholars to be the oldest healing science originating in India more
than 5,000 years ago, is a healing modality that is recently gaining popularity in
the West. Ayurveda means "the science of life," and has
often been referred to as the "Mother of All Healing." Before
being put to writing several thousands of years ago, this art was passed
down orally from masters to their disciples. The basic principle of Ayurveda is that the body, which houses the spirit soul; nature, and the cosmos are linked by the five elements: Fire, Water, Air, Earth and Ether; and these are combined into the three fundamental energies, or doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Ayurvedic practitioners proclaim that illness is due to the imbalance among these three doshas which causes improper cellular function. Therefore, Ayurveda is actually the art of living in harmony and balance with the laws of nature. Because there are always forces acting upon us causing imbalance among these three energies, we must always be alert to the ways of balancing to keep ourselves healthy. Diagnosis and treatment in Ayurveda is accomplished using various techniques. Expect to spend an hour or more during your first visit with an Ayurvedic physician as much information must be gained from the patient. The practitioner will arrive at a diagnoses through questioning, observation, physical exam and inference. Some basic techniques used are observing the physical form, eyes, and tongue; examining the pulse; and listening to the voice. The treatment plan may include a change in diet, use of herbs, a cleansing program, and/or lifestyle changes. The suggestions offered by the practitioner will be for the purpose of balancing the tridoshas (three doshas), thereby bringing the body, mind and consciousness into balance, health and well-being. For a short explanation of the tridoshas, their qualities, how they manifest in a person, and how to bring them into balance click on the particular dosha below:
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Ayurvedic Definition of Health In "Ayurveda--A Brief Introduction and Guide" by Dr. Vasant Lad, it is stated, "Order is the state of health, as defined by Ayurveda, which exists when the digestive fire (agni) is in a balanced condition; the bodily humors (vata, pitta and kapha) are in equilibrium, the three waste products (urine, feces and sweat) are produced and eliminated normally, the seven bodily tissues (rasa, rakta, mamsa, meda, asthi, majja and shukra) are working harmoniously together. When the balance of these systems is disrupted the disease (disorder) process begins." Stated in a more simple way in his book, "The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies" Dr. Lad states, "Health consists of a balanced state of the three humors (doshas), the seven tissues (dhatus), the three wastes (malas), and the gastric fire (agni), together with the clarity and balance of the senses, mind, and spirit." Ayurvedic Therapies Ayurvedic therapies include:
There are many sites on the web
concerning Ayurveda.
**These sites are for informational purposes only; they do not necessarily represent the beliefs, views or opinions of Vaisnavas C.A.R.E. Inc. Always consult your medical doctor before beginning any additional therapy.
Ayurveda &
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