What is Ayurveda? Known as “the mother of all healing sciences,” it is the oldest holistic health system. Developed in India an estimated 4,000 years ago, Ayurveda is a complete system for healing and rebalancing the body. Ayurveda focuses on empowering individuals to heal rapidly and easily with the aid of herbs, diet, body therapies and lifestyle tools. Ayurveda uses a range of specific herbs and spices, some very well known in the West, such as cinnamon, cumin, turmeric and pepper, to detoxify the body and to calm or stimulate the metabolism. Indian traditional herbs such as brahmi (the brain-boosting herb) are becoming very popular in the West as scientific research confirms their potency.
The term Ayurveda is derived from two Sanskrit words that, combined, mean the wisdom or science of life. The Ayurvedic system of healing is holistic in that all aspects of a person's life and emotions are factored into the healing process. The right food, sleep patterns, exercise, relationships and spirituality are all considered important to the health of a person. To determine what is right for an individual, Ayurvedic practitioners abide by the principle that there are three primary body types—vata, pitta and kapha (see pages 8–10). Each body type or constitution (prakriti) is predisposed to particular imbalances and is responsive to specific healing techniques and lifestyle regimes.
Ayurvedic wisdom is strongly based on the fundamental belief that the elements that make up the world—ether, air, fire, water and earth—are also present in the makeup of the human body. Every body has a predominance of a particular combination of elements (see page 8). Ayurveda is an especially effective form of healing because it is based on an understanding of the interrelationship between human beings and nature, and works to promote harmony between the two. True health and balance is experienced when all these elements are in balance. When they are out of balance, symptoms of disease can arise.
Ayurvedic medicine is also based on analyzing a person's body type (see pages 8–11), then treating an ailment according to the requirements of that type. An Ayurvedic practitioner may also suggest a diet that balances a person's constitution; a detoxification process; lifestyle changes; massage and the use of color, aromas, oils, crystals, or medicinal herbs and spices. The most common herbs and spices now easily available in the West are described and discussed on pages 16–69 in terms of their:
• historical or mythological background;
• use in Ayurvedic medicine;
• home remedies; and
• available forms.
Ayurvedic practitioners consider that one of the most important functions of the human body is digestion. Often, the early symptoms of disease can be alleviated by balancing the digestive fire or agni. The lack of digestive juices or “fire” leads to the accumulation of undigested material, or ama, in the body. This material is toxic waste that circulates through the body creating symptoms that reduce the quality of life and one's life span. By balancing the digestive fire, these waste products dissolve and are easily expelled by the body. Spices are incorporated into Ayurvedic medicine to maintain a proper level of digestive fire that will promote good health, a sense of vitality, and a long life. Each ailment listed in this book (pages 100–155) is discussed in terms of both its symptoms and the recommended treatments to alleviate the symptoms, bringing the body back into balance by the use of medicinal herbs and spices and by making simple changes to your lifestyle. A case study will also be given to illustrate practical management of each ailment.
You can use this list of ailments to discover how Ayurveda can help you to cope with specific problems that you may be experiencing. However, since prevention is always better than cure, also take time to look at Ayurveda's advice on averting disease by matching a person's body type with the most beneficial lifestyle. Read pages 72–97 to learn how, by adopting a routine and lifestyle suited to your body type, you can live a healthy, happy and fulfilling life. The Ayurvedic approach to health is an exciting one that, if pursued in a mindful manner, can provide a sense of harmony in not only the body but also the mind and spirit, initiating a heightened sense of stability and serenity.
THE EIGHT BRANCHES OF AYURVEDA
1. General Medicine (Kaya Chikitsa)
2. Pediatrics (Bala Chikitsa)
3. Psychology and Psychiatry (Graha Chikitsa)
4. Ear, Nose and Throat and Ophthalmology (Shalakya Chikitsa)
5. Surgery (Shalya Chikitsa)
6. Toxicology (Visha Chikitsa)
7. Rejuvenation/Geriatrics (Rasayana Chikitsa)
8. Infertility (Vajikarana Chikitsa)
Chikitsa is a Sanskrit word meaning
treatment or therapy.