Ayurvedic Medicines
Ayurvedic medicine originated in India and has evolved over several thousand years. As one of the world's oldest medical systems, Ayurvedic medicine predates written records, and was handed down orally from generation to generation before being codified in texts. Using massage, herbs and specialized diets, Ayurvedic medicine is considered in the West to be an alternative or complementary medicine designed to bring the mind, body and spirit into harmony.
Geography
Ayurvedic medicine originated and continues to be practiced in India. Systematic research on Ayurvedic medicine by the Indian government began in 1969 and continues today. Ayurvedic medicine is used by most of the population in India, and it is common in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh. In addition, an increasing number of people in Western countries are turning to Ayurvedic medicine as an alternative to traditional medicine.
Function
Ayurvedic medicine holds specific beliefs about the physical body, general health and preventing health problems. The general quality of a person's health is called a constitution, or prakriti. The prakriti is an unchanging combination of the psychological and physical characteristics of the person, containing three energies, called doshas: The Vata which is made up of the two elements space and air; the Pitta, which is made up of fire and water; and the Kapha, which is made up of water and earth. These doshas are believed to control the body's activities. Balancing these doshas keeps the body healthy, increases the ability to resist and recover from disease.
Exams
Ayurvedic medicine treats and prevents illness by determining the main dosha and creating balance among the three. During an exam, practitioners will ask patients about their diet, lifestyle and recent illnesses, and they will examine the patient's appearance including weight, skin, eyes, tongue, teeth, voice and pulse. Practitioners will also check the patient's urine and stool samples. Ayurvedic practitioners look for imbalances in the doshas and will create a lifestyle plan to bring the patients doshas back into harmony.
Treatment
Ayurvedic practitioners use an assortment of methods to cleanse the body, mind and spirit. Impurities are eliminated through the use of enemas, fasting, therapeutic vomiting, massage and special diets to remove undigested food from the body. This cleansing of the digestive tract is believed to prevents disruptions that can lead to disease.
Herbal tonics made from plants, and often mixed with honey, are used as medicine to treat certain conditions, increase the appetite and improve digestion. Ayurvedic practitioners also recommend making complete dietary changes or using specific foods. Exercise, stretching, meditation and yoga are recommended to relieve symptoms as well as reduce stress and create harmony.
Benefits
Ayurvedic medicine can be used to relieve pain, improve blood circulation, relieve stress, increase flexibility, relieve insomnia and ease depression. In addition, asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, heart disease, hypertension and diabetes have been treated with this medicine. Practitioners claim that their methods also benefit obesity, inflammation, acne, insomnia, nervous disorders and ulcers.
Warning
If you are under the care of a traditional physician, consult with her prior to beginning or using an alternative medicine, including Ayurvedic medicine, to insure a coordinated and complementary treatment plan. If you takie any medications, consult a pharmacist or physician prior to taking any alternative medications as they may interact or have harmful side effects. Ayurvedic medicine is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding by traditional physicians due to the use of the herb turmeric.
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