“More than a mere system of treating illness, Ayurveda is a science of life (Ayur = life, Veda = science or knowledge). It offers a body of wisdom designed to help people stay vital while realizing their full human potential.” – The Chopra Center (Deepak Chopra)
Overview
The practice of Ayurveda (eye-yur-vayda) originated in India over 5000 years ago. In Ayurvedic Medicine the focus of treatment is on lifestyle and behavior modification that promotes a balanced body and a strong immune system. The components of Ayurveda treatments include:
- Natural diet – including botanical herbs and nutritional supplements
- Detoxification (Panchakarma)
- Body Work – such as massage, exercise and yoga postures
- Stress Management – through breathing (Pranayama), music, aromatherapy, and meditation.
- Daily Hygiene – including cleaning the mouth, eyes, ears, nasal passages, sinuses, and throat, along with treatments for skin, hair and nails
For more information see the Ayurveda Treatments page.
General Principles of Ayurveda
- Routines are practiced according to season and health education is emphasized.
- The health of the community is related to the health of the individual and vice versa (similar to the belief of shamanism). As such, Ayurveda notes that being kind is an important component of health, as is, being a useful member of the community.
- The focus is preventing illness and all the tools are readily accessible to patients, making Ayurveda an empowering and cost-effective system of care.
- Treatments address the unique qualities of each individuals while focusing on the core elements that are common in all – body, mind, and spirit.
- An Ayurveda practitioner will analyze a person’s fatigue, sleep, cravings, appetite, bowel movements, and fear/pains as indicators to their overall health.
Ayurveda Resources
Associations
AAPNA, the Association of Ayurvedic Professionals of North America – www.aapna.org
American Institute of Vedic Studies – www.vedanet.com
Ayurvedic Institute – www.ayurveda.com
The Centre for Research in Indian Systems of Medicine (CRISM) – www.crism.net
The Institute for Traditional Medicine and Preventive Health Care, Inc. (ITM) – www.itmonline.org/ayurreview/index.htm
International Society for Ayurveda and Health – www.ayurvedahealth.org – Connecticut –based nonprofit.
NAMA, the National Ayurvedic Medical Association of the USA – www.ayurveda-nama.org
The National Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine – www.niam.com
Ayurveda Products / Herbs
Auromére – www.auromere.com – a source of Ayurvedic beauty and
Banyan Botanicals – www.banyanbotanicals.com -one of the leading sources for organic herbs in the USA.
Organic India – www.organicindia.com – a reputable source for Ayurvedic herbal formulas.
General Information
Ayurvedic Medicine: An Introduction http://nccam.nih.gov/health/ayurveda/introduction.htm#india
Healers Journey Into Ayurveda video clip www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcL6_uH1DiA
The Chopra Center – Online Library www.chopra.com/library (requires a free registration)
Healthy.net – Ayurveda – www.healthy.net/Alternative_Therapy/Ayurveda/3 *this site sells products so some information could be biased.
References:
Bhattacharya, B. Lecture at The Graduate Institute (April 29 & April 30, 2011).Understanding Ayurvedic Medicine Using a Biomedical Model.
Pai, S., Shanbhag, V. & Archarya, S. (2004). Chapter 10: Ayurvedic Medicine in Integrative Medicine. McGraw Hill Companies.
[Last Updated: 1/6/13]