Ayurvedic medicine began in India thousands of years ago. The word Ayurveda is translated as "the knowledge of life," or sometimes "the science of life" according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Ayurvedic medicine is based on preventing illness and healing various medical conditions by healing your spirit and mind, as well as addressing weaknesses in your dosha, or the type of body constitution you have. Among the benefits of Ayurvedic medicine are the fact that the traditions are non-invasive and natural forms of healing. Speak to your physician about Ayurvedic healing before you begin any new treatment.
Individualized Treatment
One of the benefits of Ayurvedic medicine is that your treatment is personalized to your symptoms, rather than using a conventional, "across the board" approach to healing. Principles of Ayurveda include the belief that three distinct types of human constitutions exist, called doshas or life forces. The three doshas are pitta, vata and kapha; your physical characteristics and personality traits usually point to one of the three doshas.
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine explains the pitta dosha controls hormone function and digestion; people in this group tend to run a little hot in terms of both body temperature and emotional reactions. The vata dosha controls your heart and breathing, as well as your excretory function. If you are a vata person, you may be more likely to suffer from skin conditions. The kapha dosha manages your immune system and overall strength of constitution. You could be more at risk for cancer or diabetes if you fall into the kapha dosha.
Ayurvedic medicine practitioners will evaluate which dosha you belong to in order to treat your symptoms; for example, Holistic-online.com reports that aggravation of the pitta dosha can lead to indigestion and overheating. Adjusting your diet to avoid spicy foods and other edibles that raise your body temperature may be effective for a pitta person but not necessarily for someone in the vata dosha. Individualized treatment plans that address your body and personality are one of the benefits of using Ayurveda to heal.
Natural Healing
The non-invasive, natural component of Ayurvedic medicine is an advantage, especially to those who are wary of putting chemicals and toxins into their bodies with conventional medications and treatments. Because Ayurveda focuses on treating symptoms associated with imbalances of your dosha, many remedies include lifestyle changes such as diet adjustments or relaxation exercises that can bring about change in your constitution without the need for surgery or conventional drugs. Ayurvedic herbs may also play a role in the treatment process, an alternative and natural method of healing. Be sure your practitioner is aware of all of your medical issues and any other supplements or medications you are taking before you start taking a new herbal tea or remedy.
Heals the Mind and Body
The goal of Ayurvedic medicine is to align your mind, spirit and body to keep you as healthy as possible. Ancient practices like yoga, meditation and focused breathing can help you relax your mind and your muscles, which can bring about positive change in your physical condition. The website Disabled World describes this balance as restoring harmony, which can make you feel lighter and happier, which is always a benefit.
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