History Of Ayurvedic Yoga Treatment

Ayurveda, from the Sanskrit "ayur" for life and "veda" for "wisdom," is a 5,000-year-old naturopathic medical system that derives from India. Considered a form of complementary and alternative medicine today, ayurveda uses diet, positive thought, herbs, massage and yoga to balance body, mind and spirit and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Texts

Ayurveda, as one of the oldest medicine systems, is first written about in the ancient Vedic scriptures, which date back to 3000BC. Later texts, the "Caraka-Samhitâ" and the "Sushruta-Samhitâ," present more detail about this curative and preventive medicine and are considered the earliest medical works. A third text, "Ashtanga Hridaya," combines both works.

Growth

Ayurveda grew steadily until the time of British rule in India, when western medicine dominated. Once India gained independence in the 1940s, ayurvedic learning institutions began to surface throughout gradually in the US and Europe. The 2007 National Health Interview survey found that more than 200,000 American adults sought ayurvedic treatment in 2006.

Balance

As the therapeutic branch of yoga, ayurveda concentrates on the unity of body and mind. While a physical disease may adversely affect your mind, a mental upset can bring about physical illness whereas a healthy life includes being happy, or sukha, and morally good, or hita. As does yoga, ayurveda emphasizes prana, or the life force flowing within your body. The goal is to find the balance within your own individual constitution, or prakriti, which determines how you relate to the world.

Doshas

Ayurveda emphasizes finding a healthy balance among three bodily humors, or doshas, based on the five elements of the universe and in the body. Vata consists of air and ether. Pitta combines fire and water. Kapha blends earth and water. Each individual can be composed of one dosha, or any possible combination of the three -- vita, pitta, kapha, vita/pitta, vita/kapha, pitta/kapha, or vita/pitta/kapha. According to the principles of ayurveda, when imbalance disrupts the harmony of bodily constitution, illness may result.

Treatment

Ayurvedic treatments include specific diet, cleansing, exercising, meditating and ingesting herbs. Although very few studies have examined Ayurveda at great length, its practice can help eliminate toxins, build your immune system, alleviate stress and enhance your sense of well-being. Before seeking ayurvedic treatment, be sure to find out about your practitioner's training and qualifications.