The term ayurveda refers to India's Vedic medical system.
Literally translated, it is “The Science of Life” (‘Ayur'means
life and ‘Veda', means science.) It was established more than
5000 years ago in India. Ayurvedic philosophy is based on the
belief in the ‘oneness'of life i.e. all humans, animals, plants
and natural substances are a part of universal life and hence,
interdependent and interlinked. Ayurveda and other Indian
systems of medicine rely on the condition of the internal
organs. Diseases are believed to be the results of the poor
functioning of internal organs.
Ayurveda relies on Prakruthi, (i, e. the unique genetic code of
the individual) to diagnose and cure ills. According to the
practitioners of ayurveda, just as the finger prints of two
people differ, so does their natural body constitution. Ayurveda
uses the system of historical analysis and physical examination
to determine the real cause and cure of disease. The doshas
(biological modes) play an important role in diagnosis and
treatment. There are essentially three doshas (tridosha) – Kapha,
Vata and Pitta - which together govern the structure and
functioning of the human body. All these aspects are taken into
consideration when a practitioner determines the nature and cure
of an ill. Ayurveda is a highly individualized form of treatment
and hence, sometimes, two people suffering from the same
complaint may be given different treatments.
Ancient ayurvedic texts contain numerous details about a wide
variety of plant products, minerals and other natural
substances, for curing different ailments. They also list in
detail, their medicinal properties and methods of extraction, as
well as the specific combination of complementary herbs.
According to practitioners, strict observance of the recommended
procedures of extraction and treatment enhances the efficacy of
the treatment.
The main advantages of ayurveda are;
• it has a long, tried and tested history of safe usage,
• it has no side effects
• certain plants and herbs have specific healing properties
which are highly effective,
• ayurvedic products have no toxicity,
• it helps restore normal body balances and
• itinfluences the skin and scalp at the cellular level, thus
improving their normal functioning. |
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