Treatments

Ayurveda

Ayurveda literally means "the knowledge" or "science" (veda) of "life" or "longevity" (ayus).

The earliest Ayurvedic texts, written in Sanskrit, date back some 2000 years. It covers a vast array of topics from pathology, diagnosis, therapy and surgery to philosophy and advice for daily living.

Early healing practices were base on hygiene, herbal remedies, religious rituals and prayers, including mantras.

Ayurveda is becoming increasingly popular as a complimentary theraphy in the west along with Ayurvedic beauty treatments.

In Ayurveda the healthy is seen as an microcosmic universe with its vital components in a delicate state of equilibrium.

Ayurveda focuses on the three doshas known as vata, pitta, and kapha Good health is when the three doshas are in equilibrium. Each of the doshas has specific functions within the body and in mental processing.

Diagnosis in Ayurveda is by consideration of the person's individual constitution, build, body proportions, mental and physical capacity, general level of vitality, adaptability, digestive strength, age and the level of pathology of the disease, spiritual diagnosis, analysis dreams, astrological natal charts, the role of karma or any spirit influence in the disease.

Ayurvedic medecine is both curative and preventative and treats the whole person not just the symptoms of specific disease.

Good health enables the individual to persue the three goals of life outlined in the Vedas - Dharma (virtuous living), artha (prosperity) and kama (pleasure). These three lead to the fourth and ultimate goal of moksha (spiritual liberation).

There are three categories of ayurvedic practitioners. Some have undergone a rigorous medical training for five or six years in India or Sri Lanka and are awarded degrees in Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery - they have letters BAMS or DAMS after their names. There are also many western-trained healthcare practitioners (both orthodox and complementary) who incorporate ayurvedic principles into their practices. The third type of ayurvedic practictioner is one who offers lifestyle guidance using ayurvedic principles. They do not offer medical advice but teach how to use the principles of ayurveda in evry day life. Personal recommendation can be a good source.