The Ayurveda treatment involves the internal purification process of the body by following a special diet and using herbal remedies or by performing yoga and meditation. Ayurvedic treatment focuses on rebalancing the ‘doshas’, which are of three types ‘Vata Dosha’, ‘Pitta Dosha’ and ‘Kapha Dosha’. Each person has vata, pitta and kapha. However, usually one or two dominate in a particular person and changes, including stress, an unhealthy diet, weather and depressed relationships, can disturb the body's energy balance. These disturbances can show up in the form of disease. So it is essential to learn how does Ayurveda work.
How Does Ayurveda Work?
The term “Ayurveda” is a Sanskrit word where ‘ayur’ means “life” and ‘veda’ means “knowledge”, translating it as “knowledge of life”. Ayurveda treatment relies primarily on universal interconnectedness with the body’s constitution (Prakriti) and life forces (Doshas).
Do you know how Ayurveda works?
An Ayurvedic practitioner focuses on treatment by rebalancing the doshas. He will enquire about your medical history on the first visit and examine your pulse, abdomen, tongue, eyes, nails and skin. The practitioner may ask about your lifestyle, especially diet, habits, etc. Based on the analysis, he may suggest different types of treatment. The most commonly prescribed include:
- Pranayama: It is a breathing exercise. Your practitioner may suggest you pranayama to help feel calm.
- Abhyanga: This practice involves using herbal oil to rub the skin, which helps to increase blood flow or circulation and draw toxins out of the body through the skin.
- Rasayana: This involves the use of mantras combined with certain herbs for rejuvenation through the process of meditation.
- Yoga: Combining breathing exercises with movement and meditation has been shown to improve circulation and digestion. Yoga also helps to reduce blood pressure, cholesterol levels, diabetes, etc.
- Pancha karma: It is done to cleanse the body and purify it, which helps reduce cholesterol. Practitioners use methods to cause extra sweat, bowel movements, and even vomit to cleanse the toxins out of the body.
- Herbal medicines: These types of medicines using herbs are given in the form of powder or tablets to restore dosha balance.
Conclusion
The goal of Ayurvedic treatment is to prevent diseases. The treatment is effective when combined with yoga and certain herbal remedies. It helps to reduce pain and discomfort in joints, and muscle pain that may occur in patients with conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia. Ayurveda herbs may cross-react with some medications. So, it is advisable to speak with a healthcare professional before choosing any ayurvedic supplements for you and your family. Also, get health insurance to cover treatment costs.