Ayurveda, translated into English, means "science of life." Ayurveda focuses on and is associated with the philosophy of holistic connection between the mind, body and spirit. While it is considered an alternative medicine in the West, Ayurvedic medicine is one of the oldest health systems. It originated in India and is guided by tenets and principles that have withstood the challenges of modern times.
History
Ayurvedic medicine began originally as an oral tradition. Ayurvedic medicine was first documented in the earliest books of Sanskrit literature called the Vedas, scriptures that formed the foundation of Hinduism. The first book, Rig Veda, contains a list of healing plants and descriptions of their uses. Another book, Atharva Veda, mentions more plants and their therapeutic uses. The Vedas scriptures can be traced back to 1000 B.C.E.
Definitive Ayurvedic Texts
Ayurveda was explored at length in three collective writings made separately by three physicians during India's ancient times. "Caraka Samhita" described in detail medical practices that included the description of the disease, diagnosis and the plants used for treatment through the accounts of the doctor named Caraka. The next physician, Sushruta, took note of crude surgical instruments made from objects in nature that he used to treat his patients, as documented in the "Sushruta Samhita." Lastly, "Astangahrdaya" is another important treatise on Ayurvedic medicine penned by Vagbhates.
Principles
Practitioners believe that a balance of the three energies or "doshas" promotes health and wellness. They also recommend that in order to achieve balance, there must be a harmonious existence among these three energy forces, called vata, pitta and kapha, which control the movement, metabolism and structural aspects of the body. It is believed that vata is made up of air and ether, or space, and controls muscle movement, breathing, feelings of fear, pain, nervousness and many other emotions. Pitta is believed to govern the body's temperature, digestion, metabolism, assimilation, nutrition and skin coloration, among other things. The elements of pitta are fire and water. Kapha is believed to lubricate the joints, aid in healing wounds and give stability, energy and vigor. The elements of kapha are believed to be earth and water.
Modern Practice
The study of Ayurvedic medicine is taught in India similarly to how doctors in the West learn about medicine as a career path. It encompasses a wide scope of specialties, among them fertility, detoxification, toxicology and obstetrics. Though it is still treated as an alternative medicine in the United States, its following has grown steadily through the years. Modern-day Ayurveda has become a much larger field of medical study that spans continents and languages, largely in part due to Ayurvedic books being translated into English.
Ayurvedic Treatments
Body massages are used to stimulate proper blood circulation, release stress and help relax the body. Common sage is used to relieve symptoms in Alzheimer's patients, while cinnamon and cardamon are used to to help break down polymeric macromolecules by stimulating digestive enzymes in the body. To cure gastric disorders, increase appetite and promote secretion of digestive juices, a mix of ginger, long and black pepper is used as an Ayurvedic treatment.
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