|
|
| |
 |
 |
| |
 Ayurveda- The traditional Indian Healthcare System
Ayurveda or Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient system of health care that is native to the Indian subcontinent. The word "Ayurveda" is a compound of the word Ayus meaning "life" or "life principle", and the word Veda, which refers to a system of "knowledge". Thus "Ayurveda" roughly translates as the "knowledge of life". Origin of Ayurveda dates back to the period of Vedas, around 3000 BC.
The basic philosophy of Ayurveda is to make people aware of their life style, diet, exercise and mental activities to achieve prefect balance in mind, body and soul. Thus Ayurveda focuses on absolute perfect health and NOT disease whereas the modern medicine stress only on the body and neglects the mind, senses and the soul. Any infirmity in the mind, senses and soul leads to illness in the Ayurvedic definition.
Ayurveda as a Holistic Medicine
The system of Ayurveda medicine evolved over thousands of years through processes of experience, observation, experimentation and intuition. It is the most practical and sensible preventive system in the world. It is practiced intact even in today’s technology driven world. Ayurvedic system of medicine prescribes time tested and trusted methods to improve your physical and mental activity.
Ayurveda medicines have ways to totally rejuvenate the body and mind. These procedures improve your physical and mental activities measurably using botanical preparations. Ayurveda operates on the precept that various materials of vegetable, animal, and mineral origin have some medicinal value. The medicinal properties of these materials have been documented by the practitioners and have been used for centuries to cure illness and/or help maintain good health. Ayurvedic medicaments are made from herbs or mixtures of herbs.
| |
|
|
Diseases Treated |
| The following are some of the common diseases treated through Ayurveda |
 |
Rheumatism |
|
Arthritis of different kinds |
|
Hemiphlegia |
|
Joint stiffness and pain |
|
Facial palsy |
|
Anxiety |
|
Allergic asthma |
|
Peptic ulcer |
|
Motor neuron diseases |
|
Psoriasis and other skin diseases |
|
Back pain of different causes |
|
Neuralgia |
|
Disc prolapse |
|
Hypertension or high blood pressure |
|
Headaches |
|
Migraine |
|
Chronic cough |
|
Diabetes mellitus |
|
Piles |
|
Disorders of digestion |
|
Fatigue |
|
Insomnia |
|
Sinus congestion |
|
Stress |
|
Anger |
|
Irritability |
|
Nervous tension, worry, anxiety, fear |
|
Depression |
|
Cellulites |
| |
|
Ayurveda - Current Status
Ayurveda is now a statutory, recognised medical system of health care like other medical systems existed in India. The Central Council of Indian Medicine {CCIM} governs and recommends policies for the research and development of the system. Ayurvedic practitioners have been appointed as Honorary Ayurvedic Physician to the President of India. Today, Kerala is one of the states in India that promotes research and practices of Ayurveda. This has been attributed to its well established Ayurveda centres and Ayurveda pharmaceutical companies, as also the presence of medicinal herbs and plants on the Western Ghats mountain range that runs through the state.
Ayurveda in Modern World
Ayurvedic medicines and philosophy has been very popular in most western countries due to the growing popularity of yoga. It is simultaneously social, spiritual, emotional, psychological and medical. It has gained significance in this modern world due to its uncannily holistic approach to the well–being of the individual. In the health care centres, Ayurveda is the governing principal behind integrating treatments and developing specific life style management programs. Founded on the wholeness of mind, body and spirit, the art and science of Ayurveda is emerging as an important health care option. Holistic health is one of the trends of the modern world and complementary medicines is viewed by many as a solution to the rising incidence of chronic illness and disease and spiralling health and medical care costs in the western world. |
|
|
 |
|
|
