What Is Ayurveda?
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Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest medical systems. Originating in India more than 5,000 years ago, it relies on a natural and holistic approach to physical, mental and emotional health.
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The word "Ayurveda" is derived from the Sanskrit word Ayu (life) and Veda (knowledge or science). Thus, Ayurveda is the Science Of Life.
Unlike Western medicine, Ayurveda is a holistic science and looks at wellness as a whole: perfect health is defined as a state of balance between mind, body, spirit, and emotional well-being.
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Rather than treating only the symptoms, Ayurveda focuses on finding and treating the root cause of disease.
Any type of disease (whether that is physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual) is caused by an imbalance (more about imbalances later). Thousands of years of Ayurvedic knowledge and wisdom have been documented in ancient scriptures, the most revered one being the Charaka Samhita.
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Six Stages of Disease
Ayurvedic medicine does not wait until symptoms arise before treating the patient. Rather, it teaches one to pay attention to simple and seemingly insignificant disturbances within the body. By recognizing and reversing early signs of imbalance, full-blown disease may be prevented. Ayurvedic medicine views disease as a continuum of imbalance that systematically moves through the following stages.
1. Accumulation
In the first stage of the disease, one or more of the five elements begins to accumulate within the body or mind.
2. Aggravation
When the imbalanced element moves outside of its normal boundaries, it is believed to have entered the second stage of the disease.
3. Dissemination
The wandering elements move throughout the body, in essence, looking for weak points in which to settle.
4. Localization
The wandering elements settle in a different part of the body.
5. Manifestation
Recognizable symptoms manifest.
6. Disruption
A chronic disease condition arises.
To demonstrate the way in which the stages of disease operate, imagine a pot of water on a stove burner. As the water sits on the burner, it begins to boil (accumulation). If the heat is not turned down, the water may boil over (aggravation). As the water flows over the edge of the pot, it spreads all over the stove (dissemination). The water finds the lowest point on the stove and begins to collect there (localization). If left standing for a long period, the water will begin to rust and erode the stovetop (manifestation). Over time the water may actually render the stovetop inoperable (disruption).
The same process takes place in the human body. A seemingly insignificant symptom left untreated may, in time, wreak havoc in the body. For example, gurgling in stomach after eating (accumulation) may turn into bloating (aggravation). Constipation could then ensue (dissemination) followed by intestinal permeability (localization). If left untreated, undigested food particles may leak through the permeable intestines and flood the bloodstream, creating chronic inflammation, perhaps in the form of arthritis (manifestation). The untreated inflammation could, in turn, cause the body to attack itself and create an autoimmune disease (disruption).
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According to Ayurveda, the universe is made of 5 elements (Panchabhuta).
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The Five Elements (Pancha-Bhuta)
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Akasha (Space)
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Vayu (Wind)
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Agni/Teja (Fire)
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Apas/Jala (Water)
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Prithvi (Earth)
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These 5 elements (Pancha Bhuta) combine to form 3 energy types (Tri-Dosha) in the human body: Pitta-Dosha (air and space), Vata-Dosha (water and fire), and Kapha-Dosha (earth and water). The Tridosha explains how the body functions.
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The Three Dosha (Tri-Dosha)
Each Dosha is associated with specific physical qualities, personality traits, and emotional strengths and weaknesses. Every person has a combination of all three doshas, but one or two doshas are usually dominant.
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Vata-Dosha
Vata-Dosha consists of the elements air and space (also called ether). Vata qualities include cold, light, dry, subtle, and rough. People with strong vata tend to be creative, lighthearted, energetic, and flexible decision-makers. They often have a more delicate build and speak more quickly than other doshas.
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Vata involves processes that are responsible for cell signaling and division, electrolyte imbalance, waste elimination, movement, and cognition.
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Pitta-Dosha
Pitta-Dosha consists of the elements fire and water. Pitta qualities include hot, liquid, sharp, and pungent. People with strong pitta tend to be strong-willed, direct, and fierce with opponents. They often have a medium, more muscular build.
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Pitta involves processes responsible for metabolism, digestion, vision, and temperature regulation.
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Kapha-Dosha
Kapha-Dosha consists of the elements water and earth. Kapha qualities include soft, cold, stable, and heavy. People with strong kapha tend to be calm, loving, and caring. They often have a strong build and move more slowly than other doshas.
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Kapha involves joint lubrication, processes for storage and stability, and maintenance and growth of body structures.
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In Ayurveda, the body is comprised of seven types of tissues known as Sapta-Dhatu. These include:
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Rakta (blood tissue)
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Rasa (plasma)
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Meda (adipose or fat tissue)
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Mamsa (muscular tissue)
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Majja (bone marrow)
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Shukra (reproductive tissue)
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Asthi (bone tissue)
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Dosha | Bhuta | Composition Characteristic
Vata | Vayu, Akasha | Prana
Pitta | Agni, Jala/Apas | Tejas
Kapha | Prithvi, Jala/Apas | Ojas
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Rasayana
There are 2 main categories of Rasayana:
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Kamya-Rasayana, which promotes health by boosting energy levels, and
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Naimittika-Rasayana, which fights disease.
Kamya-Rasayana is divided into 3 categories:
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Pranakamya, which promotes vitality & longevity,
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Srikamya, which supports complexion, and
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Medhakamya, which boosts intelligence.
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Rasayana is further classified asdrug-based (Aushdha-Rasayana) and lifestyle (Achara-Rasayana).
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​Ayurvedic Treatment
An Ayurvedic practitioner will create a treatment plan specifically designed for you. They’ll take into account your unique physical and emotional makeup, and your primary and secondary Dosha. They will use that information to work toward the goal of treatment, which is to bring your mind and body into balance.
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There are several techiniques used in Ayurvedic to help you maintain harmony, avoid disease, and treat conditions you may have.
These include:
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Abhyanga Massage
Abhyanga is a traditional full-body massage performed by oneself using medicated oil. The oil is slightly heated before applying to the entire body, from head to toe, followed by gentle strokes to release stress, improve circulation and relieve inflammation. The oil is infused with specific herbs, and the ingredients may vary depending on the target ailment.
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Kati Vasti Treatment
Traditional treatment for back pain and inflammation in the lumbosacral region, Kati Vasti, is performed by retaining warm medicated oil over the lower back for a specific duration. Think of it as a small frame or a well made of gram dough to keep the oil—the heated oil puddles over the target region to provide external stimulation for a soothing effect.
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Elakizhi Treatment
Perspiration is good for you. It helps open up skin pores and eliminate toxins as sweat. If your day-to-day routine doesn't involve —physical activity, you might need this treatment to break a sweat. Elakizhi therapy induces perspiration by massaging the body with a bundle of herbs packed in a muslin cloth and soaked in warm oil. The treatment helps relieve stress, sore muscles, and body ache.
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Njavara Kizhi Treatment
It's a traditional Ayurvedic massage therapy using boluses of cooked rice, milk and herbal extracts to induce perspiration. This massage therapy benefits arthritis patients or anyone suffering from acute or chronic musculoskeletal discomfort.
Panchakarma Treatment
It's a holistic treatment performed over a week to naturally send the body into overdrive to get rid of toxins. Panchakarma treatment has been around for centuries, designed and prescribed by ancient sages to nurture healthy living.
Let's understand the five therapies that makeup panchakarma treatment.
Vamana Therapy
This therapy involves administering medicated oil or ghee for a few days to agitate doshas and eventually induce vomiting. Vamana is performed to treat illnesses caused by elevated Kapha doshas by eliminating toxins from the tissues.
Virechana Treatment
This therapy involves administering herbal laxatives to evacuate the bowel, eliminate toxins from the GI tract and treat the ailments caused by elevated Pitta dosha.
Basti Treatment
This therapy involves administering a herbal enema into the rectum to clear the colon. Although this technique is used to treat vitiated vata dosha, it's an essential step in panchakarma treatment for gut cleansing and detox. The therapy is minimally invasive and mostly painless.
Nasyam Treatment
This therapy involves administering herbal nasal drops into the nostrils to help the recipient find relief from Kapha affiliations above the head.
Raktamokshana Treatment
This traditional therapy removes blood impurities by letting a leech suck up blood from key areas or letting the blood out by making a minor cut using a metal instrument.
Shirodhara Treatment
It's a restorative therapy administered by a certified practitioner in a purpose-built facility. The process involves pouring warm, medicated oil over the forehead. The treatment lasts 60-90 minutes and includes a gentle head massage to ease headaches, stress, and anxiety.
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Varicose Veins Treatment
Varicose Veins are a common condition among middle-aged women but can also affect young women. Varicose Veins Treatment in Ayurveda uses a combination of herbs and massage oils, such as Sahacharadi thailam, Pinda thailam, etc. The treatment can be performed at home or by an Ayurveda practitioner.
Psoriasis Treatment
Psoriasis is an autoimmune syndrome that causes itchy, dry, and flaky skin. The patches may appear on the scalp, neck, or body. Psoriasis treatment in Ayurveda is usually performed by a certified practitioner using a variety of herbal pastes.
Ayurvedic Herbs And Spices For Body Detoxification
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These herbs and spices can be taken in leaf, powder or in oil form with either meals or water.
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Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a small woody plant native to India and North Africa. Its root and berries are used to produce a very popular Ayurvedic remedy. It’s considered an adaptogen, which means that it’s believed to help your body manage stress more effectively. Research has shown that it reduces levels of cortisol, a hormone that your adrenal glands produce in response to stress. Ashwagandha is also known to lower levels of anxiety and improved sleep in people with stress and anxiety disorders.
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Tulsi
Tulsi or holy basil is an excellent source of vitamins A and C and is packed with antioxidants. Tulsi leaves maintain a healthy liver and help flush out the toxins. It also has antidepressant properties and helps reduce stress and anxiety. A herbal tea containing Tulsi can help your body detoxify. Tulsi leaves can be chewed as well.
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Neem
Neem protects the body against infections and diseases, thanks to its medicinal properties. Neem is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. A glass of neem leaves or seeds juice can cleanse the intestines and help with getting rid of intestinal worms.
Triphala
Triphala is the combination of three fruits namely, haritaki, bibhitaki and amla. Triphala can protect the body against many chronic diseases including cancer. It promotes a healthy gut and helps with digestion. You can detoxify your body and skin by having a glass of water mixed with triphala powder.
Brahmi
Brahmi is a powerhouse of alkaloids and triterpene saponins. Brahmi helps heal wounds and reduces inflammation. It is an antioxidant and protects the body from diseases and infections. It can be taken in powdered form with meals of drinks. People love its chutney also.
Turmeric
Turmeric is widely known for its use in curries for its yellow color. It's the most used and loved ayurvedic spice packed with medicinal properties. Turmeric boosts the immune system and aids digestion. It cleanses the body and gives glowing skin. Turmeric can be taken in tea, herbal drinks, pickles or meals.
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Cumin
Cumin or commonly known as jeera, promotes gut health, helps with digestion and reduces bloating. Cumin, when left in water overnight and taken in the morning, can detoxify the body. Drinking cumin water flushes out harmful toxins from the body and gives a natural glow to the skin along with promoting overall health.
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Coriander
Coriander is a healing plant. It is used as a spice in Indian households. Its leaves are used to garnish meals. Coriander promotes liver health and detoxifies the body. It also helps with digestion and bloating. Coriander leaves chutney and cooling drinks are very beneficial for health.
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