Ayurvedic medicine utilizes a variety of products and techniques to cleanse the body and restore balance to its systems. It is a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM ).
History
Ayurveda is one of the oldest known systems of medicine, beginning several thousand years ago in India. The term is composed of the Sanskrit words ayur (life) and veda (knowledge or science).
Significance
The practice of Ayurveda is based upon two principles: First, to prolong life and promote good health, and second, to rid the body of disease and dysfunction.
Benefits
The accomplishment of these two principles achieves a balance between mind, body and spirit. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, this balance could lead to perfect health.
Theories/Speculation
In Ayurdedic medicine, disease is considered to be an imbalance in one or more of the patient's doshas. According to the Ayurvedic system of medicine, the basic life force in the body is called prana. The five basic elements of earth, air, water, fire and ether also contain prana---all of which interact. These elements control all bodily functions, and are classified in three main categories called doshas. The three doshas are vata, pitta and kapha.
Considerations
Each person's body is a specific blend of these three doshas, called their prakriti. Any Ayurvedic treatment must be created specifically for that person.
Tags: three doshas