Insight into Ayurveda

Today, alternative medicine has evolved as the most effective and sought after medical treatment in India due to its benefit of ‘no side effects’ and  due to comparatively lower treatment costs. Among other forms of alternative medicines, Ayurveda has been the most practiced and preferred. Its simple techniques and reliable solutions have added to this endorsement. MetroMela speaks with Dr SL Narayana, one of the leading and experienced Ayurveda doctors in Mysore, to give us an insight into Ayurveda.  Dr. Narayana tells us that Ayurveda is an elaborate system of healing and also one of the oldest systems of medicine in the world. Ayurveda originated thousands of years ago (around 800-600 BC) in India and comes from a Sanskrit word which means life (ayur) and knowledge (veda). Here’s more…
 
Ayurvedic treatments

• Ayurvedic treatments focus more on treating the patients rather than the disease.
• The whole science of Ayurveda is based on five elements – earth, water, fire, air and space.
• Ayurveda blends science and philosophy to help attain the balance of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual mechanism of the body, which is essential for good health.
• The common ailments that can be treated through the Ayurveda system are acne, skin disease, asthma, hypertension, depression, anxiety, common cold, arthritis, constipation, diabetes, flu, heart disease, immune problems, allergies, obesity, ulcer, etc.
• Diet plays an important part in Ayurvedic treatment. It maintains that an individual should eat according to his body type and the season.
• Ayurveda uses vital supplements such as vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbs to treat and prevent diseases.
• Some of the common herbs used in Ayurvedic treatments are Aloe Vera, Neem, Withania (Ashwagandha), Brahmi, Tulsi, etc.
• The four basic steps in Ayurvedic treatment are cleansing and detoxification, palliation, invigoration and finally mental hygiene and spiritual healing.   
• Ayurvedic treatment also focuses on exercise, yoga, meditation and massage.

Benefits of Ayurveda

• The foremost benefit of Ayurveda is that there are no side effects, as natural herbs are used in Ayurvedic treatments and medicines (making it non-toxic).
• Apart from curing physical ailments, Ayurveda also helps to improve mental health. It has a positive influence on overall health aspects like diet, sleep, exercise, etc.
• Although Ayurvedic treatment is of a longer duration, it provides long-term and effective solutions.
• Ayurveda helps to keep the mind and body in perfect shape with its holistic healing.
• Ayurveda’s uncomplicated and simple health solutions help to release stress and to relax the mind.

 
We hope this brief insight helps you to get a better understanding of Ayurveda. Do share your  views  in our comment box.