WHAT IS AYURVEDA?

Ayurveda is a term derived from the Sanskrit words 'Ayush' and 'Veda,' where 'Ayush' refers to life and 'Veda' means science or knowledge. Therefore, Ayurveda can be understood as the "Science of Life."

TRACING THE ROOTS OF AYURVEDA

The principles of Ayurveda have been encapsulated and detailed in ancient Indian treatises. Over time, Ayurveda has evolved into a scientific alternative medical science. Noted exponents of Ayurveda, such as Parashara, Shalihotra, and Nakula, composed the ancient treatises of Ayurveda.

AMERICAN USERS OF ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES

Research estimates indicate that 83 million residents of the United States spend over $27 million annually on alternative medicine, including Ayurveda. Similarly, there is a significant following of Ayurveda and other alternative therapies among English-speaking Canadians and Australians.

THE THREE EPOCHS OF AYURVEDA

The history of Ayurveda can be divided into three distinct stages. These stages are the golden ancient stage, the desecration period, and the post-independence rejuvenation age.

The ancient stage marked the golden age of Ayurveda, which spanned several years and encompassed the period of independent kingdoms. Ayurveda was the primary means to effectively diagnose and treat illnesses in plants and animals. Royal and public patronage contributed to the flourishing of Ayurveda. During this time, Ayurveda treatises were composed, and the study of Ayurveda held a place of pride. Many brilliant students pursued Ayurveda with great enthusiasm.

The desecration period followed the ancient stage when Indian kingdoms patronizing Ayurveda faced invasions from foreign marauders. Many valuable Ayurveda treatises were destroyed, and quacks introduced illicit variations in the Ayurvedic system. Ayurveda fell into disuse during this period.

The post-independence age of India marks the rejuvenation epoch of Ayurveda, particularly in the late 19th and 20th centuries. The Swadeshi movement played a crucial role in the all-round development of Ayurveda. Deliberate efforts by national governments led to the diagnosis of problems and the implementation of measures to overcome obstacles. Ayurveda studies progressed alongside modern and alternative medical sciences, following scientific principles. This led to the establishment of Ayurveda institutions, colleges, dispensaries, pharmacies, and hospitals in various parts of India.

AYURVEDA MEDICINES

Since ancient times, Ayurvedic experts, including mendicants or saints, specialized in various aspects of life for all living beings. Medicines prepared for diseases affecting plants and animals were derived from locally available natural substances. Ayurveda strictly avoids artificial elements or concoctions.

A SUPPORTIVE THERAPY

Ayurveda is considered useful in supporting other treatment programs. Its supporters believe that it can prevent and cure diseases by strengthening the immune system. They advocate for radical lifestyle changes to improve various persistent problems such as back pain, arthritis, tension headaches, high blood pressure, obesity, constipation, allergies, colds, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and other stress disorders.

FOCUS OF AYURVEDIC THERAPIES

Ayurvedic therapies emphasize lifestyle changes and herbal remedies, including diet, exercise, yoga, meditation, massage, herbal tonics, steam baths, enemas, and other alternative medical practices like aromatherapy. Special cleansing therapies, such as bloodletting and the use of blood-thinning herbs, are also employed to rid the body of disease-causing toxins.

ENJOYING THE BENEFITS OF AYURVEDA

The effectiveness of Ayurveda has led to a significant number of people in India seeking Ayurvedic treatments. Furthermore, Ayurveda is cost-effective.

The advantages of Ayurveda are as follows:

• Ayurveda provides rational ways to treat diseases affecting internal organs.
• It offers treatment for chronic and seemingly incurable diseases, which are often deemed difficult by modern medical sciences.
• Ayurveda emphasizes the factors that determine a person's healthy life.
• It provides means to cure and protect the human body against various ailments.
• Ayurveda promotes a disease-free and disciplined life by studying the fundamental nature of human beings.
• It focuses on understanding and controlling human urges such as sex, sleep, hunger, and thirst.
• Ayurveda covers a vast scope, including not only medicines but also all aspects of life. It encompasses biology and medical sciences.
• Ayurveda diagnoses and provides effective homemade treatments for ailments affecting animals and plants.

AYURVEDA SPECIALIZED COURSES

In India, there are over 100 colleges that offer five-year courses on Ayurveda. These institutions grant degrees in Ayurvedic medicine upon completion of the program. In the United States, Ayurvedic practitioners must be licensed in another form of healthcare, such as allopathy (Western medicine), or another system of alternative medicine, such as naturopathy, homeopathy, chiropractic, or acupuncture.

Article Source: https://www.ayurvedicindia.info