What exactly is Ayurvedic medicine?

They’re age-old disciplines, but holistic healing activities such as yoga, mediation and acupuncture have had a resurgence in popularity in the last few years. Ayurveda is one such practise that uses all these disciplines to help heal and rebalance the body, but what exactly is it? Let’s find out…
WHAT IS AYURVEDA?
Ayurvedic medicine – or Ayurveda – is an ancient Indian health practise based on the belief that a human’s health and wellness is dependant on the balance between mind, body and spirit. It consists of a number of different holistic disciplines, and aims – rather than fight disease – to promote good health, eliminate disease and body dysfunctions, and preserve life.
WHAT DOES THE AYURVEDA THEORY INVOLVE?
Ayurveda theory states the universe is made up of five elements – air, fire, water, earth and ether – and these elements are represented in humans through three basic types of energy (also known as ‘Doshas’). The three basic Doshas are: Vata, which controls the functioning of the body; Pitta, which controls the body’s metabolic systems; and Kapha, which is responsible for body growth. If these energies are disturbed by factors such as stress, unhealthy diet or strained relationships, it is believed that disease or illness results. Ayurvedic practitioners use personalised disciplines, including diet, herbal medicine, yoga, aromatherapy, meditation, massage and acupuncture, to help rebalance your Doshas and rid the body of illness as a result.
Ayurveda also works on the principle that human beings are able to take charge of their life and their body’s ability to heal itself. And although different people may have similar diseases, treatment plans provided by Ayurvedic practitioners often vary greatly. This is because Ayurvedic concepts state each person has a unique pattern of energy, which needs to be treated individually. This unique pattern of energy is also responsible for your mental, physical, and emotional characteristics.
COULD YOU BENEFIT FROM AN AYURVEDA PRACTITIONER?
It doesn’t matter if you’re a fan of holistic disciplines or have tried western medicines without great results, if you’re suffering from an illness, feeling unwell or just need to de-stress, an Ayurveda practitioner could help you by suggesting appropriate disciplines and herbal medications to rebalance your energies, which could help to heal your body.
AT-HOME AYURVEDA-INSPIRED PRODUCTS TO TRY
If you’re keen unwind and balance your energies at home through relaxation and meditation, these beauty products will make a wonderful addition to your kit. Palmolive has recently released an Ayurituel Body Wash range, inspired by the ancient Indian Ayuverdic tradition. There are three delightful variations available – Ayurituel Joyous, Ayurituel Tranquility, and Ayurituel Energy – and each one is a perfect addition to a relaxing bath or shower. Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Frankincense Pure Essential Oil is also wonderful when it comes to calming an overworked body and mind; and The Body Shop Wellbeing Total Energy Pulse Point Balm will uplift, energise and boost your body and senses.
Have you heard of Ayurvedic medicine and Ayurveda? Have you visited an Ayurveda practitioner before? And do you believe in holistic healing methods such as yoga, aromatherapy and meditation?
62 Member Comments
I've heard of this, but don't know much about it. I do use aromatherapy though.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I have heard of this, but am yet to try it, sounds interesting.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I do believe in holistic healing methods, they are certainly worth a try first before other methods.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I must find some more information on Ayurveda. It reminds me of Chinese holistic medicine.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Never heard of this before. The Ayurituel body washes from Palmolive sound divine and I am very keen to try one (or all) of them out.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I have heard of Ayurvedic medicine and Ayurveda but didn't know what it was. I love this type of healing and would be very open to this.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Am a big believer in holistic medicine but have never sought out an Ayurvedic practitioner before. I've eaten certain foods (you can buy spices etc) that come from Ayurvedic practitioners and believe it does help. Certainly great for de-stress. If you don't believe in it though and think it's a bunch of mumbo jumbo, it won't work. You have to work with things in order for them to work for you, especially when it comes to stress of the mind. Aromatherapy is a particularly positive place to start as with for most people as scent can give instant gratification or relief.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I have heard of this practice but havent used it before. It all sounds very new age, but in a good way.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I think more holistic natural methods are great. And I'd love to hear more about Ayurveda.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I believe yoga, aromatherapy and meditation are really good foe you as they help you to relax and de-stress and we all know that too much stress is bad for your health.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Palmolive advertising their crap as ayuverdic 'inspired' is such a load of bollocks. Their stuff is still packed with chemicals which is not at all what ayuverda is about. Ridiculous.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Never heard of this before and whilst it sounds great, I'm not one to follow these practices etc.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
i believe in such methods. i recently started doing yoga as an exercise alternative and have found it more relaxing and calming (which is doing wonders as a uni student)
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I have always used high quality essential oils, herbs, traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, kinesiology, etc.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I don't believe in holistic healing methods but I do think that yoga and meditation can help relax the body since daily life has so many stressors.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Ive also heard of this before. My sister had a book on it. Would love the time to read it further. I saw the new Palmolive shower gels also. They look like again, something I want to try out
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I also have not heard of this before...im just trying to master the pronouciation
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I have never heard of this before and i know alot of people believe in them.. But for me trying is believing so if i really want to try something then i will and if it works then thats great. But i couldnt afford to try all of these things before either.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I'm not into alternate medicine, but I do love Ayurve, which is an Ayurvedic day spa
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
never heard of this until now. Thanx bh.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Natio has some Ayurvedic products in their range, I love the shower gel.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Never heard of it either. A bit skeptical to be honest.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Never heard of it but I am a big user of Accupuncture and Meditation to get me through my health problems.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Hasn't Aveda been using Ayuervedic theories for years?
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Have heard of this, but never knew exactly what is was - knew it was ancient medicine and something to do with essential oils.
Excellent explanation of Ayurvedic medicine!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0