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Ayurveda, a Sanskrit word meaning 'the science of life', is the traditional healing system of India. It is based on scriptures written almost three thousand years ago, but it is believed to be many centuries older.
Although western medicine is readily available in India today, many of the country's one billion people readily turn to Ayurvedic medicine, which is taught in hundreds of Universities across the country and practiced by tens of thousands of Ayurvedic doctors.
While some of its traditional practices, such as yoga and meditation, have taken the world by storm, Ayurveda is still relatively unknown in the west. It is based on many of the same principles as Traditional Chinese Medicine, which has been practiced in North America for several decades.
A brief summary of the basics of Ayurveda is available in many books and on several internet sites. More important than knowing what it is all about, however, is understanding why it is so important and unique. To truly appreciate what Ayurveda has to offer, it is useful to compare it to conventional western medicine.
The twentieth century has seen incredible advances in our understanding of the parts of the body. The inner workings of the cell and the nature of DNA are almost second nature to modern researchers. Thousands of enzymes, hormones, and neurotransmitters have been studied in detail and every organ of the body has been deciphered in minute detail.
When it comes to understanding the whole body, however, we have lost the forest for the trees. Although we have detailed descriptions of hundreds of syndromes in terms of the symptoms they cause and the structures and functions that become abnormal, these descriptions fall short of real understanding. We have laboured intensely to answer the question 'what', but the question 'why' still remains. To put it simply, western medicine can explain what happens when we get sick, but not why.
The western physician is trained to diagnose individual diseases. Each one is considered unique, and every effort is made to find a treatment for that specific disease. The ayurvedic physician sees diseases differently. They are not distinct entities � they are all different forms of the same problem. That problem is imbalance.
This balance is described in terms of three subtle energies or Doshas called Vata, Pitta and Kapha. When all three of these are in perfect balance, there is perfect health. Any excess or deficiency in these forces creates imbalance that manifests as symptoms of disease. The greater the imbalance and the longer it persists, the worse the symptoms and the more severe the disease.
According to Ayurveda, each of us is born with unique imbalances. These begin with our genes and our environment in the womb. Throughout life, this constitution is altered by what we eat and drink, what we hear and see, what we do and say. In short, everything matters. Different foods, behaviours, activities and environments have differing effects on the Doshas. Not only can they cause imbalance � they can restore it.
Let us consider heartburn as an example. Your medical doctor will tell you that this is caused by transient relaxation of your lower esophageal sphincter. This explanation is correct, but it does not explain why it is happening - more importantly, why it is happening to you. The standard treatment for heartburn is to eliminate all the acid in your stomach. It is effective, but it does not treat the cause of the problem at all.
An ayurvedic assessment evaluates you as a whole person to determine what your imbalance is - in the case of heartburn, it may be an excess of Pitta (fire). If this were the case, the treatment prescription might include cooling foods such as pomegranate, coriander or aloe, activity in the shade, avoiding anger or excitement, relaxing exercise such as swimming in cool water and soft music, and a herbal prescription individualized to your needs.
This approach is combined with a centuries-old system of detoxification and rejuvenation called Panchakarma, which is designed to remove toxins and wastes from the body. Panchakarma centres have been established in the West by ayurvedic physicians and western physicians such as Deepak Chopra. Many people undergo these therapies seasonally for prevention, but they are considered strong medicine for chronic illnesses that are difficult to treat without panchakarma.
A philosophy based on subtle energies like fire and wind does not agree with our modern understanding of biology and human physiology. Many other aspects of ayurveda do not make scientific sense. What matters is not whether it makes sense, but whether or not it works.
Scientific research into Ayurveda is gaining momentum in India and the West. Studies have shown that some herbs - such as gugul, arjuna, ashwagandha and turmeric - contain powerful pharmaceutical ingredients. Many people suffering from conditions that did not improve with conventional therapies have been helped by Ayurvedic medicine.
This system of tailoring your lifestyle to your individual needs should be considered by every person, regardless of their state of health. Many chronic illnesses can benefit from ayurvedic medicine, and western medications do not need to be discontinued, particularly if they are helpful. This way, you can get the best of both worlds.