Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our Ayurvedic treatment and training programs.
- The main focus of ayurveda is to maintain the health of healthy person and then cure the ill person.
- There are many treatments in the Ayurveda for rebalancing health.
- They include:
- Lifestyle changes like going to bed at a regular time
- Diet changes like eating more warm foods or oils or greens
- Herbs – in many forms, loose powder, capsules, teas, medicated ghee/oil, tinctures, honey balls.
- Body treatments
- PanchaKarma – deep cleansing and rejuvenation process
- Yoga, Meditation
- Aromatherapy, Color Therapy
There can be a detox effect which can take the form of mild flu-like symptoms, or a rash. This usually is a normal reaction and means that the herbs are doing their job. Sometimes the reaction can be stronger and usually the practitioner makes an adjustment in the dosing.
Ayurveda can help with cancer and it can work very well with traditional cancer treatment protocols. It would depend on the type, stage and aggressive nature of the cancer and what your doctor recommends. Before Cancer Treatment – your ayurvedic professional can identify a proper diet, lifestyle, and herbs to retain and gain strength before entering treatment.
During cancer treatment – Ayurveda can help to minimize side effects and symptoms from cancer treatments and to keep the digestive fire strong. Herbal juices can be used during chemotherapy and radiation. Herbs and medicated oils can be used in the intervals between treatments to support and enhance the cancer treatment therapies. Meditation, breath exercises and a practice called yoga nidra again provide immense support during this phase.
Post Cancer Treatment – Cleanse the body of the toxins after cancer treatment, strongly tonify and build healthy tissues, rebuild and strengthen Immunity. The usage of herbs, foods, body therapies, and yoga practices to prevent another occurrence.
During cancer treatment – Ayurveda can help to minimize side effects and symptoms from cancer treatments and to keep the digestive fire strong. Herbal juices can be used during chemotherapy and radiation. Herbs and medicated oils can be used in the intervals between treatments to support and enhance the cancer treatment therapies. Meditation, breath exercises and a practice called yoga nidra again provide immense support during this phase.
Post Cancer Treatment – Cleanse the body of the toxins after cancer treatment, strongly tonify and build healthy tissues, rebuild and strengthen Immunity. The usage of herbs, foods, body therapies, and yoga practices to prevent another occurrence.
Ayurveda can help to minimize side effects and symptoms from cancer treatments and to keep the digestive fire strong. Herbal juices and teas and digestive spices on foods can be used during chemotherapy and radiation. Manjishtha tea decoction and cilantro leaf juice are particularly helpful. Herbs and medicated oils can be used in the intervals between treatments to support and enhance the cancer treatment therapies. Meditation, breath exercises and a practice called yoga nidra again provide immense support during this phase. Ayurveda uniquely offers support in order for the body to let go and allow deep healing to occur.
There is usually ama or toxins and poor digestive fire at the root of arthritis. Panchakarma is generally advised because of the toxins. Treatment depends on the doshic imbalance associated with arthritis. If Vata is primarily involved then stiffness, pain, and dryness and we are using warm cooked moderately spiced foods, haritaki, castor oil internally/externally, and possibly yogaraj guggulu or simhanada guggulu If Pitta is primarily involved, then there is inflammation with burning sensations and we using greens in the diet, cooling spices, herbs that add moist and cool properties, amalaki, and possibly kaishore guggulu If Kapha is primarily involved, then there is swelling and water retention and we are using hot pungent spices on warm cooked foods, bibhitaki, and possibly diuretics triphala guggulu or punarnava guggulu or simhanada guggulu. Yoga is helpful for all arthritic conditions
If you have broken bones, acute bleeding externally or internally, advanced, acute, debilitating forms of diseases, or cancer you are seeing an allopathic doctor.
Does Ayurveda helps in all other conditions especially chronic conditions and conditions that are not responding to Western treatments?
Ayurveda helps with
- GI issues (ulcers, IBS, IBD, Crohn’s, diverticulitis,
- fatigue, pain (low back pain, muscular or bone pain, …),
- fatigue, pain (low back pain, muscular or bone pain, …),
- hormone/endocrine function (diabetes, infertility, menopause…) ,
- weight issues, immune system function (cancer),
- auto-immune (hashimoto’s, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, MS ….) ,
- nervous system (RLS, parkinson’s,
- respiratory system (asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis,…),
- circulatory system (hypertension, cholesterol, heart function…) ,
- cognitive function and psychological disorders/imbalances (memory, depression, stress, anxiety, insomnia, bipolar, …), urinary function, anti-aging, and many more.
Nature! Ayurveda remedies are all based on the concept that you can eat your therapies. That is why there is such an emphasis on making sure that the herbs, oils, and other substances come from clean sources so that we don’t create more toxins in the body.
The sages of India receive the gift of Ayurveda was a gift from the Hindu gods at least 5000 yrs. ago. New research is showing that Ayurveda was alive and well 10,000 to 20,000 years ago. The 3 major books of Ayurveda are authored by Charak, Vagbhat, and Sushrut. The 3 minor books of Ayurveda are authored by Sharngadhara, Bhavamishra, Madhava.
Ayurveda treats the root cause of disease and allopathic methods treat symptoms. Ayurveda goes after the root cause which will have a more longstanding effect.
Ayurveda allows you to take the reins of your own health. You don’t have to wait for a prescription or undergo unnecessary tests. For example, if you normally have a pattern of getting a little constipated in fall, then prior to fall you would start eating more warm cooked moderately spiced foods, ingest more healthy oils, take in more water and warm herbal teas, return to a more regular routine, avoid cold & drying foods.
The removal of toxins is part of every PANCHKARMA. It is important to note that the therapies are powerful in PANCHKARMA and there must be a period of clearing out the body before moving into a full PANCHKARMA
Some preparatory work of removing some poor diet options, substitution of better food options, herbs, and some lifestyle changes.
- • Eating a simple diet for 8 – 14 days so that the body can concentrate its resources on removing toxins.
- • Body treatments to provoke excess Vata, Pitta, and Kapha to move into the GI tract as well as toxins for removal.
- • Taking medicated ghee in the morning for 4 – 8 days.
- • Usually purgation with a strong laxative.
- • Medicated enemas.
Most people lose weight on a panchakarma. It varies greatly depending on what was in the diet prior to the PANCHKARMA. PANCHKARMA primes the body for more significant weight loss especially if you stay with a simple diet for a longer period of time.
According to studies of the National Institute of Health in 2002:
- • Decreases cholesterol, by lowering toxic lipid peroxide levels
- • Decreased the rate of platelet clumping and thus lymphatic congestion
- • Decreases 14 major toxic and cancer causing chemicals from the body tissues
- • Significantly raised the good HDL cholesterol
- • Lowered diastolic blood pressure
- • 70% reduction of heavy metals, pesticides and other hazardous chemicals than the general population. There can be up to 80% less doctor’s visits. Pancha Karma recipients showed significantly less aging.
- • Reduces free radicals which are the leading cause of all disease
- • Significant reduction in bodily complaints, irritability, bodily strain, psychological inhibition and emotional stability
- • Decreased anxiety, reduced doctor visits
- • removes the root cause of the disease
- • improves immunity
- • removes chemical toxins (environment pollution, drinking, smoking, chemicals in food, medicines)
- • removes emotional toxins ( stress, jealousy, sorrows, fears, anger, relationships, job stress, grief, anxiety)
- • reduce extra fat
- • reverse aging
- • increase skin glow
- • remove anxiety, sleeplessness/insomnia and mental problems
- • balance blood circulation, high BP, low BP
- • balance digestive system
- • increase loss of vigor and stamina
People generally feel some fatigue and may experience mild flu like symptoms if there are a lot of toxins being released. If the person does not do the proper preparatory work before the Panchakarma, then the toxins may flood the system too quickly and cause the person to develop strong flu symptoms.
The simple diet consists of cooked grains, moong beans or some other lentil, and cooked vegetables. Avoid cold foods, yeast, fats, dairy, processed foods, alcohol, foods with high sugar.
Yes, people can do their own body treatments.
The preparatory phase is generally 4 days to two weeks.
The actual cleanse itself takes 4 to 14 days.
The Post phase of slowing reintroducing your normal foods can take anywhere from 1-4 weeks.
The actual cleanse itself takes 4 to 14 days.
The Post phase of slowing reintroducing your normal foods can take anywhere from 1-4 weeks.
Your ayurvedic professional will determine which of the 5 actions (vomiting, purgation, enemas, nasal oil, bloodletting) are appropriate for you.
Ayurveda is one of the great gifts of the sages of ancient India to mankind. It is one of the oldest scientific medical systems in the world, with a long record of clinical experience. The word “Ayu” means all aspects of life from birth to death. The word “Veda” means knowledge or learning. Hence Ayurveda indicates the science by which life in its totality is understood.
The next important authority in Ayurveda after Charaka and Sushruta is Vagbhatta of Sindh, who flourished about the seventh century AD. His treatise called Ashtanga Hridya.
THE EIGHT BRANCHES OF AYURVEDA * Kaya Chikitsa (General medicine) * Shalya Tantra (Surgery) * Shalakya Tantra (Diseases of Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat) * Kaumarbhritya (Children diseases, obstetrics and Gynecology) * Agada Tantra (Toxicology) * Bhuta Vidya (Psychiatry) * Rasayana (Rejuvenation), and * Vajikarana (Aphrodisiac/sexology)
Ayurveda is the science of positive health and fulfillment in life. The aim of Ayurveda is threefold: * To achieve positive health for the individual * Protection of the masses * Ultimate liberation The last goal can be achieved by following regulations of daily conduct and by following strict seasonal regimens, so that one can be constantly healthy. Being continuously healthy is comparable to achieving ultimate liberation, as it involves the eradication of the factors that bring about suffering.
Ancient Indian philosophy is of opinion that all materials, living or non-living are made of five fundamental elements called Panchamahabhutas, representing five fundamental categories of matter. These are: * Akasha (ether) * Vayu (air) * Teja (fire/energy) * Jala (water), and * Prithvi (earth) All material on this earth contains Panchamahabhutas in different proportion.
Biological application of Panchamahabhutas reflects in the form of Tridosha. Here ‘Tri’ means three and Dosha’ represents to humor (bio-entity). Thus the word ‘Tridosha’ denotes to three humors i.e. Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These are said ‘Dosha’ because these have tendency to get vitiated and also to vitiate others. This bilateral tendency of Dosha is cause of health and diseases. State of balance of Dosha represents health while imbalance to the disease. Every Dosha has definite place/location and functions in our body. All have their five types respectively.
Our body is supported and sustained by seven Dhatus (basic tissues). Beside this, Dhatus have property to vitiate. Dosha and Dhatus have relation with each other in health and disease. In pathogenesis of disease these both play key role. Following are the seven Dhatus: i. Rasa (Plasma) ii. Rakta (Blood) iii. Mamsa (Muscle) iv. Meda (Adipose) v. Asthi (Bone) vi. Majja (Marrow) vii.Shukra (Reproductive tissues).
The word 'Mala' means excretal products. Ayurveda has a unique concept of Malas. Sustenance of Mala in appropriate limits, sustain the life. To understand it in a better way, take the example of common excreta - urine. Excess urination may cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
Agni is considered as biological fire. In our body entire range of digestive and metabolic activities are performed by it. Ayurveda considers about thirteen types of 'Agnis'.
1. Jatharagni - It performs digestion of food and considered to govern other 'Agnis'.
2. Dhatvagni - Every Dhatu has a particular type of Agni, which is responsible for that for that particular tissue metabolism. These are seven in number.
3. Bhutagni - Each of the five Mahabhuta (elements) has a specific Agni, which is responsible for molecular metabolism.
1. Jatharagni - It performs digestion of food and considered to govern other 'Agnis'.
2. Dhatvagni - Every Dhatu has a particular type of Agni, which is responsible for that for that particular tissue metabolism. These are seven in number.
3. Bhutagni - Each of the five Mahabhuta (elements) has a specific Agni, which is responsible for molecular metabolism.
The word literally means three qualities or three properties. These are the three specific properties of the Mind. They are Satwa, Rajas and Tamas.
The concept of Prakriti is unique and has explanation for this. Every person is born with a definite genetic constitution, depending upon Doshas, there are three major types of Prakriti, and these reflect predominance of that particular Dosha. Our body behaves according to the status of Dosha Prakriti.
The treatment in Ayurveda can be classified broadly into two methods- 1. Shamana Chikitsa (Alleviating Therapy) 2. Sodhana Chikitsa (Purification Therapy)
This is specially done after the sodhana therapy and in less vitiation. Herbal medicines are used internally and externally to correct the derangement of functions of Doshas, Dhatus, Malas and Agni and also to increase the Immunity. The restoration of normality is brought about without any elimination.
The main aim of this treatment is to eliminate the internal causative factors of the disease. Large quantities of toxic bi-products are formed in the body as a result of continuous metabolic process. All though most of these toxins are eliminated naturally by the body’s excretory system, some may get deposited in the various tissues of the body, which ensures the vitiation of Doshas, Dhatus etc. and then the normal functioning of the system is impaired. Similarly disease causing toxins accumulate in the body as a result of various factors like wrong body habits, wrong food habits, incompatible combination of food items, suppression of the body urges, emotional imbalance etc. Panchakarma therapeutic procedures are used to facilitate the elimination of such harmful factors.
Panchakarma is a Sanskrit word that means "five actions" or "five treatments". This science of purifying the body is an ancient branch of Ayurveda. Panchakarma is the cornerstone to Ayurvedic management of disease. Pancha Karma is the process, which gets to the root cause of the problem and re-establishes the essential balance of 'Tridosha' (three doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha) in body. Pancha Karma is not only good for alleviating disease but is also a useful tool in maintaining excellent health. Ayurveda advises undergoing Pancha Karma at the seasonal changes in order to clean the body and improve the digestion and metabolic processes.
Pizhichil is a process of massage therapy in this which 3-4 liters lukewarm herbal medicated oil is poured on the whole body continuously, followed by simultaneous massage. Ideal for retards the ageing process, arrests degeneration of the body cells and relieving muscular pain, joint stiffness. Effective for Arthritis, Rheumatic diseases, Sexual weakness, Nervous weakness, and Nervous disorders. Improves Vigor and Vitality.
STRESS CARE capsules are a research product to combat stress related disease. It's unique composition of Ashwagandha, Jatamansi, Jyotismati and Brahmi not only gaurd against ill effects of stress, but also revitalises your body. It increases memory, strengthens the mind and helps to cope with exhaustion, overwork and fatigue. Take one capsule in the morning and one in the evening with water/milk.
YES. Ayurvedic medicines are natural and safe ,they have no side effects. Since they are prepared form herbs & minerals after proper processing according to classical ayurvedic methods of manufacturing.
Abhyanga is a specialized whole body massages including head & face, performed by therapist using specific herbal oil selected according to the body type. The treatment brings about improved physical consistency, induces deep relaxation and is very beneficial for vigor and vitality. Massage is the most ancient technique for reliving pain, still a valid and thriving art in most region of India. Abhyanga is used to manipulate and correct dosha disorders, especially of the Vata kind; to cure orthopedic injuries; to relieve swollen tissues; and to promote regeneration of the tissues and organs, as well as the internal functioning of the body.
These are the benefits of Massage:-
1. Massage relieves stress and relaxes the mind, body and soul.
2. Massage releases trapped energy, pain, frustration and problems.
3. Massage helps relieve pain. 4. Massage increases blood flow.
5. Massage loosens muscle fibers, scars, and adhesions, increasing flexibility and strength.
6. Massage stimulates the release of brain chemicals that lift the mood and strengthens the immune system
7. Massage increases lymphatic circulation aiding in the elimination of toxins.
8. Massage speeds the delivery of nutrients to damaged tissue.
9. Massage strengthens the muscular contractions of the digestive system, which aids in the elimination of toxins.
10. Massage stimulates the body processes in a 100% non-invasive way to help prevent future health problems.
Shirodhara is a titillating form of snehana treatment, whereby the oil or therapeutic substance methodically drips along a coarse thread onto the forehead. A metal or clay vessel, the dhara patra, is suspended directly above the forehead. The oil or other fluid is poured into the pot, and then seeps through a hole in the bottom of the pot and slides down a 4 –inch long thread, half of which hangs through the hole. The drops of oil from the thread drip directly onto the subject’s third eye, or center of the forehead.
Ayurveda sees the life activity as experiential and endlessly interactive. The sensory experience that we have from various stimuli in our surroundings are conveyed by the sense organs to the mind and then to the consciousness.
If the mind is not clear then it creates unwholesome experiences making us to eat, sleep and adopt a lifestyle that is disease causing.
Clarity of mind is very important for our health and wellbeing. Ayurveda knows that wrongful choices are the first step in creating an imbalance in the body.
Ayurveda is all about mindful eating, sleeping and exercising, by encouraging one to follow a daily routine and healthy meal planning.
While defining health, Ayurveda says among all factors a peaceful state of mind that works in clarity is very key to health.
Such a state of mind is called SATVA or SATVIK state. State of mind is seen as active (RAJAS) or passive (TAMAS).
Action and energy fills the body and mind when in RAJAS, while Rest and slowness permeates the body and mind with the TAMAS.
Both these states are very essential for us to live in this world, but they cannot be in excess.
Excess of RAJAS causes raising of thoughts, agitation, lack of patience, disturbed sleep, anxious states and so on.
When TAMAS state is reflected on to the mind the thoughts become dull, there is lack of enthusiasm, unwillingness, unhappiness, isolation, gloominess and such states.
The mind being under RAJASIK or TAMASIK influence is disease provocative. Hence a balanced of RAJAS with TAMAS situates the mind in SATVA.
Ayurveda recommends diet, herbs, spices, yoga, meditation and lifestyle changes that promote SATVA.
If the mind is not clear then it creates unwholesome experiences making us to eat, sleep and adopt a lifestyle that is disease causing.
Clarity of mind is very important for our health and wellbeing. Ayurveda knows that wrongful choices are the first step in creating an imbalance in the body.
Ayurveda is all about mindful eating, sleeping and exercising, by encouraging one to follow a daily routine and healthy meal planning.
While defining health, Ayurveda says among all factors a peaceful state of mind that works in clarity is very key to health.
Such a state of mind is called SATVA or SATVIK state. State of mind is seen as active (RAJAS) or passive (TAMAS).
Action and energy fills the body and mind when in RAJAS, while Rest and slowness permeates the body and mind with the TAMAS.
Both these states are very essential for us to live in this world, but they cannot be in excess.
Excess of RAJAS causes raising of thoughts, agitation, lack of patience, disturbed sleep, anxious states and so on.
When TAMAS state is reflected on to the mind the thoughts become dull, there is lack of enthusiasm, unwillingness, unhappiness, isolation, gloominess and such states.
The mind being under RAJASIK or TAMASIK influence is disease provocative. Hence a balanced of RAJAS with TAMAS situates the mind in SATVA.
Ayurveda recommends diet, herbs, spices, yoga, meditation and lifestyle changes that promote SATVA.
The anatomical make up of our body is done through systematic arrangement of DHATU (tissues). There are 7 Dhatus namely RASA (plasma and lymph), RAKTA (blood), MAMSA (muscle), MEDA (fat), ASTI (bone), MAJJA (Marrow) and SHUKRA (reproductive tissues). The tissues combine to form various organs and organ systems. Doshas work through the Dhatus and make bodily functions possible. When Dhatus are healthy they contribute to resistance against diseases and support longevity. Nourishment from the diet goes to support the formation and maintenance of the Dhatus.
The ability of our bodies to digest and assimilate food is known as AGNI. It governs digestion, metabolism and assimilation of nutrients. In order for the Dhatus to function healthy and resist diseases it is very important that the nutrition is supplemented. In addition proper functioning of the Doshas. From the Ayurvedic point of view it is essential for us to maintain a healthy state of Agni. When the Agni is diminished and the food is not properly broken down into nutrients it creates toxic substances known as AMA. All systemic disease such as high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, rheumatism and so on are directly or indirectly developed from AMA. Spices and herbs used are in Ayurveda have significant action on breaking down Ama. By adopting the rules of Ayurvedic healthy eating one can achieve perfect gut health and prevent diseases.
Seeds of illness start in the mind. When the mind is under the influence of Rajas or Tamas it motivates sense organs towards unwholesome objects. There after the sense organs excessively engage in those unwholesome objects and create patterns that repeat automatically. Most of the eating choices made when the mind is under the negative influence disturb the Agni. Digestive toxins formed as a byproduct of defective metabolism (Agni) provoke Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Digestive toxins (Ama) that are associated with dosha wander throughout the body and settle in different tissues and organs. Upon weakening the tissues and organs give refuge to various disease.
Ayurvedic supplements are herbal and natural. Scientific studies looking at drug herb interactions have not reveled any kind of major reactions. Even though most of the ayurvedic supplements can be incorporated with other medical modalities, we advise you to use caution and consult your primary care provider before taking Ayurvedic supplements. However Ayurvedic spices and daily routine products could be safely used. If not indicated otherwise by the attending physician, Ayurveda Medicines can generally be taken along with allopathic medicines. Moreover, Ayurveda Medicines are used as adjuvant to allopathic medicines in most of chronic and degenerative diseases.
Ayurvedic approach to health is holistic and comprehensive. It uses diet, spices, herbs, supplements, Yoga therapy, breathing techniques, ayurvedic health counseling, detox procedures, body therapies, and rejuvenation methods. A qualified Ayurvedic practitioner can determine your body type and the dosha imbalance, and recommend a program to promote health or correct an imbalance.
Ayurveda is a whole body, mind and spiritual system. The concept of disease in Ayurveda is that disease is a total affection of mind and body, the disturbance of the whole organism. Individual organs are not the cause of illness but disturbance at the inner level is the cause of illness. Management of only symptoms is not the approach of Ayurveda, rather it understands symptoms as manifestations of the overall imbalance of body and mind. Therefore Ayurveda does not believe in giving different medicines for different afflicted parts of body but rather takes a whole body approach, which will address disturbances of the whole person. More over in Ayurveda everything is individualized seeing person as a whole.
Herbs are nature’s gift of health and longevity. They do not have any side effects, when used as whole herbs. They are absorbed easily and because of their different characteristics such as tastes, potencies, qualities they influence body and mind.
We strongly believe in “giving back to the nature”. We are very responsible in sourcing our raw material. All our certified organic products are contract farmed or our suppliers procure them from organic sources. The classical products are manufactured at facilities that are specifically chosen by our experts. These facilities follow traditions of formulations that go back to several generations. Most of our manufacturers have their own herbal gardens for the supply of raw materials. We pick the best products from several companies and implement high quality control so as to ensure safety and efficacy.
Ayurveda being holistic is effective in treating diseases. Its provides individualized treatment and is conducive to socioeconomic conditions of India. With the availability of large number of formulations for any particular disease, use of food items as medicine and lifestyle awareness, Ayurveda enjoys a better place in respect of prevention and cure of the disease in comparison to western medicine system.
Ayurveda focuses on finding the root cause of illness. It works to prevent disease at the source, rather than solely treating symptoms. It is the oldest form of functional medicine.
Absolutely not. Ayurveda recognizes that each individual is unique and there is no ‘one-size fits all’ approach.
Yes, its multi-faceted approach works to treat the physical, mental and spiritual bodies. You’ll learn lifestyle practices, diet, self-care and breath work to manage your anxiety and feel stress-free.
Most clients see immediate improvements in their wellness. Our bodies naturally want to be in balance. We just need to give ourselves the time and space to heal.
The essential principle of Ayurveda is life in compliance with one’s constitution and with the laws of nature. Ayurveda is a holistic science; it concerns the whole human being. It does not aim at the suppression of symptoms but searches for and cures the cause of illness. It directs itself to the maintenance of energy balance in the body, the most important condition for health. Ayurveda is engaged in details not only in treatment but also in prevention of illness and longevity. The diet, exercise and the whole way of living is individually recommended according to the constitution, race and climatic conditions. The admission of individual distinctness and individual approach to treatment is one of the unique features of Ayurvedic medicine.
According to Ayurveda a human being is composed of five elements, three vital energies – principles (dosha), seven tissues (dhatus) and a large amount of canals (shrotas). Of these five elements – air, space, fire, water and earth – two elements always form the basis of each of the three doshas. The word „dosha“ itself and the names of the three doshas, Vata,Pitta,and Kapha, are Sanskrit words.Dosha – the three principles – interpenetrate everything in nature. Vatta is the energy of movement, Pitta expresses the metabolism and Kapha corresponds to the principle of substance and structures. These energies occur in each of us, only in different amounts in each individual. Each of us has a unique structure of energy – therefore each human being is so unique. The combination of those three doshas comprises our constitution.
The basis of health is the balance between the body and the mind. The mind, body and the whole world are connected vessels. The way we think, what we eat, our diet or where we work – all of these affect our senses and influence our entire organism. According to Ayurveda most diseases arise in our mind. In the event imbalance sets in with the participation of outer (environment, unhealthy life style) or inner (improper diet) factors, weak digestion, inability to absorb necessary nutrients and low immunity are considered as the main reason of the mal (illness). As result of weak digestion toxins (Ama) are formed in the body; they migrate throughout the body and settle in different organs and damage them. In Ayurveda there are curative methods that eliminate this “Ama” (toxins) from the body.
Ayurveda does not stand against western medicine. In acute cases, the role of classical medicine is irreplaceable. In chronic illnesses, combination with Ayurveda can be beneficial, and in many chronic illnesses Ayurveda achieves excellent results even where classical medicine has failed. Ayurveda is strictly individual (the treatment is determined on the basis of given person’s constitution and state of his/her health). It aims at the elimination of causes, not the suppression of symptoms; during the treatment only natural remedies free of any side effects are used. The cause of illness can be found in the inner imbalance as well as in the relation with the surrounding environment whereas western medicine considers, for instance, virus or bacteria as the main cause.
Herbs are gentle and natural treatment. They do not have any side effects, because they are compatible with the body’s own chemicals. They are absorbed easily and because of their different characteristics (desiccant/humid, incentive/sedative etc.) it is possible to choose exactly the right herbs which can cure in the given case depending on the illness.
According to Ayurveda up to 70 % of illnesses can be influenced by correct diet. A maximally satisfying diet that leads the organism to balance can be designed in compliance with the constitution. Ayurveda does not forcibly forbid any food, nor does it incline to any artificial unnatural diet, but rather in each group (fruit, vegetables, meat, cereals and dairy products) there are certain foodstuffs that are more appropriate and others less so. Properly chosen food, through its own quality, has a curative influence on particular organs.
