Western society is becoming increasingly open to Eastern medicines. As palliative care or alternative treatment, they offer numerous benefits. Among these is traditional Indian medicine – also known as “ayurveda”. Today, it’s a must-have. And it’s easy to see why! Since 1982, it has been officially recognized as a treatment method in its own right. It can also be used to correct a number of functional disorders and promote overall well-being.

In fact, the World Health Organization recently recognized local pharmacopoeias as a means of accessing healthcare and promoting health. This is particularly true in regions of the world where allopathic medicine remains inaccessible to the vast majority of the population.

Ayurveda in a few key terms

Originating almost 5,000 years ago, Ayurveda is a vast therapeutic system. Its aim is to prevent, diagnose and treat disease. Historically, this unconventional medicine has its roots in the Veda. This is a collection of sacred Sanskrit texts revealed to the Rishis sages during the Vedic civilization. However, its applications are still relevant today. In fact, today it is achieving astounding results in a variety of treatment fields.

In particular, traditional Indian medicine is said to be effective in treating certain conditions and pathologies. These include paralysis, arthritis, rheumatism and bone and joint diseases. In fact, it has evolved considerably over the years to address some of today’s toughest problems. In order to meet everyone’s needs, healing rituals no longer include incantations or sacrifices.

What’s more, unlike allopathy, Ayurveda proposes a totally different conception of the human body. According to the traditional Hindu precepts applied in traditional Indian medicine, the human being is an element of the universe… Just like the five elements (air, fire, space, water, earth). Known as mahabhuta, these make up the vital energy that flows through the body via the meridians. The main aim of ayurveda is to ensure the proper circulation of energy.

More generally, it is a holistic approach to medicine. During treatment, the individual is considered as an inseparable “whole”. This approach is equally concerned with physical, emotional and spiritual health. It is also based on the uniqueness of each individual. Traditional Indian medicine also encourages the definition of “Prakruti” – the patient’s innermost nature. This helps to understand the imbalances at the root of the patient’s disorders and malaise.

Doshas: the keystone of Ayurveda

According to Hindu belief, just like the universe, the human being is composed of four states of matter:

Vayu (air) ;
Agni (fire) ;
Prithivi (earth) ;
Jala (water).

These four elements coexist within a fifth element: Ether or Akasha (vital space).

These 5 elements combine in pairs to form 3 biological humors, which traditional Indian medicine takes into consideration. These create the body, make it function, but can also destroy it. We call them the “doshas” or, more precisely, the “tridoshas”. They are akin to three great intelligent biological forces emanating from Prana (the breath of life). In concrete terms, these are three forms of Prana whose purpose is to manage states of matter.

Each dosha is thus associated with two elements.

Vata: the air dosha (Vayu + Akasha).
Pitta: the fire dosha (Agni + Jala).

Kapha: the earth dosha (Jala + Prithivi).
Traditional Indian medicine theorizes that these doshas equally govern the physiological and psychological processes of the body and mind. Illness or disease is effectively the result of an imbalance at this level. A harmonious, balanced state between the three would promote health.

What’s more, each dosha has attributes that directly reflect your Ayurvedic profile. According to Ayurvedic doctors and practitioners, each person is a unique combination of three fundamental energies. In this way, the doshas reveal ..:

Genetic baggage ;
The innate nature of the patient treated in traditional Indian medicine;
as well as their strengths and weaknesses.

This approach helps you determine your Prakriti. It will also help you understand why your body is healthy or, on the contrary, malfunctioning.

The benefits of ayurveda

First and foremost, Ayurveda is a therapeutic approach that is highly regarded for its preventive actions. Treatment generally includes medicinal massages and herbal treatments. The main aim is to strengthen the immune system. Nevertheless, it should be noted that this health system considers the patient as a whole.

During a traditional Indian medicine treatment, the practitioner will therefore take into account :

The physical body ;
Breath ;
Nerves;
And even the blood.

(In the latter case, Ayurveda has a purifying effect.) It is probably for this reason, too, that the treatments will have a positive impact on your general well-being. By treating the individual as a whole, this health system would effectively participate in :

Stress relief ;
Deep physical and psychological relaxation;
Improving blood and lymph circulation;
Elimination of toxins from the body;
Optimization of natural capacities and immune defenses;
Increased vitality.

Traditional Indian medicine, much more than a preventive medicine

Ayurveda treats the individual to prevent disease. However, it is also a curative medicine. Even if this is not its first application in the West, it brings many benefits in this respect. Studies on the subject are constantly increasing (though still insufficient). As a result, we can now extend the scope of its action.

For example, this health system has been shown to be effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (according to an article published on “Ayurveda Bansko”.) To strengthen the body and improve blood quality, traditional Indian medicine recommends a number of changes. These relate to diet, lifestyle and mental state.

Some patients also report a reduction in the frequency of asthma attacks. In this case, they use a method based on chakra stimulation. Ayurveda can also help with other ailments.

Diabetes.
Parkinson’s disease.
Retinopathy.
Atherosclerosis.

Whatever the case, Ayurvedic doctors are interested in what ails you. They then use your symptoms to make a precise diagnosis. This provides a precise indication for treatment.

THE EIGHT BRANCHES OF TRADITIONAL INDIAN MEDICINE
As far as the curative aspect of Ayurveda is concerned, treatment options vary according to the ailments that merit particular attention. In fact, this system consists of eight branches. Their applications vary according to need. These are listed below.

Internal medicine (Kaya Chikitsa).
Head and neck disease (Shalakya Tantra).
Treatment of poisoning or the science of antidotes (Agadatantra).
Surgery (Shalya).
Pediatrics (Kaumara Bhritya).
Rejuvenation or the science of elixirs (Rasayana).
Aphrodisiacs for sexual potency and fertility (Vajikarana).
The science of evil spirits (Bhutavidya).

In traditional Indian medicine, the eighth branch is psychological health. Of course, there are different branches and areas of specialization. However, the concepts of specialty as you know them in Western medicine don’t apply here. Why not? Quite simply because this ancestral practice always takes into account the human being as a whole.

How do I find the right Ayurvedic practitioner?

There are many professionals who can help you improve your health on a daily basis. In any case, they fall into three major categories.

The advisor-consultant.
Health educators.
Nutritional advisor.

The difference lies in the number of hours of training they have undergone, as well as their years of experience. Nevertheless, all three are able to intervene in :

Assessing the patient’s constitution and imbalances;
Ayurvedic diagnosis;
Providing advice or guidance on :
diet,
lifestyle,
treatments and
and basic ayurvedic remedies.

The advisor-consultant in particular is an important ally in making the most of traditional Indian medicine. He will take a more in-depth interest in your case. To do so, he or she will assess various aspects.

Agni (digestive fire).
The doshas.
Sub-doshas (five subdivisions for each dosha).
The 7 Dhatu tissues (physical constituents of matter).
The 14 Srota systems.

Traditional Indian medicine: what’s the first session like?

The first consultation with an Ayurvedic practitioner consists of an interview lasting a few dozen minutes. Just like any other therapy. This will enable a complete Ayurvedic assessment to be carried out. During this stage, the professional can use a number of tools, including the following.

Taking the pulse.
Observing the tongue
Questions about bowel movements (stool, urine, sweat).
Eating and living habits.
Digestion.
skin.
Nails.
Sleep or
Passive.

The aim of this assessment is to help the practitioner of traditional Indian medicine to set up a tailor-made program. This will be adapted to your profile, your dysfunctions and your needs.

Once an Ayurvedic assessment has been carried out, a number of techniques can be applied. They will restore balance to your doshas. The following are just a few examples.

Changing the pace of life.
Re-adapting your diet according to Ayurvedic principles.
Massage with specific essential oils.
Medicinal plants.
Yoga and meditation.
Pranayama.
Mantras.
Aromatherapy.
Panchakarma (deep cleansing).

Treatments can focus on body therapy or energy care.

Traditional Indian medicine: can I make an Ayurvedic diagnosis myself?

In reality, it requires a certain amount of knowledge. Which means it’s best to seek advice from a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner. However, it is perfectly possible to follow training courses at specialized centers. Some independent online professionals also offer courses that may be of interest to you.

In most cases, guidance focuses on the various techniques that are generally applied in traditional Indian medicine. Here are just a few examples.

The use of medicinal plants.
Ayurvedic nutrition.
Traditional massage.
Energy treatments.
Ayurvedic lifestyle.

You could then make changes to your daily routine to improve your biological rhythm. It would also be much easier for you to remove from your daily routine the factors that may be causing your imbalance.

Who is ayurveda for?

The answer is simple: everyone. Indeed, this holistic health system represents an excellent solution for optimizing well-being. You don’t need to suffer from any pathology to benefit from traditional Indian medicine. In fact, there are techniques adapted to your constitution, age and gender. Some approaches, for example, are designed for babies or pregnant women. So there shouldn’t be any problem. Provided you turn to a seasoned professional.

However, you need to be extra careful with Ayurvedic massage. It’s not really suitable for people suffering from skin inflammation or dermatological disorders. The same applies to fractures, bruises, tears and swelling. You should also consult your doctor if you are suffering from a serious illness (including cancer).