AYURVEDA

Ayurveda is derived from "The Vedas" the scriptures from which Indian Philosophy is derived.

Ayurveda literally means " the science of life" which emphasizes the importance which the ancient Indians gave to the maintenance of health. Its basis is the spiritual knowledge of the ancient seers of India and the cosmic consciousness in which they lived. The origin of this ancient form of healing is shrouded in antiquity but it is believed to be at least 8000 years old based on astronomical phenomena described in these scriptures.

Ayurveda places little emphasis on treatment of actual illness and disease. The purpose is not to cure a particular disease but to bring each individual to his or her natural self harmony. Ayurveda emphasizes the maintenance of positive good health by the control of diet, lifestyle, correct techniques of breathing called "Pranayama" and Yoga. The word Yoga means right usage and right living making it the ultimate form of Health Maintenance.

Ayurveda classifies every individual as having a particular constitutional type in the "Tridosha" (Three Humours Systems). Health and disease are understood as being related to the energetic balance between the nerve energy (vata or air ), catabolic fire energy (Pitta), and anabolic nutritive energy (kapha). Ayurveda aims at harmony in these energies so that we can return to unity with nature as health is natural, and disease is unnatural. This is accomplished by regulating the diet of the individual according to his own individual constitution. Each type of person requires a different type of diet to maintain a state of positive health.

This difference in constitution, explains the paradigm that different members of the same family who stay in the same house and eat the same food maintain different levels of health. This is the origin of the saying "One man's meat is another man's poison." The important of diet has been underestimated in modern medicine which prescribes similar diets to all individuals. Butter may cause heart disease in certain individuals yet in Ayurveda it is used for rejuvenation of certain constitutions including the treatment of atherosclerotic heart disease!

People with a predominantly vata (air) type of constitution are more prone to arthritis and diseases of the joints and so are advised the appropriate type of foods to strengthen their constitution. Similarly they are advised to avoid draft and those type of foods which will ferment and create gas. Depending on the climate they are advised different foods and spices to regulate the energy flow.

Different techniques of various postures (asanas) popularly known as Yoga act by regulating the breathing and by holding certain postures for various lengths of time, to alter and regulate the energy flows, lymphatic and blood flows to various organs. This keeps the body supple and helps maintain good health. There are 96000 asanas described in the scriptures each of which are suitable for different individuals at different stages in their lives. (All asanas are not suitable for all people). This makes it very useful in rehabilitation and for prevention of deformities which may follow injuries or illness. It also promotes a quicker return to normal function than what would be expected by conventional means. As we may be able to predict which individuals are prone to joint disorders it can be used to prevent them.

Ayurveda uses specific tonics to strengthen each type of constitution. These tonics are made from herbs blended together and are advised both in health and illness to strengthen the constitution. This is because Ayurveda believes that disease affects a weakened body, so by strengthening the body the person can return to good health and remain healthy.

Rejuvenation is a very important part of Ayurvedic treatment which believes that the effects of aging are due the accumulation of toxic substances in the body. The cleansing of these toxic substances helps restore the individual to good health. This is done by the use of certain herbs, the judicious use of enemas, colonics, and by fasting.

Fasting is one of the most effective methods of cleansing the body. This acts by allowing the digestive system to rest and cleanse itself. Dietary and lifestyle counseling after cleansing help to keep the person in a state of "Positive good Health".