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Ayurvedic Medicine
Ayurvedic medicine originated in India centuries ago, and in
the last twenty years has grown greatly in popularity in the United States, due in large part to its tireless promotion by best-selling author Deepak
Chopra. The word "Ayurveda" comes from two Sanskrit words meaning
"life" and "knowledge."
In India, Ayurvedic medicine has long been the dominant form of healing, in
contrast to its status as an alternative health choice in the Western world.
About two-thirds of India's rural population still use Ayurveda, medicinal
plants, and herbal medicine for their health care needs, although Western
medicine is growing in popularity there.
Ayurvedic medicine uses dietary and herbal treatments most often. There are
three main body types, and there are different treatments that are considered
most effective for each body type. Treatment is normally aimed at restoring the
body-mind's balance and harmony. The three principal energies types are Vata,
Kapha, and Pitta.
Vata is related to movement in the body, including blood flow, breathing,
thoughts in your mind, and eliminating wastes. Vata also governs the other two
energies. Kapha relates to your immune system and energy level, while Pitta
governs body temperature and metabolism.
The three energies need to be in balance in your body. If one energy is
excessive, Ayurvedic medicine prescribes dietary changes to regain balance. For
example, to reduce excess Kapha you would eat less sugar and more spicy foods.
If there's too much Pitta, you would do just the opposite -- less spicy and
more sweet treats. To reduce Vata, you would eat sour and salty foods and more
dairy products.
Ayurvedic medicine holds that everything in the universe, whether living or
not, is all connected together at a very basic level. It also believes that
every person is born in a balanced state, both within themselves and in
relation to the rest of the universe. When a person gets out of balance and
loses his or her harmony within themselves and with their environment, that is
when disease occurs. The goal of Ayurvedic medicine is to allow your innate
balance to restore itself.
Currently, there is no official way of training or certifying Ayurvedic
medicine practitioners in the United States, although there are some Ayurvedic
schools in some states. Attempts are being made to develop standards and
licensing requirements for Ayurvedic medicine healers.
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