Ancient Medicine of India: Ayurveda

“Due to the purification of the body, the capacity of digestion and metabolism is enhanced, normal health is restored, all sense organs start working with vigor, old age is prevented and diseases are cured."

- Ca.Su. 16. 17/19

Ayurveda, claimed to be the oldest and most complete medical art, is the 7,000 year old Indian art of healing and rejuvenation that is recently becoming widely available and popular in the West. Texts dating back before the Christian era attest to the skills of Ayurvedic practitioners in minor and major surgery including cosmetic surgery, and the removal of gallbladders and tumors. Due to the extreme complexities of this art, this chapter will present only an introduction to the art. To fully appreciate the many facets of this ancient healing art, one must consult a certified Ayurvedic practitioner.

Ayurveda is one of the most complete holistic types of medicine in the world including everything from herbal therapy, diet, aromatherapy, therapeutic emesis, blood letting, oil massage, steam baths, fasting, astrology, Yoga, mudras (hand yoga), meditation, gem stone therapy, color therapy, and metal therapy. Ayurveda is a holistic soundness of body (shrira), mind (manos) and self (autman). In 1947, the newly independent Indian government established national councils to oversee Ayurvedic training, practice, and research. I will just discuss Ayurvedic herbal therapy, gem stone therapy and color therapy since Yoga, meditation, mudras, aromatherapy and massage are covered in other chapters. Ayurveda and Yoga are interconnected; the next chapter will discuss the sister science of Yoga.

The origin of Ayurveda is based on ancient Hindu texts (Vedas) compiled by Rishis, or holy men. The word is derived from the Sanskrit words "ayur" (life) and "veda" (knowledge). It includes natural therapies like proper breathing, nutrition, meditation, and aromatherapy in a manner that involves the interrelationship of the mind, body and spirit. Common therapies include herbal, animal and mineral remedies, oil massages and steam baths. The goal of Ayurveda medicine if the purification of body and mind and the balancing of the body’s vital energies - to develop a personal knowledge of life. The body’s vital energy is moved through the seven major chakras, or energy centers (refer to the next chapter on Yoga for a more detailed discussion of chakras). Disease occurs from uncorrected imbalances brought about by stress, poor lifestyle choices, and poor diet. A recent study in the "Journal of Social Behavior and Personality," said that Ayurvedic purification, including body massage and an herbal enema, reduced free radicals in the blood, increased energy, improved digestion, and reduced symptoms of illness.

This ancient art is based on the premise that everyone is born with a basic, genetically determined constitution. Each constitutional type is an expression of the five elements or basic qualities that exist in the universe. Practitioners diagnose patients by observation, questions, touch and taking pulses. The diagnosis is very detailed using the radial pulse, tongue, face, lip, nails, and eyes. The information obtained is used to assign the patient to one of three main constitutional types and then to various subtypes. The determined classification dictates dietary modifications and selection of remedies tailored to the patient’s specific constitution.

The identification, and subsequent treatment, of an individual’s unique constitution is determined by their tridosha, which is composed of varying amounts of the three doshas: vata, pitta and kapha. Vata is the biological combination of ether and air - it involves the principle of bodily movement. Pitta is fire and water - it governs digestion and metabolism. Kapha is earth and water - the structural matter and lubrication of the body. Everyone has a unique constitution, or “prakruti,” which is a special combination of the three doshas.

AYURVEDIC GEM THERAPY

Certain gems are considered to have beneficial qualities based on the healing energy vibrations that they contain. They are claimed to activate energy centers and help to develop sensitivity. Individuals can benefit from these energies by wearing gems as jewelry or by placing the natural gems in water overnight and then drinking the water. Gems can be purified by placing them in salt water for two days. Below are some representative gems and their uses:

Healing - amethyst, bloodstone, pearl

Experiencing subtle energy effects-

diamond, lapis lazuli, ruby

To attracting creativity- bloodstone, pearl

To develop psychic ability- lapis linquis

For receptivity- agate, beryl

To provide general protection-beryl, lapis

linquis

For protection from cold-carbon steel

For protection against anger-pearl, opal

Agate - Contains the elements of Ether, Air, and Fire. It should be worn on a gold necklace.

This gem stimulates spiritual awakening.

Amethyst - Contains elements Ether and Water. This gem helps control emotional temperament.

It is good for vata and pitta imbalances. This gem should also be worn as a necklace.

Beryl - Contains Fire and Ether. It stimulates excess pitta but will relieve vata and kapha. Promotes intelligence, power, and prestige. Enhances art and music.

Bloodstone - A quartz stone with small droplets of red color. It is good for liver and spleen disorders and anemia. This stone contains Fire and Water.

Diamond - The diamond is the best rejuvenating precious stone. They naturally should be of the best quality. It brings prosperity and is spiritually uplifting. It contains Ether, Air, Water, and Earth.

Lapis Lazuli - Strengths the eyes and is used to treat eye problems. It contains Fire, Ether, and Water elements. It gives strength to the mind, body, and consciousness. It is good for vata and kapha. Lapis Lazuli is a heavenly sacred stone.

Lapis Linquis - A blue stone with qualities similar to Lapis Lazuli. It helps meditation.

Pearl - The white pearl contains elements of Water, Air, and Earth. It has anti-pitta properties. Pearl has strengthening qualities and promotes vitality.

Ruby - Helps concentration and mental power. It contains Fire, Air and Ether. Ruby strengthens the heart. Pitta is sensitive and it is also good for excess vata and kapha.

Topaz - Promotes passion and relieves fear. Topaz gives strength and intelligence. It contains Fire, Ether, and Air.

AYURVEDIC COLOR THERAPY

Ayurvedic treatments also employ the healing properties of certain colors. The seven colors that comprise the rainbow are purported to relate to body tissues and the tridosha.

RED This color naturally related to blood has healing properties. Red relieves aggravated vata and kapha. But, over exposure to red may cause over abundance of pitta resulting in inflammation.

ORANGE Like red, this color is warm and has healing energy. Orange helps to

relieve aggravated vata and kapha. Over exposure may aggravate pitta.

YELLOW This color stimulates understanding and intelligence. Overuse may

aggravate pitta. Yellow relieves excess vata and kapha.

GREEN This color has a calming effect upon the mind. It also soothes emotions

and brings happiness to the heart. It calms excess vata and kapha and

aggravates pitta.

YELLOW – GREEN This color has properties of both yellow and green. It is helpful to relieve vata and kapha and may aggravate pitta. It helps calm the mind.

BLUE Blue has a cooling and calming effect on the body and mind. It relieves aggravated pitta. Overuse may aggravate vata and kapha.

PURPLE It creates lightness in the body and opens the door to perception. Purple

relieves aggravated pitta and kapha. Overuse may aggravate vata.

AYURVEDIC HERBAL THERAPY

Ayurveda uses herbs in three primary ways:

1. As spices - used for their culinary value (garlic, turmeric, ginger, cumin, coriander etc.).

2. As rasayanas or tonic herbs - used as tonics to rebuild the body and mind

and to postpone aging.

3. As pharmaceutical grade herbs -to affect specific disease conditions or

organs. Also used to make body operate at optimal performance (shatavari,

ashwaganda, shilajit, neem, triphala, boswellia, gotu kola etc.)

TREATING DOSHA IMBALANCES

VATA IMBALANCE

Some symptoms of vata imbalance:

- overexertion

- feeling restless, unsettled, nervous

- easily fatigued

- constipated

- excessive worrying

- underweight

Preventing or correcting a vata imbalance:

- maintain a calming routine

- get enough sleep

- eat meals on a regular schedule

- drink warm liquids (no caffeine)

- avoid stimulants

- avoid constipation

- favor sweet, sour and salty foods

- keep warm in cold weather

Common herbs used to prevent or correct a vata imbalance:

▪ Ginger root, cinnamon, guggul, cumin, fennel, triphala

PITTA IMBALANCE

Some symptoms of pitta imbalance:

- being demanding and critical

- easily frustrat

- sensitive skin

- easily irritated or impatient

- intolerant to hot weather

Preventing or correcting a pitta imbalance:

- practice moderation

- avoid excessive heat

- avoid alcohol and smoking

- avoid excessive activity or overwork

- decrease daily stress

- avoid spicy, sour or salty foods

Common herbs used to prevent or correct a pitta imbalance:

▪ Shatavari powder, aloe vera, rose, sandalwood, myrrh, coriander, coconut,

mint

KAPHA IMBALANCE

Some symptoms of kapha imbalance:

- feeling complacent or dull

- skin is oily to normal

- overweight

- slow digestion

- feeling lethargic

- oversleeping

Preventing or correcting a kapha imbalance:

- avoid excessive sleep or rest

- favor spicy, bitter and astringent-type

foods

- limit heavy, oily foods

- get plenty of exercise

- keep warm in cold, wet weather

Common herbs used to prevent or correct a kapha imbalance:

▪ Ginger powder, cardamon, black pepper, licorice root, green tea, garlic

Ayurveda, claimed to be the oldest and most complete medical art, Ayurveda, is the 7,000 year old Indian art of healing and rejuvenation. It is one of the most complete holistic types of medicine in the world including everything from herbal therapy, diet, aromatherapy, massage, steam baths, therapeutic emesis, blood letting, fasting, astrology, Yoga, mudras (hand yoga), meditation, gem stone therapy, color therapy, and metal therapy.

Jonathan Klemens, http://www.freelancewriters.com/viewmem.cfm?id=216 (source: naturalhealthweb)

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