Ayurveda is an Eastern form of medicine and health practices.  It has many complimentary uses with Western medicine. Many of its views and practices are being more and more employed in the West to help individuals with a variety of ailments.  It is important to always have a healthcare professional properly guide on through Ayurveda to ensure one utilizes the proper treatments as not to contradict any primary medications. Please also review AIHCP’s Holistic and Integrative Healthcare Specialist program

The article, “What Is Ayurveda and Does It Work?” from the Cleveland Clinic’s healthessentials looks at how Ayurveda works and how it may be better able to help you.  The article takes an in-depth look at the history of Ayurveda and also its deeper meanings.  In particular it looks at the Vata dosha, the Peta dosha and the Kapha dosha.  It looks how these systems are seen as a foundation for medical treatment in India and the East.  The article states,

“The word “Ayurveda” is derived from Sanskrit and means “science of life.” In Ayurveda, there’s an underlying belief that everything in life is connected. Because of this, general health and wellness rely on achieving balance and harmony. When a person is imbalanced or stressed, they’re likely to develop disease. Ayurveda focuses on implementing lifestyle interventions and natural treatments, therapies and remedies to provide balance among your physical body, mind, spirit and the world around you.”

“What Is Ayurveda and Does It Work?”. healthessentials.  June 10th, 2022. Cleveland Clinic.

To read the entire article, please click here

Commentary

Ayurveda is a system of traditional medicine native to the Indian subcontinent. It is based on the premise that there is a relationship between the mind, body, and spirit, and that imbalances in any of these three can lead to illness. Ayurvedic practitioners use a variety of techniques to restore balance, including diet, exercise, meditation, and massage.  . Ayurvedic medicine relies on a holistic approach to treatment, taking into account the person’s physical, mental, and emotional state. Herbal remedies, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications are often used in ayurvedic medicine.

Ayurveda is a traditional Hindu system of medicine which is based on the idea of balance in the body, mind, and spirit. According to Ayurveda, there are three main types of energy, or “doshas,” which are responsible for our physical and mental health: Vata (air), Pitta (fire), and Kapha (earth).

Vata is associated with movement, pitta with metabolism and digestion, and kapha with structure and lubrication. Imbalance in any of these doshas is thought to lead to disease.

The Vata dosha is the energy of movement and is responsible for all bodily functions that involve movement, including circulation, respiration, and elimination. It is light, dry, cold, and erratic in nature and is said to be the most difficult of the three doshas to balance.

The Peta dosha refers to the purification of the mind and body through asceticism. The peta dosha theory states that all of these elements must be in balance in order for a person to be healthy.

The Kapha dosha  is characterized by qualities such as heavy, slow, and wet.  Kapha types are typically heavy, solid, and slow-moving. They tend to have a calm, easy-going personality, and tend to be loyal and reliable friends.  Kapha dosha is responsible for growth, lubrication, and stability in the body. It is associated with the elements of earth and water, and its qualities are heavy, cold, oily, smooth, and static. Imbalance in kapha dosha can lead to conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

While many of these philosophies are religious in nature, they also pertain to health as well.  Those concerned only with the secular nature, look at the issues of balance found in these doshas and how they can reflect healthier living for those who may not be religious but looking for health benefits nonetheless.

Holistic and Conventional Remedies

Holistic and complimentary medicine are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to two different approaches to healthcare. Holistic medicine is a comprehensive approach that looks at the whole person, rather than just the symptoms of an illness. This approach takes into account the mind, body, and spirit of the individual, and seeks to treat the underlying cause of illness, rather than just the symptoms.  Complimentary medicine, on the other hand, focuses on treatments that complement conventional medical care. These complementary treatments may include acupuncture, massage therapy, or meditation. Both holistic and complimentary medicine share a common goal: to promote healing and wellbeing.

Trained Integrative and Holistic Specialists in healthcare such as holistic nurses can navigate the boundaries between Ayurveda and Western medicine and help individuals find the proper balance between the two systems.  It is important to never begin a holistic campaign for health, or partake in alternative practices without consulting one’s primary healthcare provider.  Holistic Nurses can help identify the most useful remedies without risking counter effecting the conventional medications one may be on.

In many cases, holistic remedies, and ideas found in Ayurveda can help individuals find a cure or help one find better healthy but they are best used as preventative and long term life style changes to be used in conjunction with one’s healthcare.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ayurveda is a holistic approach to health that emphasizes prevention and natural treatment. Ayurvedic practitioners use dietary recommendations, lifestyle changes, and herbal remedies to treat imbalances in the body. While there is some scientific evidence to support the efficacy of Ayurveda, more research is needed. If you are interested in trying an Ayurvedic approach to health, talk to a qualified practitioner.

Please also review AIHCP’s Holistic and Integrative Healthcare Specialist Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Holistic Nursing.  Nurses must first complete the core courses before applying for the four year certification.

Additional Resources

“Ayurveda: A historical perspective and principles of the traditional healthcare system in India”.  Lakshmi-chandra Mishra; Betsy B Singh; Simon Dagenais Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine; Mar 2001; 7, 2; ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health Source pg. 36.  Access here

“What is Ayurveda?”. John Hopkins Medicine.  Access here

“What Is Ayurveda?”. Kelli Miller.  March 20th, 2021. WebMD. Access here

“A Beginners Guide to Holistic Health & Why It’s Important”. Amanl Kalti. September 12th, 2022. Healthinsiders.  Access here