Developed in India more than 5,000 years ago, Ayurveda is thought to be the oldest medical system known. According to Hindu mythology, it is the medicine of the gods. Today, it is practiced less as a religion and more as a way of life. It is a complete and holistic science of healthy balanced living that views each person as an individual, with a unique mind-body constitution and set of life circumstances. All these factors are considered in determining whether natural healing approaches should be taken, or if changes in daily living should be made to aid in healing and to promote longevity.
Ayurveda is based on the belief that the natural state of the body is one of balance. We become ill when this balance is disrupted, with specific conditions or symptoms indicating a specific disease or imbalance. Ayurveda emphasizes strengthening and purifying the whole person, whereas in conventional medicine, the focus is on a set of symptoms or an isolated region of the body.
Currently in the United States, there are two adaptations of classical Ayurvedic medicine being practiced. Maharishi Ayur-Veda was started within the past decade by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the Hindu swami best known for popularizing Transcendental Meditation. Most of the published studies of Ayurveda are on this type, which concentrates on consciousness and meditation as key in health and healing. The more traditional type of Ayurveda was recently popularized by Dr. Deepak Chopra, a Western-trained endocrinologist. While advocating the use of meditation, this type places more emphasis on the other Ayurvedic mind-body modalities such as yoga, breathing and massage therapy, in an attempt to regain balance.
Basic Principles of Ayurveda
Ayurveda is Sanskrit for the "knowledge of life," defining the trinity of life as body, mind and spiritual awareness. This concept is often neglected in western medicine where thoughts and feelings are often separated from illnesses of the body.
It is believed that all life is based on an underlying force or vital energy called prana, which is centered around various energy centers in the body called chakras.
Patients have a personal responsibility in their own health. It is possible for patients to be healthy, if they maintain a positive perspective and believe in their good health.
The Three Doshas
Ayurveda states that every living thing in the universe is made of five elements. In humans, these elements correspond to the five senses:
Earth or Prithvi = Smell
Water or Apa = Taste
Fire or Tejas = Sight
Air or Vayu = Touch
Space or Akash = Hearing
According to Ayurvedic teachings, these five elements constitute three primary life forces or doshas. The three doshas, called Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, can be found in every cell in every human, in a combination unique to each individual. Such a combination is called a tridosha. While some people may be characterized by a single dosha, most people are combinations of two or more. Whichever constitutional type dominates determines the dosha type of that person. Each dosha type is associated with characteristic tendencies which facilitates diagnosis for the physician or practitioner.
This dosha is composed of the space and air elements and tends to be slender (lightest of the three body types) with cool dry skin and dry hair. They are creative and quick to grasp new ideas, but also quick to forget. Vatas are characterized by unpredictability, enthusiasm, and variability in diet and sleep. They tend to have high energy in short bursts but tire easily and overexert.
Vatas are prone to headaches, hypertension, anxiety, dry coughs, sore throats, earaches, insomnia, irregular heart rhythms, premenstrual syndrome, abdominal gas, diarrhea, nervous stomach, constipation, muscle spasms, lower back pain, sexual dysfunctions, arthritis and nervous system problems.
Pitta types are made of fire and water, are usually of medium build and strength, and are able to easily maintain their weight. They tend to be intense, short tempered, sharp-witted, passionate, have strong digestion, and a strong appetite. Pittas are orderly, efficient, assertive, and self-confident, but can become aggressive, demanding and pushy. They are fairly predictable in their routines as they eat three meals a day and sleep eight hours a night. Generally, their complexion is fair or reddish, often having freckles, and their hair is usually fine and straight, tending toward blond or red.
Typical health problems include heartburn, ulcers, hot sensations in the stomach or intestines, insomnia, rashes or inflammations of the skin, acne, skin cancer, anemia, and gallbladder and liver disorders.
Kapha is composed of earth and water with a solid, strong, heavy body type, and soft hair and skin, usually with large soft eyes and a low, soft voice. They tend to gain weight easily and need a lot of sleep and warmth. Kaphas are usually relaxed, graceful, slow-moving and affectionate. They are forgiving, compassionate, nonjudgmental, and faithful. This dosha type has the most energy of all the constitutions, but it is steady and enduring, not explosive. They procrastinate and are slower to learn but have excellent long-term memories.
Although Kaphas generally have a strong resistance to disease, they are prone to obesity, allergies, colds, congestion, sinus headaches, respiratory problems, atherosclerosis, and painful joints.
DHATUS: These are the seven basic tissues which maintain and nourish the body. The proper amount of each dhatu and its balanced function is very important for good health.
MALA: These are the waste materials produced as a result of various metabolic activities in the body. Proper elimination of the malas is equally important for good health, as their accumulation causes many disease.
SROTAS: These are different types of channels which are responsible for transportation of food, dhatus, malas and doshas. Blockage causes disease.
AGNI: These are different types of enzymes responsible for digestion and transforming one material to another.
These physiological factors are inter-related and are directly or indirectly responsible for maintaining equilibrium of the tridoshas, and therefore health.
Aim of Ayurveda
The aim of Ayurveda is to simply achieve and maintain health by reaching a state of balance or equilibrium among the three doshas, which govern all bodily functions. All physical manifestations of disease result from imbalances in the doshas, and various foods and emotions either stabilize or disturb this balance.
For preventing disease, Ayurvedic methods use a regimen called panchakarma to cleanse and rejuvenate the body, mind and consciousness. Evaluation of the three doshas is primarily accomplished by nadi vigyan, which is a detailed and systematic technique of pulse diagnosis. A full medical exam also includes examination of the tongue, voice, eyes, skin, urine, stools, and general appearance. To aid in healing, practitioners and physicians recommend lifestyle interventions in nutrition, herbs, exercise, yoga, and massage therapy.
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NOTE: The following resource listings are not intended to be comprehensive, nor to be used as a guide for treatment. They are provided for information only. The resources are selected and categorized to help you with your own research.
Selected Amazon links are available below; over 90 titles pertaining to Ayurveda or Ayurvedic medicine, with prices in US dollars are available at the Indian Books Center.
AUTHORITATIVE RESEARCH RESOURCES
||Lakshmi C. Mishra, M.Pharm, Ph.D. (Editor.)
Scientific Basis for Ayurvedic Therapies
CRC Press, 2003
Over three dozen experts analyze and synthesize current research supporting Ayurvedic medicine, providing a critical evaluation of literature, clinical trials, and biochemical and pharmacological studies on major Ayurvedic therapies.
||Elizabeth M. Williamson, D.Pharm.
Major Herbs of Ayurveda
Churchill Livingstone, 2002
This clinical reference text features comprehensive and detailed profiles of 50 key herbs used in Ayurvedic medicine, and includes full-color photos of each plant.
|Deepak Chopra, M.D.
Perfect Health: The Complete Mind/Body Guide Updated edition
Harmony Books, 2001
Provides a tailored program of diet, stress reduction, exercises, and daily routines for reestablishing the body's natural balance, strengthening the mind/body connection, and using the power of quantum healing to transcend disease and aging. This new edition is updated from the 1991 original to include the latest medical research.
||Vasant Lad, M.D. and David Frawley, O.M.D.
The Yoga of Herbs: An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine
Lotus Light Publications, 2nd Revised Edition, 2001
A detailed Ayurvedic explanation and classification of herbs. Included are more than 250 herbs, diagrams and charts, and a detailed glossary.
|David Frawley, O.M.D.
Ayurvedic Healing: A Comprehensive Guide, 2nd revised edition
Lotus Press, 2000.
Contains detailed Ayurvedic methods of balancing and treatment of common disease. General information for the layperson and specific knowledge of diet, herbs, oils, aromas and mantras. An expanded version of the original edition, covering additional diseases and adding new treatments
||Vasant Lad, M.D.
Ayurveda: The Science of Self Healing
Lotus Light Publications, 1984
Discusses the principals and practical applications of Ayurveda, along with fifty concise charts and illustrations.
CASE STUDIES/OBSERVATIONAL DATA
||Vasant Lad, M.A.Sc.
The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies
Three Rivers Press, 1999
This guide provides self-analysis charts to determine one's constitutional type and describes remedies and routines for over 120 health conditions. Includes a resource list and glossary.
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RESEARCH AND TRAINING CENTERS
American Institute of Vedic Studies
PO Box 8357
Santa Fe, NM 87504-8357
Phone: (505) 983-9385
Fax: (505) 982-5807
Founded by Dr. David Frawley, this comprehensive program covers all the main aspects of Ayurveda that is covered in two year Ayurvedic programs for foreign students in India. Designed for health care professionals and other serious students, but does not require a medical background. Visit this website for locations of Dr. Frawley's other schools and programs throughout the world.
11311 Menaul Blvd. NE
Albuquerque, NM 87112
Phone: (505) 291-9698
Fax: (505) 291-7572
Directed by Dr. Vasant Lad, this program is similar in content to that taught in traditional Ayurvedic colleges in India, using a teaching style from an oral tradition, and one of apprenticeship.
California College of Ayurveda (CCA)
117A East Main St.
Grass Valley, CA 95945
Phone: (530) 274-9100
Fax: (530) 274-7350
Recognized by Ayurveda Shikshan Mandal, a government-authorized accrediting agency in India, and the American Institute of Vedic Studies, the CCA offers a rigorous two-year program leading to a certificate in Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist (C.A.S.).
Kerala Ayurveda Academies
Foster City, CA
Offers Indian-sourced education with a curriculum based on those of prominent Ayurveda universities in India, in-house, supervised internships for those who want more practical experience, weekend classes and long distance learning.
Maharishi University of Management (Formerly the Maharishi International University)
Institute for Natural Medicine and Prevention (INMP) (Formerly College of Natural Medicine and Prevention)
1000 North 4th Street
Fairfield, IA 52557
Phone: (515) 472-1110
Fax: (515) 472-1179
From 1999-2006, the CNMP (now INMP) was one of the NCCAM/NIH-funded research centers focusing on cardiovascular disease and aging in African Americans. The INMP offers undergraduate, graduate degree and intern programs in Maharishi Vedic Science, Transcendental Meditation, and Physiology.
The National Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine (NIAM)
584 Milltown Road
Brewster, New York 10509
Phone/Fax: (875) 278-8700
375 Fifth Ave., 5th floor
New York, NY 10016
Recognized as the largest and most authentic resource of information on Ayurveda in the United States. In addition to its own clinical research, the NIAM is involved with other medical and scientific institutions in research on the effect of Ayurveda in the treatment of cancer, asthma, and women's diseases and conditions.
New England Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine/International Institute of Ayurveda
111 Elm St.
Worcester, MA 01609
Phone: (508) 755-374
Fax: (508) 770-0618
Offers a one-year certification program of classroom instruction in Ayurveda and additional programs for internship and advanced training programs. Also runs Ayurvedic clinic for panchakarma and other procedures.
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NOTE: Promotional and commercial sites are not included in this listing unless they provide significant impartial information resources.
Ayurveda for the Soul
This is the English-version web portal of Dr. Oleg Torsunov, director of the Russian branch of the Ayurvedic department at Bhaktivedanta Institute in Bombay.
Ayurvedic Health Center
This comprehensive site is maintained by the Jiva Ayurvedic Research Institute. Click on "Ayurveda Education" and then "Science of Ayurveda" to read about the origin, definition, basic principles of Ayurveda, and causes and treatment for common diseases. Determine your Ayurvedic constitution and ask questions to Dr. Chauhan for free by clicking on "Practical Aspect of Ayurveda".
Ayurvedic Herbalism: Ayurveda as CAM
This page was created by Daniel Lim as an Ethnobotany project at the University of Vermont. It contains three sections each with several sub-categories: a background, Ayurvedic Herbalism, and the future of Ayurveda.
Chavarcode Ayurvedic Research Center
Provides basic information about Ayurvedic medicine as well as consultants and a list of medications for specific illnesses.
This site has categorized and detailed information on Ayurveda, including a list of Ayurvedic practitioners.
HealthWorld Online: Ayurvedic Medicine
A detailed site maintained by Dr. Vasant Lad of the Ayurvedic Institute.
National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine
Ayurvedic Medicine: An Introduction
A background of Ayurvedic Medicine which includes its use in India and in the United States, underlying concepts, treatment, practitioner training and certification, concerns about Ayurvedic medicines and NCCAM-funded research, and a reference section.
The National Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine (NIAM)
Established by Scott Gerson, M.D., this site provides a definition of Ayurveda, and a detailed description of the basic principles of Ayurveda. The NIAM also offers correspondence courses.
Overview on Ayurveda
This University of Maryland Medical Center page includes what Ayurveda is useful for, what to expect from treatment, risks, finding qualified practitioners, and supporting research from journals and books.
Planet Ayurveda -- About Ayurveda
This page from a commercial site gives a background on Ayurveda. Information about how various herbal preparations they offer work is also available on the site; also offers an e-newsletter and "Ask Our Experts" feature.
Scientific Research on Maharishi Ayurveda
Though this page is part of a commercial site it is affiliated with Maharishi University (see Research and Training Centers above) and contains sourced information.
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