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Ayurveda

Ayurveda by definition is made up of two Sanksrit words: Ayu which means life and Veda, which means 'knowledge' or 'science'. It therefore translates as the knowledge or science of life.

The philosophy
History of ayurveda
What to expect when you visit a therapist

Ayurveda teaches that there are five great elements (ether, air, fire, water and earth) which govern all living systems and are constantly changing and interacting. They can be simplified into three constitutions (doshas) known as Vata, Kapha and Pitta that are said to exist in ever changing proportions throughout nature. In people, a combination of these doshas are determined at birth and known as 'prakriti'.

Being a complete system of health, ayurveda encompasses aspects of philosophy, psychology and spirituality as well as a deep understanding of the disease process.

Ayurveda places great emphasis on prevention and as it teaches that no single agent by itself causes disease or brings health; it aims to encourage health by paying close attention to balance in one's life through various conditions such as correct diet, lifestyle, attitude and way of thinking. Consequently health in ayurvedic medicine is defined as soundness of body (shira), mind (manas) and self, or spirit (atman). Each of these must then be nurtured if the individual is to maintain health.

Ayurveda originated during the ancient Vedic period of India, around 5000 BC, which makes it one of the most ancient of all medicinal systems. Ayurveda was initially taught for thousands of years among the Brahmin Sages in an oral tradition from accomplished masters to their disciples, until some of this knowledge was set to print in a collection of texts known as the Vedas.

The texts lists 20 kinds of microscopic pathogenic organisms (in addition to beneficial ones) and describe the body as being composed of cells, 2,000 years before the invention of the microscope. The texts also describe blood circulation thousands of years before William Harvey described it in the West in the 17th Century.

Today more than 300,000 ayurvedic practitioners belong to the All- India Ayurvedic congress and 108 colleges in India grant degrees after a five-year programme. Ayurveda has only been practiced in the UK since the mid- 1970's when many Asian immigrants arrived, and is now rapidly growing in popularity.

Which conditions have been successfully treated with Ayurveda?
There are a wide variety of treatments and therapies used within ayurveda, such as herbal preparations, the application of warmth (svedana), oil massages, (snehana), special exercises, dietary advice, yogic breathing techniques, meditation, surgery, gem therapy, therapy using sounds or mantras (Sama Veda) and a multitude of cleansing techniques. Because ayurveda is a holistic approach there are a vast range of conditions that it is suitable for treating - such as digestive disorders, skin complaints, asthma, and stress-related problems, through to more serious illnesses such as diabetes and cancer.

Guidelines about how long to expect treatment to take
Ayurvedic treatment is highly dependent on the individual and the type of illness or complaint. Treatment can therefore take anywhere between one session to several sessions over the course of several months.

In the initial session, the ayurvedic practitioner, known as a 'Vaid', will make a diagnosis based on a multi-faceted evaluation. You will be asked questions relating to your medical history and perhaps that of your immediate family. Lifestyle questions, such as stress levels, diet, exercise regimes, and sleep patterns will be asked to ensure that an holistic approach is taken, as well as asking you what health concerns you have. A detailed picture of the patient is drawn up and all life changes are taken into consideration which means that you may need to visit the practitioner each time there is a change in your life or circumstances.

Various tests will be undertaken which include looking at the condition of your nails, checking your eyes, looking at the tongue to assess toxicity levels and examining the abdominal area. Your physical appearance will be observed as the practitioner will need to identify your doshic constitution. Your pulse will be checked at three points on the wrist and you may be asked to give urine which will be assessed on its colour and odour.

You will then be given dietary advice concerning which foods to eat and when to eat them. In the Indian Sub-Continent areas some practitioners advise a cleansing and detoxification regime called 'shodan' which includes enemas, laxatives and induced vomiting. Increasingly in Europe, practitioners use oils in massage, for either the whole body or to the feet. Yoga, chanting, meditation, herbal preparations, head massages, and sunbathing are other treatments that might be suggested as a programme of recovery.

Your initial consultation will last around one hour and subsequent sessions last around 15 - 30 minutes. You may only need two to three sessions for minor ailments and up to several months of treatments for major illnesses. Sessions will normally be weekly or fortnightly, until your condition has stabilised and then the visits become less frequent.

Contraindications
Some traditional herbal products may be contaminated with toxic substances like heavy metal particles and the detoxification therapy known as panchakarma, is not suitable for pregnant women, the very elderly, or people prone to fainting. Your ayurvedic practitioner will be aware of this and be able to advise you, or recommend alternative products.

Guideline price
Although practitioners fees may vary according to location and the precise service they offer, Complementary Medical Association(CMA) research shows that the cost of the initial consultation, lasting at least one hour, will be around £60 and further treatment at around £40 per session.

For more information contact the CMA