Is Ayurvedic medicine a good alternative to modern medicine?
Sure, most news about medicine tends to focus on what is new and cutting-edge. But don’t overlook the older practices that have stood the test of time.
Though many recent discoveries have helped millions live better lives, older and less intrusive measures can be effective and even superior for a broad range of preventative and reactive care.
One example is Ayurvedic medicine, which has its origins in India and has been used for centuries, some believe up to 5,000 years. This time has given practitioners plenty of opportunity to test, refine and perfect its treatments and techniques. In fact, today’s practitioners benefit from 5,000 years of knowledge and experience.
What is Ayurvedic medicine?
Sometimes simply referred to as Ayurveda, Ayurvedic medicine is a comprehensive holistic medical system that relies on natural practices and time-honored techniques to promote optimal health and wellness. Ayurvedic medicine incorporates a number of different medical practices and ingredients, so despite it being natural in nature and devoid of complex technological instruments, Ayurvedic medicine requires training in order to be practiced properly and safely.
The practice of Ayurvedic medicine calls for a variety of treatments depending upon the condition or ailment. Some of the courses of treatment that may be used include consuming herbal or mineral preparations. Ayurvedic medicine focuses on the interdependence of and connections between individuals and the universe, with practitioners attempting to harness life forces to improve bodily and spiritual health. In addition to medicine, practitioners may prescribe directions for exercise and nutritional intake.
What courses are available?
While Ayurvedic practices were long passed down simply by word of mouth, those wishing to learn these practices today can benefit instead from professionally taught courses. These courses are broken down into many different specialties and may go into significant depth about one particular area or take a more general approach.
One common type of Ayurvedic course is one that focuses on herbal medicine, as the preparation of herbal medicines is important to Ayurveda, and these herbs are used for many purposes. These preparations have been honed over centuries, and courses on medicines provide insight into how and why certain ingredients are combined.
Another common type of course tends to be one that focuses on doshas. Ayurvedic medicine instructs that the body has three doshas that interact to influence one’s health; when all three are in proper balance, optimal health can be achieved. These concepts are complex and are central to Ayurvedic medicine, so this is a crucial course.
In addition, Ayurvedic courses of study tend to feature classes on massage and physical therapy, as well as the specific points on the body, or marmas, which feature concentrated life forces. Learning to manage these marmas and life forces is a key to good health.
Filed under: Health Care