|
Ayurveda or Ayurvedic
medicine is an ancient system of health care that is native to the Indian
subcontinent. The word "Ayurveda" roughly translates as the "knowledge of life".
According to Charaka, "life" itself is defined as the "combination of the body,
sense organs, mind and soul, the factor responsible for preventing decay and
death, which sustains the body over time, and guides the processes of rebirth".
According to this perspective, Ayurveda is concerned with measures to protect "ayus",
which includes healthy living along with therapeutic measures that relate to
physical, mental, social and spiritual harmony. Ayurveda is also one among the
few traditional systems of medicine to contain a sophisticated system of
surgery.
Ayurveda operates on the precept that various materials of vegetable, animal,
and mineral origin have some medicinal value. The medicinal properties of these
materials have been documented by the practitioners and have been used for
centuries to cure illness and/or help maintain good health. Ayurvedic
medicaments are made from herbs or mixtures of herbs, either alone or in
combination with minerals, metals and other ingredients of animal origin. The
metals, animals, and minerals are purified by individual processes before being
used for medicinal purposes.
Ayurvedic massage is a form of treatment for various age related and other
common disorders. Some of the advantages which can be cited are pain relief,
improved circulation, stress relief, better sleep, flexibility, athletic
performance and emotional benefits. Massage therapy can soothe pain, relax stiff
muscles, and reduce the swelling that accompanies arthritis. Advocates claim
that, with ayurvedic massage, deep-seated toxins in the joints and tissues are
loosened and released into the system for elimination through natural
toxin-release processes.
As a result of strong regulations in medical practice in Europe and America, the
most commonly practiced Ayurvedic treatments in the west are massage, dietary
and herbal advice.
(Adapted from Wikipedia, The
Free Encyclopedia)
|
