Ayurveda is a system of medicine that has been practised in India for thousands of years. Ayurvedic medicine recognises three main constitutions or doshas—Vata, pitta, and Kapha—and recommends dietary and lifestyle changes based on an individual’s dosha type. This can be used to prevent illness as well as to treat existing conditions. Read on to find out the many benefits of ayurvedic medicine.
What is Ayurveda?
Also known as Ayurvedic Medicine, its objective is to purge the body and bring the body, mind, and soul back into harmony. It falls under the umbrella of complementary and alternative medicine.
It is based on the belief that good health and well-being depend on a balance between the mind, body, and spirit. Ayurveda aims to restore this balance using a variety of methods, including:
- dietary changes
- herbal supplements
- yoga
- meditation
When combined with regular, conventional medical care as a supplemental therapy, Ayurveda can be beneficial.
Is Ayurveda Common in Adelaide?
In recent years, Ayurveda has become increasingly popular in Australia. This is likely due to the growing interest in alternative and holistic approaches to healthcare. Ayurvedic principles can be applied to a wide range of health concerns, including stress, anxiety, insomnia and digestive disorders.
There are a number of practitioners available across Australia. Ayurveda is mostly used by Australians to treat chronic health conditions and maintain good health. They have a strong desire to alter their eating patterns, add some medicinal herbs and spices, and practice yoga and meditation.
Ayurvedic medicine is also available over the counter at some health food stores. However, it is always best to consult with a qualified practitioner before starting any new treatment.
How to Do Ayurveda?
Ayurvedic medicine treatment typically begins with a consultation with an Ayurvedic practitioner. During this consultation, the practitioner will ask about your medical history and symptoms. They will also examine your pulse and tongue. This information will be used to determine your dosha or body type. Based on your dosha, the practitioner will develop a treatment plan for you.
What are the 3 Types of Ayurveda?
According to Ayurvedic practitioners, every person possesses three primary energy kinds known as doshas:
Vata
The energy that regulates motion-related biological processes such as heartbeat, breathing, blinking, and blood circulation. Vata’s energy is creative and vibrant when it is balanced. When it is out of equilibrium, it causes worry and anxiety.
Pitta
The energy that regulates the metabolic processes of the body such as digestion, absorption, nutrition, and temperature. Pitta promotes knowledge and contentment when it is in balance. When not, pitta can infuriate you and give you ulcers.
Kapha
The energy that regulates the body’s growth. All body components receive water from it, and it also moisturises the skin and supports the immune system. When Kapha is balanced, it manifests as forgiving and love. Inadequate Kapha causes jealousy and insecurity.
How Does Ayurvedic Medicine Work?
Ayurveda promotes specific lifestyle interventions and natural remedies to restore harmony between the body, mind, spirit, and environment because it bases its theory on the notion that disease results from an imbalance or stress in a person’s consciousness.
An internal cleansing procedure usually, the panchakarma, is the first step in an Ayurvedic treatment regimen. This is a cleansing and detoxification process. Panchakarma can help to reduce stress, improve digestion, and eliminate toxins from the body.
Next, the practitioner will likely recommend specific dietary changes, the patient is prescribed herbal preparations, massage therapy, as well as yoga and meditation.
Main Treatments in Ayurveda
The cleansing process typically involves five different therapies: Nasya (nasal administration of herbs), Basti (herbal enema), Vamana (therapeutic vomiting), Virechana (purgation), and Raktamokshana (bloodletting).
Nasya
It involves the administration of medications through the nose to cleanse and detoxify the head and neck region. Nasya is also said to improve cognitive function and memory. This treatment can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including
- sinusitis
- allergies
- headaches
- mental stress
Basti
It involves the insertion of a medicated liquid into the rectum, colon, or bladder to cleanse and detoxify these organs. It also helps to improve energy levels and immunity. Basti is said to be beneficial for a number of conditions, including:
- digestive disorders
- constipation
- urinary tract infections
Ayurvedic practitioners typically use Basti as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes diet, lifestyle changes, and other therapies. Basti is not typically used as a standalone treatment.
Vamana
It is a detoxification and cleansing treatment that involves the removal of toxins from the body through vomiting. It is also said to improve digestion and help to reduce stress levels. Vamana is considered to be an effective treatment for a number of conditions, including
- obesity
- diabetes
- high blood pressure
Virechana
It is a type of ayurvedic purgation therapy. It is known to eliminate toxins from the body and help in the overall cleansing of the digestive system. Ayurveda recommends Virechana for people who are suffering from:
- constipation
- indigestion
- bloating
- other similar digestive problems
The therapy is also said to be beneficial for those who have a weak digestive system. Virechana helps in restoring the balance of the three doshas in the body and is therefore considered to be a very important ayurvedic therapy.
Raktamokshana
It is the Ayurvedic process of detoxifying and purifying the blood. It involves taking small quantities of fresh, unprocessed blood from a donor and passing it through a series of filters. The filtered blood is then administered to the patient intravenously.Â
Raktamokshana is believed to be beneficial in treating a number of diseases and disorders, including:
- cancer
- diabetes
- anaemia
- hypertension
- skin diseases
- liver problems
It is also said to boost the immune system and improve overall health and well-being. Raktamokshana is a safe and effective treatment when carried out by trained and experienced Ayurvedic practitioners. However, as with any medical procedure, there are some risks involved. These include infection, inflammation, bruising and pain at the injection site. In rare cases, more serious complications such as allergic reactions, blood clots or air bubbles in the blood may occur.
Other medical conditions that can benefit from it
Ayurveda can be used to improve the health of people with a range of medical conditions:
- Helps reduce plaque and reverse the thickening of artery walls known as atherosclerosis in both healthy adults, as well as adults at high risk for heart disease.
- People with chronic pain problems like arthritis and fibromyalgia may experience less pain and disability when combining treatment yoga with certain Ayurvedic herbal medicines.
- Herbal remedies helped in cholesterol control and diabetes,Â
- Ayurvedic herbs combined with conventional medications may also be helpful for:
- acne
- chronic constipation
- irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- uterine fibroids
- Ayurvedic studies of treatment are ongoing for the cure of:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- anxiety
- asthma
- cancer
- dementia
What is an Ayurvedic remedy for hand burn with hot water?
There are many Ayurvedic therapies that can be used to help heal hands that have been burned with hot water. Some of these therapies include:
- Oil massage can help to soothe the skin and promote healing.
- Cool compresses can also help to reduce swelling and pain.
- Herbs and supplements such as aloe vera, turmeric, and neem can also be helpful in promoting healing.
It is important to consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before using any of these therapies.
Five Efficient Ayurvedic Treatments for burn injuries
In addition, below are some natural Ayurvedic remedies for burning sensations:
Aloe Vera is an excellent skin damage treatment in Ayurveda, especially for burns. Apply the aloe vera pulp to the burn wound and its surroundings. It will calm the burned skin without leaving any stains or dark areas.
Ghee. When applied to the skin, ghee cools it. A medicated ghee application can hasten the healing of your burns.
Coconut oil. According to Ayurveda, coconut oil is useful for treating mild burn wounds. Sunburn and suntan are avoided by applying coconut oil before going outside in the sun. You can mix some honey with the coconut oil and then apply the mixture to the wound. Coconut oil can also be substituted with sesame oil.
Turmeric and sandalwood powder both have anti-inflammatory effects. Use common items like powdered sandalwood, turmeric, amla, etc. to make a herbal pack. These Ayurvedic powders have pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial characteristics that help cure burn scars. To get better results, you can also add some rose water or milk to the mixture.
Cucumbers are rich in vitamins and minerals that promote wound healing. These are employed to treat a variety of skin conditions, including burn wounds. Slices of cucumber should be juiced. Apply the juice there and let it sit there for a few minutes. A cooling feeling will soon be felt at the burn site.
Is Ayurvedic Medicine Safe?
Ayurveda is generally considered safe when used under the guidance of a trained practitioner although there are also some risks associated with this form of therapy. These include allergic reactions to herbs, liver damage from certain preparations, and gastrointestinal side effects
In order to prevent severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, enrol in an Adelaide CPR and first aid course to be prepared for unforeseen outcomes. If you’d like to get the necessary training, don’t hesitate to send us your enquiries.
What are the Risks of Ayurvedic Treatment?
Though it is effective in treating many conditions, Ayurvedic treatment has some risks associated with its use.
The most common risk associated with Ayurvedic medicine is that it can be difficult to determine the right dosage for each individual. This can lead to side effects or even overdoses. Herbal preparations can also be contaminated with heavy metals, pesticides, or other toxic substances.
Ayurvedic practitioners often use a ‘panchakarma’ cleansing technique that can sometimes cause serious side effects. This cleansing process involves taking large amounts of certain herbs and oils, which can lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Another risk associated with Ayurvedic medicine is that it can interact with other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor about any herbs or supplements you are taking, as well as any prescription or over-the-counter medications.
Before beginning any type of treatment, it is always important to speak with a qualified healthcare professional. This is especially true if you have any preexisting medical conditions or are taking any other medications. Ayurvedic medicine can be a safe and effective treatment option, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks involved.
What Foods are Considered Ayurvedic?
Eating is in consonance with the Prakriti, which means ‘nature’ or ‘constitution’ of an individual, which includes the body, mind and soul.
Food for Vata Dosha
The Vata dosha diet has cold, dry and light qualities including:
- dry and light food items to counter the excess
- oily, sweet-sour and salty items are advised
- leafy veggies, mushrooms and potatoes are okÂ
- tomatoes should be avoided
Food for Pitta Dosha
This type of diet is typically cooling, grounding, and easy to digest. Cold items having sweet, bitter and astringent tastes should be preferred
Food for Kapha dosha
Avoid sweet sour and salty foods that increase the bulk and moisture in the body. Hot and spicy food is preferred.
What food should be eaten more and what should be eaten less?
Always consume a little less food than what your stomach can hold. The appropriate quantity of food is that which is consumed and promptly and properly digested without compromising health. Light foods like rice are safe to eat in large amounts till one’s hunger is satisfied.
Food beneficial for all types of Prakriti:
- red shali rice
- green gram or moong dal among pulses
- directly collected rainwater
- ghee from cow milk
- sesame oil
- grapes
- rock salt
- ginger
- barley or wheat
- honey
Overeating is indicated by symptoms such as heaviness, abdominal pain, and fatigue. Eating more than is necessary results in Ama (undigested food or toxins), which causes conditions like obesity, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and joint problems.Â
Heavy foods that are difficult to digest include sesame, nuts, flour preparations, black gram, meats, fish, and eggs. In addition, Ayurveda considers bananas to be a heavy meal that must be eaten in moderation or avoided.
Meditation in Ayurveda
This Ayurvedic tool is a process of calming the mind and body through the use of specific techniques. These techniques can include breath control, visualisation, and mantra repetition. The goal of meditation is to promote:
- relaxation
- reduce stress
- improve overall well-being
Ayurvedic practitioners believe that regular meditation can help to balance the mind and body, leading to improved health and vitality. There are many different types of meditation practices, so it is important to find one that is best suited for your needs and goals. These are:
Transcendental Meditation
This type of meditation involves the use of a mantra, or sacred word or phrase, that is repeated over and over again. The goal is to focus the mind on the mantra so that other thoughts can be let go of.
Guided Meditation
You are guided through visualisation by a teacher or recorded voice. This can be helpful if you find it difficult to quiet your mind on your own.
Mindfulness Meditation
Involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It can help you to become more aware of your thoughts and feelings so that you can deal with them in a more constructive way.
Breath Awareness Meditation
Involves focusing on your breath and noticing the sensations that occur as you breathe. This can help to calm and focus the mind.
Loving-Kindness Meditation
This involves sending thoughts of love and kindness to yourself and others. It can help to promote a sense of compassion and peace.
If you are new to meditation, it is recommended to start with a simple practice and gradually increase the difficulty as you become more comfortable with the process. Meditation can be done in a seated position, lying down, or even walking. It is important to find a comfortable position that you can maintain for the duration of the practice.
Conclusion
People are looking for more natural ways to improve their health and wellbeing. Ayurvedic medicine is said to be beneficial for a wide range of conditions. There is a growing body of scientific evidence to support the efficacy of Ayurveda. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in treating specific conditions.
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