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Ayurvedic medicine

Ayurvedic medicine is an alternative medical system developed in India over 2,000 years ago. The teachings of ayurvedic medicine, which literally means "the science of life," are primarily based on two highly revered medical compendiums written in Sanskrit by Charaka and Sushruta. These ancient texts cover a variety of health topics including sickness and disease, diagnosis, treatment, surgical treatments, lifestyle advice, and philosophy.

Ayurvedic medicine is a natural health system that views the mind, body, and spirit with equal importance. Founded on the practices of yoga and meditation , ayurvedic medicine also includes diet, exercise, herbs, exposure to sunlight, and breathing exercises. Ayurvedic medicine embodies the concept that the body is composed of three humours, called doshas, that form from five great primordial elements. Each of these doshas- named vata (wind), pitta (choler), and kapha (phlegm) - have their own qualities and functions in the body. Health is determined by the characteristics and balance of these doshas.

A diagnosis in ayurvedic medicine involves an eight-fold examination used to determine this balance. Examination of the pulse, voice, tongue, skin, vision, urine, stools, and general appearance are used to make a diagnosis in respect to the individual's age, body type and constitution.

Ayurvedic medicine treatments are designed to balance the doshas. Ayurvedic medical practitioners believe that powerful medications, like antibiotics, may play an important role in surgical treatment, but overall these drugs just attack the germs. Instead of attacking the germs, for example, ayurvedic medicine suggests that the causative factors, which allow those germs to grow, must be removed.

Restoration of balance and total health is the primary goal of ayurvedic medicine. Massage, manipulation, herbal treatments, and yoga exercises are commonly used to restore health. There are also five techniques employed to cleanse and detoxify the body. The medicines prescribed by ayurvedic practitioners are made from vegetable and mineral materials. These materials are finely cultivated and each possesses some medicinal properties.

The popularity of ayurvedic medicine is rapidly growing in the west. Most studies regarding the benefits of ayurvedic medicine have been conducted in India for several decades. Many studies have shown that ayurvedic medicine is useful in treating gastrointestinal problems, skin conditions, gynecological conditions, sinus congestion, stress related conditions, arthritic diseases, and more.

There are ayurvedic medical practitioners located throughout the United States. If you are interested in learning more about ayurvedic medicine, you may wish to speak with a qualified practitioner and/or conduct further independent research on this type of alternative medicine.

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