Ayurveda

This is a traditional form of Indian medicine – one of the oldest forms of medicine in the world, in fact – which has been practised for centuries throughout India. Today in the UK, USA and Europe it is recognised as a complementary therapy and often used alongside conventional medicine.

It considers treatment in addition to prevention of disease and sees the body as an integrated whole rather than a particular area of disease. As such, Ayurveda can be  classed a holistic therapy.

The principles of Ayurveda are based on five basic elements – space, air, fire, water and earth. These are called Panchamahabhutas. Ayurveda focuses on three main elements – air (Vata), fire (Pitta) and water (Kapha). Every individual, according to Ayurveda, is a combination of all three elements and their healthcare should be dictated accordingly.

For instance Vata types are said to be underweight and prone to weak digestion and nerves, Pitta people have strong bone structure, are good at sports and prone to skin diseases. And finally Kapha types are, more often than not, overweight and creative with a tendency towards heart disease.

Essentially Ayurveda is about keeping the different types in balance in order to maintain wellness. To do this the science looks at diet, lifestyle and medication, taking the spirit and soul into consideration as well as the physical body.

Ayurveda also focuses on elimination of illness (rather than suppression), early intervention and avoidance. Rejuvenation therapy is also part of the process of improving immunity against disease.

The teaching of Ayurveda is highly disciplined with degree courses backing throughout both the east and west. Many courses break down Ayurvedical medical fields into eight particular subsections. These are – Internal Medicine (Kayachikitsa), General Surgery (Shalya Tantra), Otorhinolaryngology (Shalakya), Pediatrics and Obstetric/Gynecology (Kaumarabhrtya), Psychiatry (Bhutavidya), Toxicology (Agada Tantra), Nutrition, Detoxification and Rejuvenation (Rasayana Tantra) and Fertility and Virility (Vajikarana).

An initial consultation with an Ayurvedic practitioner can last anything from one to two hours.

Expect to divulge intricate details of your medical history, ailments, your diet, exercise routines, sleeping habits and general lifestyle. Your therapist will also want to take a look at your tongue, hands, nails, nail and check for signs of vitality such as your pulse. You may also be asked about your toilet habits.

After an initial diagnosis your therapist will probably provide you with some exercises, nutrition advice, and perhaps digestive herbs to take. He or she will also give you advice on why your body is reacting in a certain way to cause you difficulty.

Exercises could involve breathing (Pranayama), Hatha Yoga (Asanas) or meditation.

Follow up consultations tend to be shorter in length and usually involve monitoring and adapting the initial treatment.

Depending on your particular complaint or ailment there are a number of specific Ayurvedic treatments available, from hot stone massage to detoxification programmes. Some of the physical – and not at all unpleasant! – treatments include:

• Warmed Oil massage – a mainstay of Ayurveda which involves the slow dripping of oil onto the pineal gland in the forehead or onto the entire body. The ears too can be filled with warm oil to deal with ear ache or giddiness
• Dry Lymphatic skin brushing – carried out with cotton gloves. Specific oil is later massaged into the skin for maximum benefit
• Massaging the skin using medicated milk-porridge in a bundle. Most traditional Indian traditional Ayurvedic massage techniques are based on the Ayurvedic doshas and marmas (these are pressure points similar to those taught in reflexology). Can include a Synchronised Full Body Massage which is completed by two masseurs in simultaneous and coordinated movements.

Ayurveda makes many strong claims as to its effects and healing powers, one of which is to slow down the ageing process. Other claims are less sensationalist and include:

• Very few, if any side-effects
• A way of life rather than a one-off treatment
• Reduces stress
• Gives you insight to look after your own health ie advice on nutrition etc
• Benefits tend to be mental and spiritual as well as just physical
• Because they are based on plants, fruits and flowers all remedies used in Ayurvedic practice tend to be as natural as possible
• Considers prevention very much a part of treatment
• Medicines and treatments tend to be nurturing for the body and mind
• Treatments don’t cost a lot compared to other forms of medicine
• Most of the treatments used involve easily available over-the-counter remedies
• Revitalises the body and aids both physical and mental fitness
• Boosts circulation and helps eliminate toxins

Particular diseases and ailments Ayurveda is said to be adept at treating – or at least relieving – include asthma, high blood pressure, back pain, insomnia, fatigue, migraine, arthritis, skin problems, gastric complaints, facial palsies, sports injuries and even memory loss.