A Brief Overview Of Ayurvedic Medicine Programs

By Jason Schmidt


Alternative and holistic medical practices offer a great alternative to Western medicine. In some cases, individuals have been able to go off addictive prescription medications in the process. Whereas, Ayurvedic Medicine Programs and practices are based on a system rooted in the subcontinent of ancient India.

While the practice has been modernized, globalized and modified over time, the basic concepts are still in place. For, the concepts have been successful in aiding the healing process for centuries. In fact, holistic and Western practitioners are now using some Ayurvedic based therapies and treatments in some wellness plans.

Originally formed from the knowledge of Gods which is believed to have been handed down to the sages of the time, and then physicians, it is a system which is still somewhat unknown in a number of circles. History suggest that Sushruta wrote about Dhanvantari, a Hindu God, incarnated into a King which taught medicine to a group of physicians, including Sushruta. Treatments and therapies associated with the practice are typically based on herbal compounds which can often be complex as well as metals and mineral substances.

Ancient Ayurveda texts include teachings on extraction of foreign objects, sutures, kidney stone extractions and rhinoplasty. While tests in laboratories suggest that some substances associated with Ayurveda have the potential to be developed into treatments which are effective, there is no scientific proof which has proven this to be the case. Whereas, the practice is considered to be nothing more than pseudoscientific by most of those in the medical community.

In a study completed in 2008, twenty one percent of United States and Indian-manufactured Ayurveda patent medicines sold online were found to contain high levels of heavy metals including a number of toxins. These toxins include, arsenic, mercury and lead, three of the most deadly of all toxins.

Most scholars have asserted that the practice originated and became popular during pre-historic times. Whereas, others believing that the basic concepts of the practice have been around since the time of the Indus Valley Civilization if not prior to that time. As such, there is some controversy as to the actual birth and history of the practice. Regardless, it is one which has helped people for centuries.

It is believed the practice developed as a viable healing option for the first time in the Vedic period as a cure for illness and a method of relieving pain. While there are texts in ancient Ayurvedic texts from Buddhism and Jainism, there are commonalities and differences among the practices. In addition, it is not clear as to which practice came first though all share similar beliefs and concepts.

Ayurveda is often defined as having a clear understanding as to the meaning of life and longevity. In addition, the practice also pays homage to the theory that maintaining a balance in body, mind and spirit promotes overall good health and well being. Whereas, the practice also promotes the belief that when individuals suppress natural urges, illness is far more likely as doing so often throws body, mind and spirit out of balance.




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