Ayurveda in 5 Key Points

Published October 28, 2016

Ayurvedic medicine (or Ayurveda) has been gaining popularity in recent years. But do you really know it? Here is an overview in 5 key points.

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Ayurvedic Medicine is Holistic

Recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a traditional practice, Ayurvedic medicine (or Ayurveda), which means "science of life" in Sanskrit, has been practiced in India for nearly 5,000 years.

Ayurveda is described as holistic because it takes a global approach to health and well-being. The individual is considered as a whole (physical, mental, and environmental).

What is the value?

The goal of Ayurvedic medicine is to restore overall balance, both in the body and the mind.

Ayurvedic Medicine is Personalized

Based on the 5 essential elements (water, earth, fire, air, and space), which define physical and physiological characteristics, each individual has a unique profile (dosha).

There are three main doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), which can combine and evolve. Moreover, doshas change throughout life and according to the seasons. The Ayurvedic practitioner assesses the patient’s profile at a given moment. The purpose of the Ayurvedic approach is then (based on this profile) to restore balance between the different forms of energy and the various organs through Ayurvedic techniques (massage, diet, etc.).

What is the value?

This personalized approach in Ayurvedic medicine focuses on treating the individual (whose dosha is precisely identified) as a whole, which may support long-term well-being.

Ayurvedic Medicine is Natural

Whether it involves oils used during massages, spices (often present in Ayurvedic nutrition), or remedies themselves, Ayurvedic medicine is based on natural products.

India is particularly rich in medicinal plants, resulting in a diverse and interesting herbal pharmacopeia.

Which plants?

In addition to well-known plants such as dandelion, rosemary, or basil, there are lesser-known ones like Neem or Bacopa Monnieri, an aquatic plant with potential therapeutic properties.

What is the value?

Used alone or in combination, plant-based Ayurvedic products are believed to contain many active compounds.

Ayurvedic Medicine is a Comprehensive Approach

Ayurveda encompasses a range of techniques and practices aimed at maintaining good health. Herbal medicine (plant-based remedies) plays an important role in Ayurvedic medicine, but is necessarily combined with diet, massage, and yoga.

What is the value?

Adopting the principles of Ayurvedic medicine involves making meaningful changes to daily habits and lifestyle, which may maintain both mental well-being (such as stress management) and physical balance.

Ayurvedic Medicine May Support Detoxification

Detoxification is an important step in Ayurveda and involves several approaches: diet, massage, breathing (prana), herbal teas, Ayurvedic remedies, etc., all adapted to the individual’s dosha.

What is the value?

An Ayurvedic program can serve as a starting point for overall health and well-being. It may support better sleep, increased energy, stable weight, and general comfort.

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