Ayurvedic Medicine

Ayurveda which means "science of life", is the traditional healing system of India, which originated over 5000 years ago.  As eastern philosophies are becoming more recognized in the West, so to Ayurveda is gaining popularity as an alternative and complimentary health system.

Ayurveda is holistic in its approach, taking into account all areas of the individuals life.  As such, Ayurveda focuses on the individual’s constitution or body type which is referred to as doshas.  

There are 3 doshas present in the body, Vata which has the elements air and ether, Pitta, fire and water, Kapha, water and earth.  Each dosha is responsible for different areas and actions of the body.  Each of us has the three mentioned doshas present in our body, although one dosha is more predominant than the others which in turn creates an imbalance or disease.   

Ayurveda’s aims is to balance all the doshas, using such tools as herbs, diet, gems, meditation and yoga to create harmony. All treatments are specific to each dosha type depending on the imbalance and predominating dosha.  

Vata with the elements air and ether is light, cold and dry in nature.  Generally an individual whose predominant dosha is Vata will be either short or tall but always thin, have dry even rough skin, dry course hair and small eyes.  Because vata is the basis of the nervous system, if out of balance the individual will often be erratic, restless and with fear and insecurity.  They are often light sleepers with interrupted sleep patterns.  They find it hard to gain weight, have a variable appetite and tend to become constipated.  Vatas are usually very active people but can tire and become rundown.  

Pitta with the element fire and water is hot, moist and light in nature.  In most instances a person whose predominant dosha is Pitta will be of medium height and build, with oily skin prone to pimples.  They have fair complexions and burn easily.  Their eyes are sharp and penetrating and either green or hazel in colour.  Their hair is soft and oily and will bald or grey early.  Pittas are assertive, highly intelligent and organised, but because of the pitta’s fiery nature can become aggressive, angry, jealous and irritated. They have strong appetites and don’t like to miss a meal.  Their bowel movements are regular and can tend towards diarrhoea.  They are moderately active and pace themselves well.  

Kapha with the predominant elements being water and earth is cold, moist and heavy. The kapha individual is generally of any height, large in build and can be overweight.  Their skin is smooth oily and cool, with fair complexions.  Their hair is thick, slightly oily with lustre.  Their eyes are large with thick, long lashes.  Kaphas tend to have small appetites, although tend to snack a lot. They have one heavy bowel movement daily.  They are usually slow, steady, reliable and compassionate although can become greedy and attached.  They sleep deep and long and nothing much disturbs them.  They are not as active as vata and pitta, although have good endurance.  

Upon ascertaining the individuals dosha type, treatment can begin. The practitioner will prescribe a regime that is specific to the needs of the individual that is aimed at promoting, health, wellbeing and balance.  

Prayer to Lord Dhanvantari

Om Sankham Chakram Jalaukam Dadhadamrita Ghatam Charu Dorbhis Chaturbhih Sukshma Svachchati Hridayasuram Pari Vilasan Maulim Ambhoja Netram Kalambhodojjvalangam Kati Tata Vilasach Charu Pitambaradhyam Vande Dhanvantari Tam Mikhila Gada Vanapraudha Davagni Lilam

To determine your constitution click on the links below  

http://www.vedicbalance.com/ - dosha self test

http://www.ayurveda.com.au/ - dosha self test

For links to Ayurvedic websites click on the links below

Ayuvedic Institutes

http://niam.com/corp-web/index.htm

http://www.ayurvedic.org/

http://www.floridavediccollege.edu/

http://www.ayurveduniversity.com/

http://www.pharm.uu.nl/home/smit/hari/

http://www.ayurveda.com/

http://www.ayurvedacollege.com/

General Ayurvedic Links

http://www.ayurvedadoctor.com 

http://www.ayurvedica.net/

http://www.mysticindia.com/ayurveda/index.htm

http://www.ayurishi.com/

http://www.dhanvantri.com/

http://www.webindia.com/india/ayurveda.htm

http://www.ayurvedahc.com/

http://www.mapi.com/

http://www.ayur.com/

http://www.vedanet.com/

http://203.43.100.140/

http://www.ayurvaidyas.com/index.asp

http://www.rajahkajah.com/

http://www.allayurveda.com/

http://www.ayurlife.com/

http://www.aryavaidyasala.com/

http://www.sreesankara.com/

http://www.ayurvedwebline.com/

http://www.kapl-ayur.com/html/k0000hom.htm

http://www.holistic-online.com/

http://www.mindxpansion.com/ayurveda/

http://www.ashwinikumar.com/main.html

http://www.indiansphere.com/ayurveda/ayurveda.htm

http://www.indiangyan.com/books/ayurvedabooks/ayurvedic_cures/rasayana_key_rejuvenation.shtml

http://www.ethnicindianbazar.com/ayurveda.htm