Sunday 15 May 2011

Ayurvedic Medicine Employs a Vast Array of Treatments

The human body is a diverse combination of tissues intricately woven together in a delicate balance that must be respected and honored if it is to be healthy. Ayurveda is a science of life which treats the person as a whole, and as such, it treats all the diverse tissues of the body in a way that is both effective and respectful. Consequently, ayurvedic medicine employs a vast array of treatments each specially catered to the particular disease and the part of the body in which it is present. The delivery of treatment to the right part of the body is very important,  as even the herbs with the right potencies can be ineffectual without proper delivery. In Ayurveda, the method of delivery, or vehicle, is called the anupana, and there are a variety of anupanas employed to deliver the power of herbs and minerals to the right places. Here we will explore the five basic vehicles, water, raw sugar, ghee, oil, and alcohol.

Water is the simplest and most common vehicle and is often used in a preliminary step of a formulation only to be later combined with a more potent vehicle. In general, water delivers the potencies of the herbs to the plasma of the blood, and is used both hot and cold depending upon the circumstances and desired effect. Generally in ayurvedic treatments, hot water reduces vata and kapha, while cold water reduces pitta. The temperature of the medium greatly affects the metabolism and the manner in which the herbs are digested. For example, contrary to what one might think, fever reducing herbs should always be taken with hot water, as fevers result from a depression of the central digestive fire which causes it to rise to the surface of the body. Cold drinks and food further suppress this fire and perpetuate the cause of the fever, while warm and hot things kindle it back to health.
Herbs are also boiled in water to extract and concentrate their essences by a process known as decoction. Decoctions are then combined into concoctions and mixed in other mediums to create more complex formulations like medicated ghee, milk, oil, and aristas, i.e. medicated wine
In ayurvedic medicine, raw sugar is a very common medium for rejuvenative tonics, due to its inherent nourishing. It is the medium in the famous Chyawanprash and other similar rasayanas. It delivers the herbs to the plasma and the blood, and increases the tonic effect of herbs. It rejuvenates the plasma and the blood, relieves heat, and protects tissues, while encouraging the digestive power of the tissues. 

Ghee is perhaps one of the best anupanas in ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of pitta and vata, but is light and easily digested so as not to contribute to the buildup of excess kapha. Ghee enhances the ojas, which is the subtle essence of all tissues and is responsible for vitality and immunity. It also increases the digestive power of the small intestines and liver without aggravating pitta, making it a particularly powerful aid for the treatment of pitta related conditions which generally stem from these two organs. Although ghee is fatty it does not clog the liver as other oils and fats do, but actually strengthens it. Ghee is food for the bone marrow, nerve tissue, and brain, and encourages the intellectual digestive fire of perception and understanding. The penetrating and nourishing effects of ghee have won it a central role in many ayurvedic treatments.
Ayurvedic oils are known worldwide for their healing, nourishing, and rejuvenating effects. There are many classic formulations of oils which utilize herbs from all over India in all the varieties and combinations of oils which are found on the sub-continent. There are cooling, heating, nourishing and grounding oils all of which ayurvedic medicine employs each according to its potencies. The variety of different oils allows them to be used in ayurvedic treatments for all three doshas. In general, oils work on the plasma, blood, and muscle tissues of the body. They increase the digestive power of these tissues by providing essential vitamins and minerals in a rich medium of nourishing fats and fatty acids. Though they are too heavy for the liver to digest, and so cannot reach subtler tissues, they are very effective vehicles for the treatment of the skin, blood, lungs, and colon. They are a powerful and often relaxing medium of application.

Ayurvedic medicine employs alcohol as an anupana in its famous aristas, or medicated wines. Alcohol is a very powerful medium that reaches deep into the subtle channels and tissues of the body and mind. It works primarily on the nerves and as such is great for the treatment of vata, where its heating and calming effects enhance nerve supportive herbs. However, its power is not to be abused as it can also do great damage to the body, particularly the liver.
These are just a few of the many mediums which Ayurveda employs to administer treatment. Ayurvedic treatments are as vast and varied as the conditions which they treat, and consequently there are many more anupanas which are employed. These five constitute the primary mediums of most classic ayurvedic formulations which have served the science of life for many millennia.

Ayurveda, Getting to Know New Herbs

Ayurveda is the science of life. It is a living science that perceives the human person as a whole being which can neither be cut up into parts to be treated irrespective of the others, nor abstracted from the whole of its context, the land and world in which it lives. Each land is different, bearing different plants and fruit, being composed of different minerals, and having different climates. Ayurveda seeks to understand and to utilize the local and broader contexts in an appropriate and holistic way that treats the individual not simply as a whole human being, but as a human being within a whole, within the nature which provides it life. Due to Ayurveda’s origin in the Asian sub-continent it has first sought to understand and to utilize the herbs of its locale. However, as the world grows smaller and smaller through the process of globalization and knowledge of Ayurveda spreads, the science of life is broadening its purview to herbs all over the world, and enabling itself to appropriately treat individuals from all regions.
Ayurvedic medicine utilizes a thorough methodology to learn about the nature and effects of new herbs that is based a fairly simple set of principles. Starting from the most basic and apparent qualities and proceeding to the more subtle and more complex effects, ayurvedic medicine comes to understand herbs in a natural and comprehensive way.
Ayurvedic herbs are classified according to five basic characteristics. The first and most fundamental determination of any herb is its taste and energy, collectively this set of characteristics is known as the energetics of an ayurvedic herb. There are six tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, astringent, and pungent. Each taste has a certain energy, effect, and quality from a group of six contraries.  Thus, every ayurvedic herb is either heating or cooling in energy, drying or moistening in effect, and heavy or light in quality. Often herbs bear several or nearly all tastes and so have very complex energetics, but more often than not there is a primary taste which characterizes the herb. After determining the primary taste, the primary energy is determined, and then the post-digestive effect, or vipraka. This will often further determine the next characteristic of the herb, or its doshic effect.
Ayurvedic medicine understands the world and everything in it according to the five basic elements, and the doshas are the particular combination and manifestation of these five elements within the human being. Consequently, ayurvedic treatments are principally concerned with restoring balance to the doshas of the body through the use of herbs and minerals which likewise share in the universal qualities of the doshas and so can affect them within the body. The doshic effects of herbs is determined by the three-fold determination of its energetics, and are further qualified by the herbs effects on particular tissues which each have a special relationship with the three doshas.
The third tier of determination of the nature of ayurvedic herbs are the tissues which it predominantly affects. Even though a particular combination of taste, energy and post-digestive effect will inherently have an effect on a particular dosha, these effects can be modified greatly according to the tissue which the herb works on. Each organ and tissue of the body is primarily governed by a particular dosha, and consequently, doshic imbalance often stems from a particular organ or tissue. Therefore, the part of the body which ayurvedic herbs treat will significantly determine the manner in which its energetics affect the body. Furthermore, the particular organs or tissues which are effected will in part determine the bodily systems which are affected, which is the next tier of classification by which ayurvedic medicine understands the nature of herbs.
By bearing the aforementioned qualities and affecting various tissues in certain ways, ayurvedic herbs each effect a certain number of bodily systems, be it circulatory, respiratory, nervous, digestive etc. Ayurvedic herbs predominantly affect certain parts of the body in certain ways and this naturally renders certain bodily systems affected in similar ways. The determination of the particular systems affected is the final classification of the general qualities of an herb, however, through its combination with the former determinations is found the most specific and most practical classification, the actions of the herb.
The actions of ayurvedic herbs are determined through a synthesis of the four previous qualities and effects. Ayurvedic herbs act in various ways, for example, they can be a stimulant, an expectorant, a diuretic, an emetic, a carminative, an emenagogue etc. The determination of the actions of an herb is the culmination of the previous analysis and one of the most important determinations taken into account in the formulation of any ayurvedic product. The actions indicate how and what an herb will do to the body, and so are of utmost importance to consider in any prescription.
Through this method ayurvedic medicine has taken hundreds and thousands of herbs under its wing to include them in the economy of health which it aims to provide to all mankind. Although, ayurvedic herbs once just included those indigenous to the Asian sub-continent, ayurveda is now growing , exploring, and coming to know new herbs from all over the world. What once might have just been a common weed in the American southwest, is now also an ayurvedic herb, and is brought into the family of this ancient and living science of life.

Restore Your Life with Ayurvedic Oils and Extracts



Ayurvedic medicine treats the whole person, and consequently employs a variety of curative and palliative treatments. Perhaps the most enjoyable of the ayurvedic treatments are the Oil massage and relaxation treatments for which Ayurveda has become famous worldwide. Ayurvedic massage treatment, or snehana, is one of the five methods included within the panchakarma methodology. Ayurvedic Oil Massages will often include the use of oils and incense and are specifically designed for each patient and the particular relationship currently existing between their vikruti (current physiological and psychological state) and their prakruti (natural/balanced physiological and psychological state), thus no two massages will be the same. Ayurveda has identified and designed several oils for the needs of each of these specific circumstances. Though there are potentially innumerable types of ayurvedic oils, here we will discuss only a few of the principal types.

For the Head: 

Brahmi Oil: This oil is effective in cooling pitta, it helps ease tension in your mind, bringing clarity, and added concentration. It has proven effective in treating insomnia, anxiety, and nervousness, and is especially recommended for those who work in stressful environments or are required to use computers or read for long hours. It is best to apply by a gentle head massage before bed to help sleep.

Bringaraja Amalaki Oil: Bhringaraj is known as “the ruler of the hair”, and Amalaki as “the nurse” for its general maternal healing properties. This combination is a popular oil perfectly suited for long term use by application to the head before bathing. It promotes hair growth, and is good for one’s complexion, for the drawing out of toxins, and reducing inflammation. It also has cooling and calmative effects which help induce a natural sleep.

Shirodara Oil: This oil is tridoshic, meaning that it helps to balance all three doshas, and is made from a combination of ayurvedic herbs specifically designed for Shridohara, a traditional ayurvedic treatment involving gently pouring oil on the forehead to bring about relaxation and well-being. This treatment is known to alleviate stress and anxiety, cool and calm the mind, and cure insomnia and migraines. 

For the Muscles:

Ashwaghanda Oil: This oil is a unique combination of ashwagandha, sesame oil, and white sandalwood. Ashwaghanda is the best rejuvenative herb, particularly for the muscles, bone marrow, and semen, and Vata constitutions. This makes it ideal for sore, overworked, underdeveloped muscles, and generally for weakness and nervous exhaustion. In addition, Sesame contains large amounts of Vitamins E and B6, magnesium, copper, calcium, iron, and zinc, as well as the natural preservatives Sesamol and Sesamin, which preserve its polyunsaturated fatty acids making it suitable for long term storage. 

Mahanarayana Oil: This oil is made from a combination of over 50 ayurvedic herbs and is used for conditions including joint and muscle pain, backache, headache, arthritis, rheumatism, sciatica, and gout, as well as soothing respiratory troubles and enhancing sexual desire. It is generally held to bring balance to the Vata dosh. As vata governs such emotions as fear, nervousness, and anxiety, in people with a high vata vikruti it can help to relieve these conditions. In such cases it is generally applied before bedtime and left overnight.

For the Skin: 

Kumkumadi Oil: This is a unique blend of 16 different ayurvedic herbs, including vetiver, lotus, extracts of Banyan tree, Indian madder, licorice, and most importantly the rare saffron. This combination helps to revitalize skin texture and tension, nourishing it and removing wrinkles and discoloration. It is effective in the treatment of acne, dark spots, skin cracks, and especially dark circles under the eyes. 

Yashtimadu Oil: This oil is a blend of licorice root and leaves in a sesame oil substrate. It is an ancient ayurvedic treatment used to heal the skin and small wounds, and enhance complexion. It nourishes and gives luster to the skin, opens pores, relieves dryness, inflammations, and minor lesions. Due to the natural preservatives found in sesame oil and the mild nature of this blend it is ideal for long term use. 


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The Secret Healing Properties of Ayurvedic Herbs in Ayurvedic Medicine

The use of herbs for medicinal purposes likely dates to the beginning of human civilization, but certainly back nearly 5000 years with the oldest extant records of such use dating to the middle of the 3rd millennium BCE. For millions of year’s plants, herbs in particular, have been developing methods for the manufacture of substances which work to their advantage. Herbs develop such substances to dispel pests and herbivores and to attract those animals and insects which work symbiotically with them. The captivating colors and aromas of flowers are a prime example of the wealth and beauty which is the product of these plant’s years of learning and labor. 

Fortunately, many of these products have proven to be useful for the alleviation of pain and the curing of disease in humans. Western pharmaceutical medicine often attempts to imitate these substances and their effects by synthesizing chemicals similar to them, but with such a limited knowledge of the substances, adverse effects often result. Ayurvedic medicine, on the other hand,seeks an intimate knowledge of these herbs themselves which in turn allows it to utilize their many millennia of work for the greatest benefit of the patient.
Ayurvedic medicine does not seek to outdo the work of nature, but conversely seeks to uncover the power hidden within it. To this end, Ayurveda has thoroughly organized the herbs it utilizes so as to be of the greatest advantage. It approaches this knowledge through an understanding of the universal qualities which the herbs share with the rest of existence. These qualities are 20, being 10 pairs of contraries: hot, cold, dry, moist, hard, soft, rough, smooth, sharp, dull etc.Each herb bears these qualities in various proportions. Through an understanding of these principle qualities and the characteristics of their varied proportions Ayurveda comes to understand the herbs themselves. In this way Ayurvedic herbs have been organized into an extensive body of knowledge stating the qualities inherent in them and their applications to various ailments. 

In a world filled with plants which have worked for millions of years to develop substances for the benefit of all and efficient methods for the rendering of these substances it seems not only proud, but perhaps foolish to neglect the fruit of their labor. Where modern pharmaceutical productsrequire millions of dollars for their research and development only to imitate what nature has provided, ayurvedic treatments make the simple and inexpensive choice to recognize this provision. There is a wise old saying,don’t try to reinvent the wheel, perhaps this is one piece of advice which ayurvedic medicine is trying to teach the world by example.
Nature is a vast storehouse of medicinal herbs and panaceas on which we have depended since before history began. Through the nearly four thousand years that Ayurveda has been a living science it has been acquiring knowledge and experience of these herbs, and using this ever growing knowledge to better understand the nature and application of these God given medicines.

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Ayurvedic Herbal Products without any side effects

Ayurvedic medicine dates as far back as the 2nd millennium BC, with its theoretical and applied principals being organized and written around 1500 BC.  The seminal text, Atharvaveda, is a work of sacred poetry and one of the four most ancient books of Indian Wisdom. Its origins reach deep into the recesses of history and the mystery of the ancient world with some authors attributing its origin to Brahma Himself, the universal father. This work contains 114 hymns in and from which ayurvedic medicine began its long and impressive history as one of the first and most extensive organized systems of medicine. These hymns are formulations for the treatment of a wide variety of ailments ranging from a common fever to chronic diseases such as diabetes and leprosy. The science of life, ayur – life; veda – knowledge, which was inaugurated with this work is a tradition of true wisdom and continues to have much to teach western medicine to this day. 

Ayurvedic medicine approaches the patient as whole being and seeks holistic health through the care of the body, the balance of the mind, and the refinement of the spirit. Not one of these can be neglected if one is to be healthy, for health is the fullness of life, and life is the union of mind, body, and spirit. Thus, ayurvedic medicine will often treat ailments by changing habits of diet and exercise of the mind, body, and spirit all in conjunction with each other. Health and the diagnosis of disease are understood through the balance, or imbalance, of the three doshas which are present in various proportions in every human being. Every person being naturally different has a different natural proportion of each of these doshas and ayurvedic medicine uses herbs, oils, and other products as treatments to help restore the balance of one’s natural proportion. 

The three Doshas in the science of ayurvedic medicine are Vata, Pita, and Kapha, corresponding to the three elements Air, Fire, and Water. Each person has a natural predominance of one of these yet all three are present in everyone. A person unique predominance determines such predispositions such as body structure, appetites, mental and emotional habits and predispositions, and other aspect of one’s life. It is helpful to know one’s particular disposition for the understanding of their individual dietary and habitual inclinations and in particular which of these are more and less beneficial. Throughout its 4000 year history ayurvedic medicine has organized and catalogued in a comprehensive theory the particular qualities and affects which foods, herbs, and actions, have on the body, mind, and spirit. As such, ayurvedic treatment can be specially tailored for each individual and each particular ailment, and pursues the precision of treatment which each individual situation demands. Ayurvedic medicine is truly the science of Life!

In a world filled to the gills with oil-based synthetic pharmaceutical products made from plants and animals which have died many millennia ago, ayurvedic medicine continues to sing the song of life which it has been for over a thousand generations by using only natural and fresh harvested plants in its products. When doubts are rising to the surface of our oceans and climate because of unsustainable business and political habits the world begs us to see it as a whole, just as ayurvedic medicine proposes we see ourselves. Perhaps now, this Science of Life, Ayurveda, has more wisdom to offer us than ever before.

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