Why is Ayurveda becoming so popular in the western world ?

As a holistic health science, Ayurveda compliments western medicine by addressing our needs for health in body, mind and soul. Ayurveda seeks to understand how and why we become ill (root cause), and it addresses the needs of the whole person in the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual bodies. It can offer effective alleviation of symptoms for many conditions for which conventional medicine has not been successful. Many people are looking for a natural approach to return to and maintain health beyond taking more medication. Ayurveda can be a complimentary system of medicine, used to support your current western medical plan, or used alone as its own holistic approach to health.

 

What is the goal of Ayurvedic Medicine?

Ayurveda is different than Allopathic Medicine.  Its goal is to prevent dis-ease and improve quality of life on all levels. Allopathic Medicine is preferred in cases of trauma, serious infection and surgery. Ayurveda can work side by side and compliment any other system of medicine. However, Ayurveda offers  tools that no other medical system offers through understanding the 3 doshas, 5 elements, and 20 universal qualities. Together, these tools help us understand why dis-ease happens and how to return ourselves to balance. Ayurveda is referred to as “The Science of Self-Healing”.

How do I know when to begin with Ayurveda?

Right now is the best time to begin! If you are currently healthy and balanced, Ayurveda is an excellent form of preventative medicine to keep you well. If you are currently experiencing any signs of imbalance, you can begin to incorporate ayurvedic principles into your life to help alleviate the associated symptoms. A person of any age, of any constitution can incorporate ayurveda into their life at any time!

 

How can ayurveda compliment my use of medications that are prescribed by my doctor, and should I stop all medications when I start participating in an ayurvedic approach to health?

 

There is no need to make any changes to your current medications or western medical plan before starting with ayurveda. Ayurvedic healing is completely natural and will not interfere with your current treatment plan. The primary focus is to make adjustments to your diet and daily routine that will support you so the body can use it’s natural intelligence to heal itself. As you begin to return to balance through ayurveda, you may find that you have the ability to decrease or discontinue some pharmaceutical medications should you and your doctor feel it is appropriate to do so. The use of safe, organic ayurvedic herbs can be incorporated to support your efforts on an individual basis, but is never required as part of your wellness plan.

 

What is the Ayurvedic concept of "balance"?

Ayurveda speaks deeply to the subject of balance for proper functioning of our senses, organs and mind, but also of a balanced relationship with ourselves (soul) and with all other life on earth. We are a microcosm of the macrocosm, and a healthy individual makes for a healthy society.

 

Will Ayurveda take a long time to help me feel better?

No. However, a deeper more important question to consider is: Are you interested in suppression of symptoms or are you seeking to address and resolve the root cause of the imbalance that is causing your symptoms? If you are looking to address the cause of your imbalance, most often in a relatively short time, then ayurveda is an excellent choice! The time to heal any imbalance can depend on various factors such as age, type of dis-ease, severity of imbalance, whether it is acute or chronic, and how many doshas are involved in the disease process. With a little patience and willingness to make adjustments, you can experience real and lasting changes that will serve you on your path to optimal health.

Can Ayurveda help me lose weight?

According to Ayurveda, the root cause of being overweight is imbalance. Many specific factors contribute to being overweight, and Ayurveda describes it as an accumulation of kapha dosha in the body. In order to correct this imbalance, one must cut back in the areas where there is excess and increase the areas that are lacking. These corrections might include dietary adjustments, changes in kind and amount of physical exercise, timing of specific activities in your daily routine, detoxification, massage, and/or herbal supplements. If the ayurvedic principles of balance for mind and body are followed consistently, you can expect to regain a healthy weight while increasing energy and mental clarity.

Why are Ayurveda and Yoga called “Sister Sciences”?

Ayurveda and Yoga work harmoniously together. They are both focused on the process of self-inquiry to understand our true nature in the quest to realize our full self-potential. Yoga is a spiritual practice that supports connection with Self. Ayurveda is the health science that allows us to create and maintain a healthy mind and body (vessel) to support our life’s purpose. In India, practicing both Yoga and Ayurveda together is a traditional approach to optimal health.

Do I have to be a vegetarian to follow an Ayurvedic lifestyle?

No. Ayurveda recommends foods that are ideal for your specific constitution as well as alleviating your current imbalances. This “recipe” is ever-changing.  Classical Ayurvedic texts describe three types of foods - Sattvic, Rajasic and Tamasic, which have a specific effect on the mind and body. Ayurveda supports a sattvic diet of freshly prepared food. Meat can be appropriate for some people some of the time. By no means does someone have to become a vegetarian to practice ayurveda, but reducing the intake of meat can be helpful in creating good health in mind and body.

Do I have to follow a certain religion to incorporate Ayurvedic principles into my life?

No. Ayurvedic principles are universal to all people and anyone can incorporate them into daily life. While deeply spiritual in nature, Ayurveda does not advocate a particular religion or deity. 

 

If you have any other questions about ayurveda and would like to see them answered here, please e-mail them to: Sandra@sattvahealthandwellness.com