Wellness: Why Ayurveda?
India’s ancient form of medicine appeals to those who are fed up with Western medicine and its emphasis on symptom control at the cost of true, long-term healing when it comes to chronic degenerative diseases. Ayurveda stands apart from the fads as an esteemed methodology built upon a strong foundation of physiological experience.
Ayurveda is making its way into every part of the globe, whether it is at Ayurvedic Point in Milan, Italy, or the Prema Ayurveda Health Foundation in Argentina, or at Kripalu in Tokyo, Japan. It’s easy to see why. Amongst the multitude of alternative approaches to health, from cryotherapy to juice fasting and everything in between, Ayurveda stands apart from the fads as an esteemed methodology built upon a strong foundation of physiological experience.
Though limited by the media to the portrayal of body types, or a Hindu or vegetarian health agenda, Ayurveda has slowly amassed a following akin to a movement in the U.S. alongside the growth of yoga. Interest in the classical practice of Ayurveda is growing in this country. Ayurvedic practitioners educated here are learning Devanagari and studying the Brihat Trayi or the ‘great three’ texts of Ayurveda—the Charaka Samhita, Ashtanga Hrydayam and Sushruta Samhita—for advanced practice.
Ayurveda fills the holes left wide open by allopathic medicine and answers the questions, “what is health exactly?” and “what can be done for health symptoms before a disease is diagnosed?” It offers effective solutions for a variety of health conditions including insomnia, digestive disorders, IBS, chronic constipation, endometriosis, fibromyalgia, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, high blood pressure, cysts, gout, and more.
Do Natural Home Remedies Work?
I’m often told by non-believers that natural remedies don’t work. Well, there is a grain of truth in that statement. Natural remedies won’t work if the dosage is incorrect, if the wrong remedy is chosen, or if the underlying habits that created the issue in the first place are not changed.
On the other hand, natural remedies can work wonderfully when used correctly in conjunction with a health plan and under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic Practitioner. Nuances like what to take with your turmeric (honey, sugar or hot water), along with when to wake up, have meals and exercise, are unique to each individual. Ayurveda can work wonders when a knowledgeable practitioner treats you not only according to your dosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha, or a combination of these), but also takes into consideration your individual Prakriti (nature). Recommendations of foods to avoid and the foods that are health-promoting are tailored specifically for you as an individual.
With any health condition, getting to the source of the problem is the goal. When you work with an Ayurvedic practitioner, your health history, reproductive history, and current complaints, along with your current diet and daily routine, are thoroughly reviewed to determine what’s needed to reestablish your health.
When to Work with an Ayurvedic Practitioner
Here’s a good rule of thumb to follow. If you have tried a home remedy and you’re not seeing good results, check in with a professional. When a health issue is arising, the sooner you can take care of it, the better off you will be in the long run.
By working with an Ayurvedic Practitioner, you’ll gain a toolbox of remedies for your unique tendencies, from foods to eat and avoid, to spices and body treatments that benefit you.
An arsenal of the right remedies can indeed help keep your body and mind in a state of equilibrium.
As a complement to regular visits with your medical provider, work with an Ayurvedic Practitioner to reestablish equilibrium and maintain good health. By engaging with the Ayurvedic community in the U.S., you support the growth and continuation of your rich and profound cultural heritage outside of India.
Jennifer Maklan is an Ãyurvedic Practitioner and founder of ChattanoogaAyurveda.com, an online classical Ayurveda practice. She can be reached at info@ChattanoogaAyurveda.com.
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