Ayurvedic medicine

History·Basic principles·Functionality·Forms of application:·Effect & indications·Contraindications·Conclusion·FAQ·Sources

History: Where does Ayurvedic medicine come from?

Person in lotus position with an old book on his lap

The roots of Ayurvedic medicine go back several millennia. The oldest written sources dealing with Ayurvedic medicine date back to the Atharvaveda. This is a collection of sacred Hindu scriptures dating back to the second millennium BC. This collection already contains many descriptions of healing methods, plant recipes and health rituals.

However, medical historians assume that the knowledge of Ayurveda was passed down orally for a long time and is therefore significantly older than the written sources. Ayurveda continued to develop over centuries and was systematized by the great Ayurvedic textbooks such as the Charaka Samhita and the Sushruta Samhita. These works are still regarded today as the fundamental texts of Ayurvedic medicine and describe the theory of disease, diagnostics and therapeutic procedures as well as preventive measures.

Basic principles: What are the approaches behind Ayurvedic medicine?

The three doshas

Literally translated from Sanskrit, Ayurveda means "knowledge of life" (Ayus = life, Veda = knowledge). Ayurvedic medicine sees the human being as a unity of body, soul, spirit and emotions. The aim of Ayurveda is to promote health not only by treating symptoms, but also by restoring and maintaining inner balance.

A central concept of Ayurvedic medicine is also the three doshas Vata, Kapha and Pitta. Every person has all three doshas, but they are distributed individually. If their balance is disturbed, this leads to physical and mental illnesses as well as pain.

How it works: How is Ayurvedic medicine put into practice?

Ayurvedic medicine is holistically and individually tailored to the person. After a detailed diagnosis by the Ayurvedic doctor, in which not only the physical symptoms but also the lifestyle, diet, digestion and mental health are considered, an individual treatment plan is drawn up. The aim is always to optimize the flow of energy in the body, activate self-healing powers and prevent or alleviate conditions.

Forms of application: What forms of Ayurvedic medicine are there?

Ayurvedic medicine comprises a wide range of treatments and therapies that are individually tailored by an Ayurvedic doctor to the person's constitutional type and state of health. The most important forms of treatment include

Nutritional advice

The diet is specifically adapted to the respective dosha type. Food is selected according to taste, effect and tolerance in order to promote the balance of the doshas.

Ayurvedic massages (Abhyanga)

These oil massages with warm herbal oils serve to relax, detoxify and strengthen the immune system.

Shirodhara (forehead casting)

A continuous stream of oil on the foreheadcalms the nervous system, relieves stress and promotes mental balance.

Herbal medicines and food supplements

Herbal preparations, spices, pastes and teas are used as remedies. These support digestion, metabolism and the elimination of toxins (ama).

Yoga and meditation

Physical and breathing exercises as well as meditative techniques help to calm the mind and keep the body flexible.

Sweating cures (Svedana)

This form of therapy opens the pores, promotes sweating and supports the elimination of harmful substances.

Indications: How does Ayurvedic medicine work?

Ayurvedic medicine aims to bring the body, mind and soul into harmony. It not only supports the treatment of existing complaints, but also has a preventative effect and strengthens the general self-healing powers.

A study by the Swiss Ayurveda Center in Basel in 2008, conducted under the direction of Gianni Alampi, also showed that Ayurveda treatments such as massages and forehead irrigations can alleviate chronic pain and improve sleep quality.

However, the immune system also benefits from this millennia-old healing knowledge, as a study from 2010 showed. Conducted by the Unilever Food and Health Research Institute in Bangalore (India) under the direction of Jyoti Bhat, it proved that Ayurvedic herbal teas can strengthen the body's immune defenses. The results were published in the journal "Phytotherapy Research".

Contraindications: What side effects does Ayurvedic medicine have?

Ayurvedic medicine is generally regarded as a complementary therapeutic approach that can be helpful for many ailments. However, Ayurveda is not suitable for all clinical pictures or acute health conditions.

The most important contraindications include

Severe acute illnesses for which conventional medical treatment is absolutely necessary (e.g. acute infections, heart attack, stroke)
Pregnancy and breastfeeding - certain herbal treatments, intensive massages or sweating cures are not always recommended here
Menstruation - some Ayurvedic cleansing and purging procedures should be avoided during menstruation
Herbal intolerances or allergies that may occur when taking Ayurvedic preparations

As many treatments have a profound effect on the metabolism and energy system, it is advisable to consult your doctor or alternative practitioner before starting Ayurvedic treatment, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions.

Conclusion

The most important facts about Ayurvedic medicine at a glance

1. Ayurvedic medicine is the traditional healing art of India, with a history of over 4,000 years.
2. Traditional Indian Medicine (TIM) is older than Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
3. In Ayurvedic medicine, a person is always viewed as a unity of body, mind, and soul.
4. Well-known Ayurvedic treatments include the forehead oil pour, massages, and the preparation of teas, spice blends, and dietary recommendations specifically tailored to the individual’s dosha.
5. Ayurvedic therapies reduce stress, relieve pain, strengthen the immune system, and promote the balance of the doshas Kapha, Pitta, and Vata.

Discover hotels for Ayurveda retreats now

FAQ - Further questions about Ayurvedic medicine

How does Ayurvedic medicine work?

The most important pillars of Ayurveda are the doshas, which consist of the universal elements. If they are in harmony, a person is healthy. If there is disharmony, illness and pain are the result.

Is Ayurvedic medicine effective for skin problems?

In Ayurvedic medicine, skin problems are considered to be symptoms of a metabolic disorder. This cause is combated through a change in diet, herbs, intestinal cleansing and an analysis of lifestyle (sleep, stress, exercise). Skin care and cleansing are added to this.

Can Ayurvedic medicine help you lose weight?

As digestion and metabolism play a central role in Ayurvedic medicine, the traditional Indian art of healing can also help with weight loss. A change in diet, getting rid of bad eating habits, more exercise and sufficient sleep are necessary for this.

Is Ayurvedic medicine good for pregnancy?

Ayurvedic treatments should generally be avoided during pregnancy. Many of the treatments can be stressful for mother and child and should therefore be clarified with a doctor in advance.