Ayurveda works independently and can also be integrated with other medical systems like allopathic, herbal, unani, and homeopathy and also is a collateral systemic aid to Yoga and fitness. Ayurveda can prevent physical and psychosomatic ailments of many kinds. It alleviates mental health and well being. If used via prescription it gives absolute effects. In cases of drug abuse, various diseases, autoimmune diseases, variety of allergic reactions, disorders are all curable with Ayurveda remedies and techniques.
Ayurveda medicines come in the form of extracts, syrup, powder, oil and pills. The formulations have been used for several centuries successfully. It is a holistic system which balances the three dosha; (three elementary energies of the human body).
To comprehend how the system can be effective in early stages of any medical condition or disease or infection one must know the dosha type or constitution. This is a very unique diagnostic tool that determines the line of medical treatment and products that bring equilibrium and synchronization between the physical body, the mind and the eternal soul.
Ayurveda, comprises of five essential elements that have prana or life force: earth, water, fire, air, and ether. The elements work with the body organs that constitute the doshas. The doshas are vata, pitta, and kapha. Every human being has a characteristic dosha and this is termed as the person’s nature or prakriti. No two patients can have the same prescription for one ailment. The primary diagnostic tool for this branch of ancient is detection of the imbalance of the doshas. The vaidya or the physician will try to bring a semblance to the doshas by remedies and techniques prescribed by the ancient texts.
Body Types | Vata | Pitta | Kapha | |
Physical Dosha type | Thin. Prominent features. Cool, dry skin. Constipation. Cramps.Ayurvedic | Average build. Fair, thin hair. Warm, moist skin. Ulcers, heartburn, andhemor- rhoids. Acne. | Large build. Wavy, thick hair. Pale, cool, oily skin. Obesity, aller- gies, and sinus problems. High cholesterol. | |
Emotional type | Moody. Vivacious. Imaginative. Enthusiastic. Intuitive. | Intense. Quick tem- pered. Intelligent. Loving. Articulate. | Relaxed. Not easily angered. Affectionate. Tolerant. Compassionate. | |
Behavioral type | Unscheduled sleep and meal times. Nervous dis- orders. Anxiety. | Orderly. Structured sleep and meal times. Perfectionist. | Slow, graceful. Long sleeper and slow eater. Procrastination. |
India is the birthplace of this ancient science. Hence its studies and qualifications also are a standard measure of accepting an Ayurveda physician with parameters prescribed by the ancient system. However as the system gains importance again degree courses are offered for new generations to qualify as genuine medical practitioners. The Indian Medical Council Act of 1970 mentions that a student will have to pass 4 schedules to become a practitioner today. Now BAMS and also MD (Ayurveda) are available for studies. They also have to register and get license to take practice as a career.
Only licensed manufacturers can make Ayurveda medicines. The label, container and packaging have to contain all the information of the medication. This includes expiry date, dose, batch number, and instructions of dosage, side effects, precautions and formulations. Manufacturers have to take permission to make formulations from State Drug Controlling Authority for running an Ayurveda Pharmacy. GMP has been effective from 23rd June 2000. The overall production quality of Ayurveda medicines has improved with strict guidelines.
These remedies can be taken with a regular allopathic curse of treatment also. Actually there is no need for any other alternative treatment if Ayurveda medication is being taken. It takes care of both degenerative and very chronic cases also with a good degree of success rate.
The medicines are given as power, pills, tablets, gel, ointments, creams or lotions. In some cases, even syrups and tonics are prescribed. In many hoes cold and cough syrups are used often. Even fever, indigestion, vomiting, constipation, wounds, allergies and joint pains are treated with simple Ayurveda formulas. None of these medications require a prescription. This also includes the use of herbal decoctions or tonics for health purposes.