AYURVEDIC (R-U-VEDIC) MEDICINE?
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda, in the ancient language of Sanskrit, means the science or knowledge of all aspects of life. Ayurvedic Medicine, the ancient Indian healing practice, dates back as far as 6th century B.C. It has been the traditional form of medicine in India for over 5000 years, and is the original mind-body medicine that understands the connections between mind, body, soul, each organ system, and the delicate balance a person has with the environment.
What is the Education of an Ayurvedic Provider?
To fully practice Ayurvedic Medicine in Washington State, a person must first be a licensed physician (ND, MD, DO), then seek additional training in Ayurvedic Medicine. "Additional training" means attending Ayurvedic Medical School in India, or specialized certification programs here in the US. Once accepted in an Ayurvedic program, the student learns Ayurvedic principles, tools & techniques, and also trains in a clinical setting, managing patients under supervision of licensed Ayurvedic Doctors.
What is the Ayurvedic Philosophy?
Ayurveda is the science of living. It recognizes numerous dimensions of health including physical, energetic, mental, emotional, and spiritual, as well as different stages of disease. Ayurveda believes that an imbalance in one dimension can manifest symptoms in others. It looks at the whole person & customizes therapies specific to personality type, body type & lifestyle. Ayurveda identifies blocks to good health & through minimal changes in diet & lifestyle restores balance. The Ayurvedic philosophy recognizes that disease begins with minimal imbalances in your dosha (constitution,) which then progress to a weakened physical, mental or emotional state. Ayurvedic medicine educates you about restoring & maintaining your unique dosha balance to optimize your health & prevent future disease.
What are Doshas?
Each person is composed of a unique combination of the three fundamental energies or doshas, which are responsible for all mind & body processes. Our doshas determine who we are, what we eat, and how we feel. Vata, for example, is the moving force. It takes care of all motion in the mind & body. Pitta is our transformative force that gives power, heat & energy. Kapha is our grounding or binding force that provides structure. Your combination and balance (or imbalance) of doshas, and how you support them determines your state of health.
Is Ayurvedic Medicine evidence-based or merely folklore?
Ayurvedic medicine is based upon observational study & clinical practice of over 5000 years. Most of the Ayurvedic methods used today have basis in simple physiology, biochemistry, or have been subjected to controlled studies (many in peer reviewed journals).
What treatments do Ayurvedic Provider use?
The Ayurvedic definition of medicine is expansive. "Nothing exists in the realm of thought or experience that cannot be used as a medicine." This means that anything in this world, physical or psychological, can have an impact on your health. Ayurvedic Providers use methods such as diet & lifestyle modification, stress reduction or counseling, exercise therapy, relaxation techniques, botanical (herbal) medicine & pancha karma therapies. At NCOH, we use the Ayurvedic methods best-tailored to your unique needs so you can achieve the best health possible.
What is Pancha Karma?
Pancha Karma is an Ayurvedic purification therapy that is similar to detoxification. Its purpose is to eliminate toxins, and excessive, imbalancing doshas from your body. Pancha Karma can be used as a regular seasonal regimen to maintain health or to remove imbalances and treat disease. Basic Pancha Karma includes digestive therapy, oleation therapy (oil massage), and sauna or steam therapy.
Why should I see an Ayurvedic Provider?
Ayurvedic Medicine is very unique, empowers you, and can help where other methods have failed. It teaches you a whole new way to look at yourself and everything around you. It shows you how to identify imbalances in your life, and using basic tools (in your home) restore it. Good health really is our natural state and Ayurvedic Medicine takes us back to the basics of using food as medicine, a healthy lifestyle, with an emphasis on prevention to keep you healthy long into the future.
What is Ayurvedic Medicine especially good at treating?
At NCOH, our goal is to restore balance and improve overall your health and quality of life (not just treat your symptoms). However, some of the most common conditions we help patients overcome through Ayurvedic Medicine include:
- Fatigue/ Chronic Fatigue
- Anxiety/ Depression/ Hyperactivity & other mood challenges.
- Insomnia
- Gastrointestinal problems like Ulcers, Irritable bowel, Diarrhea, and Constipation.
- Heart disease /High blood pressure/ High cholesterol.
- Fibromyalgia/ Musculoskeletal complaints/ injuries.
- Allergies/ Chronic infections/ Immune system disorders
- Diabetes/ Hypoglycemia
- Problems with weight.
- Acne, Eczema, Dry skin
How can I find out if Ayurvedic Medicine can help me?
Simple. Give us a call at
(360) 651-9355.
