| Ayurveda
All aspects of physical health and emotional well-being are covered by the ancient practice of Ayurveda, based on 'vital energies' or doshas. Anne Woodham explains Ayurveda (Sanskrit for 'science of life') is the traditional healing system of the Indian subcontinent, where its use can be traced to 2,500 BC. Based on Hindu holy texts, it has similarities with Traditional Chinese Medicine and Tibetan medicine. According to the principles of Ayurveda, the five great elements - earth, air, fire, water and ether - that underlie all living things can be simplified as three constantly fluctuating 'vital energies', or doshas. The daily rise and fall of these energies in our bodies is affected by food, time of day, season, stress and emotions. Imbalances are thought to affect the flow of 'life energy,' or prana, and impede agni, the body's 'digestive fire'. A deficiency in agni produces toxic substances called ama that can cause illness. Restoring energies Vata is formed from air and ether. Vata people tend to be slight and either tall or short, creative, quick and nervous in movements, and wasteful of energy. Vata types should avoid pungent, bitter foods that increase vata, and eat sweet, sour, salty, moist warming foods such as casseroles to calm the dosha. Pitta is formed from fire and water. Pitta people are inclined to be of average height and evenly proportioned, and are usually confident, ambitious and competitive. Sour, salty, pungent foods increase pitta, and pitta types should avoid red meat and eat more sweet, astringent, bitter foods, especially salads, chicken and fish. Kapha is formed from water and earth. Kapha types tend to be heavily built, slow moving and physically strong, and are usually stable, patient but inclined to be possessive. Sweet, sour, salty foods increase kapha. People of this type should avoid dairy foods and eat more hot and spicy foods, apples, pears, leaf vegetables, beans and lentils. How does it work? If the doctor considers a patient is suitable, he or she may suggest a rigorous physical and mental detoxification programme known as panchakarma, which involves enemas, laxatives, therapeutic vomiting and washing out the nasal passages. Ayurvedic massage is carried out by two masseurs working together with herbal oils to stimulate 'marma' points that will encourage the flow of prana. A rejuvenating regime includes yoga, meditation, chanting and sunbathing. What is it good for? What to watch out for Some practitioners are qualified to give dietary and lifestyle advice, but only Ayurvedic doctors should prescribe and monitor herbal remedies and detoxification regimes. You should avoid enemas and other purgative treatments if you are pregnant, elderly or have heart disease, and young children should not have enemas. How much does it cost? How can I find it? Ayurvedic Medical Association UK The Ayurvedic Company of Great Britain Kailash Centre for Oriental Medicine, The Ayurvedic Institute (US site) |