Ayurvedic Medicine Uses and Resoruces

Ayurvedic Oil Massage, Ayurvedic massage

2008-08-03T00:55:00.000-07:00

AYURVEDIC OIL MASSAGE

1. An Ayurvedic Massage is done using comfortably warm massage oil and then the finger tips are dipped into the warm oil before it is applied lightly to the entire body.

2. You will then need to wait for 4-5 minutes which allows some of the oil to be absorbed by the skin. You then begin to massage the entire body remembering to apply even pressure with the whole hand (palm and fingers).

3. You should however apply lighter pressure on sensitive areas such as around the abdomen and heart. Also when working on the nerve ending you should use more oil and spend more time massaging them. These areas where you should concentrate more with regard to nerve endings are the soles of the feet, palms of the hands along the based of each fingernail.

4. Once you have completed the massage relax for 10-15 minutes allowing the oil and massage to work its magic on you then follow it with a relaxing warm bath or shower.

5. However if your lifestyle does not allow for a daily massage then try to arrange to have one at least 3 to 4 times a week instead. You will soon find just how wonderful an Ayurvedic Massage is for you.

Constitution and Health

2008-08-03T00:47:00.000-07:00

Constitution and Health

Ayurveda also has some basic beliefs about the body’s constitution. “Constitution” refers to a person’s general health, how likely he is to become out of balance, and his ability to resist and recover from disease or other health problems. An overview of these beliefs follows.

The constitution is called the prakriti. The prakriti is thought to be a unique combination of physical and psychological characteristics and the way the body functions. It is influenced by such factors as digestion and how the body deals with waste products. The prakriti is believed to be unchanged over a person’s lifetime.

Plant Products Used in Ayurvedic Treatment

2008-08-03T00:24:00.000-07:00

Plant Products Used in Ayurvedic Treatment

In Ayurveda, the distinction between food and medicine is not as clear as in Western medicine. Food and diet are important components of Ayurvedic practice, and so there is a heavy reliance on treatments based on herbs and plants, oils (such as sesame oil), common spices (such as turmeric), and other naturally occurring substances.

Currently, some 5,000 products are included in the "pharmacy" of Ayurvedic treatments. In recent years, the Indian government has collected and published safety information on a small number of them. Historically, plant compounds have been grouped into categories according to their effects.

For example, some compounds are thought to heal, promote vitality, or relieve pain. The compounds are described in many texts prepared through national medical agencies in India. Below are a few examples of how some botanicals (plants and their products) have been or are currently used in treatment. In some cases, these may be mixed with metals.

History of Ayurvedic Medicine

2008-08-03T00:19:00.000-07:00

HISTORY OF AYURVEDIC MEDICINE:

Ayurveda is based on ideas from Hinduism, one of the world’s oldest and largest religions. Some Ayurvedic ideas also evolved from ancient Persian thoughts about health and healing.

Many Ayurvedic practices were handed down by word of mouth and were used before there
were written records. Two ancient books, written in Sanskrit on palm leaves more than 2,000 years ago, are thought to be the first texts on Ayurveda— Caraka Samhita and Susruta Samhita.

They cover many topics, including:

• Pathology (the causes of illness)
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Surgery (this is no longer part of standard Ayurvedic practice)
• How to care for children
• Lifestyle
• Advice for practitioners, including medical ethics
• Philosophy

About Ayurvedic Medicine

2008-08-03T00:08:00.000-07:00

ABOUT AYURVEDIC MEDICINE:

Ayurvedic medicine (also called Ayurveda) is one of the world’s oldest medicalsystems. It originated in India and has evolved there over thousands of years. In the United States, Ayurveda is considered complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)—more specifically, a CAM whole medical system.

Many therapies used in Ayurveda are also used on their own as CAM—for example,herbs, massage, and yoga. This Backgrounder will introduce you to Ayurveda’s major ideas and practices and provide sources for more information on these and other CAM therapies.