What Is Ayurveda Really? Definitely More Than Spiritual Hocus Pocus
The name Ayurveda is composed of the Sanskrit words “Ayus” (life) and “Veda” (knowledge). Originally from India and existing for about 5000 years, “Knowledge of Life” includes health care, medicine and philosophy of life at the same time. Thus, in short, the answer to what is Ayurveda is simply that it is the secret wisdom of the life force.
Society considers Ayurveda as a holistic healing system, which takes into account body, mind and soul alike. They teach eight different branches in Ayurvedic medicine alone. Health care, as one of them, is already a part of Ayurvedic therapy.
Ayurvedic massage therapie
Ayurvedic massages are an important cornerstone of Ayurvedic health education and all Ayurvedic-related therapies. Practitioners take adjust all applications individually, taking the constitution of the person to be treated into account and, thus, achieving a balancing and harmonizing effect.
Depending on which goal is in the foreground of treatment, the applications can be refreshing, metabolism-stimulating, clarifying, centering or (strongly) soothing.
Regular oil treatments strengthen the joints and musculoskeletal system, nourish all body tissues (Dhatus) and provide better mobility – up into old age.
The Ayurvedic oils and herbs support the cleansing process through the skin, accelerate the breakdown of “slags” (Ama) and, thus, ensure a clear skin appearance and better eyesight.
This, furthermore, solves emotional blocks due to the careful touch of the therapist. The incorporation of the Marma vital points (a juncture where more tissue types meet with the body), promotes the constant transmission of nerve impulses from the brain to the organs.
In this way, the massage not only has a positive physical influence on the organs, but it also has a positive effect on the mind.
The Ayurveda feeling – just like newborn again!
Each of the Ayurveda treatments has its own significance. It is always essential to strengthen the weakest Dosha in order to bring the bioenergies into balance. There is no “part body treatment” in the sense, as the entire system of the body must return to its original harmony in order to exhibit vibrant health.
Ayurveda is the oldest holistic healing art of humanity. And, who has ever been to an Ayurvedic treatment session, knows the incredible feeling of rebirth all too well.
However, some scientists distrust the Ayurvedic healing art, despite its obvious positive impacts on health.
The reason for this debacle is mainly because the basics of Ayurveda are not at all in line with the views of conventional medicine.
The question, therefore, remains: Is Ayurveda now a true healing form or is the enhanced well-being after the Ayurvedic therapy only outcome of spiritual fieldwork?
Ayurveda – a life-like science
Ayurveda is India’s ancient systematical healing practice. For one, people recognize Ayurveda as holistic medicine in alternative medicine. Then again others don’t consider Ayurveda as scientifically commendable and creditable.
The reason for this is mainly the different structure of the Ayurvedic bases; it varies so much from conventional medicine.
Ayurveda, however, certainly is a science on its own; an adaptable and individual one that is capable to reflect the diversions of life.
Nevertheless, evidence-based medicine and science asked that Ayurveda follows stern regulations. There is no space left to unfold its innate uniqueness.
Thus, these people often refer to Ayurveda more as an assemblage of spiritual methods than as a truly scientific healing art.
However, there are more incorrect conclusions to which conventional medicine is subject. Many more misunderstandings circulate around the ancient medicine of Ayurveda.
They make the layperson uncomfortable and often prevent people from getting involved in Ayurveda and possibly again encountering health and happy life within.
Within this article, I want to resolve the most common misconceptions and prejudices against the ancient Indian healing method.
1. Prejudice
Ayurveda is more of a spiritual philosophy than science
Science is defined as “a systematic approach where knowledge (after the preparation of theses and theories) gets collected, organized and re-transmitted. Of course, one considers this wisdom knowledge only if one can prove its capacity with repeatable effects and, thus, at any time is verifiable. ”
Contrary to expectations, Ayurveda fully complies with this definition in all areas
In theory, a complex system of unalterable universal laws was first elaborated on in the course of action (Karma), the properties (Guna), the substances (Dravya) and the balance (Samanya and Vishesha).
We can achieve proper and reiterate results in the treatment of disease if we are following the above-mentioned system and keep applying its laws.
Unfortunately, many naturopaths or Ayurvedic therapists emphasize the aspect of the spiritual foundations from which we derive the theories of Ayurveda too much. As a result, many people believe that the system is not scientific.
Even if it is considered as a “complementary” application and adapted to the structures of conventional medicine, the opportunity to apprehend and consider Ayurveda as an independent science got lost.
2. Prejudice
Ayurveda is not working instantly
The time it takes to cure a disease depends on many various factors. Some of the most important things to consider are the amount of time the patient has already been sick, the disease’s severity and the present condition and physical shape of the patient.
Ayurvedic medicine and treatment do unfold its healing effects quite rapidly in illnesses like, for example, the flue, a cough, a fever, or even a cold, alongside many more diseases. For this to happen, however, the treatment must begin as early within the onset of the ailment as possible.
The practitioner needs to follow Ayurvedic guidelines so that the Indian medical practice can manifest its healing power. When people stick to the Ayurvedic rules, then quick and permanent healing will most likely set in.
Traditional Medicine Equals Symptom Concealer
Other than conventional medicine, which usually only masks symptoms and makes people capable to presume work again, but not healthy, Ayurveda heals. It, furthermore, deeply and sustainably strengthens the general state of health of human beings.
Ayurveda usually brings ordinary ailments under control even within 24 hours. That is, of course, if the specific person carries out all measures of treatment and implements all instructions of the Ayurvedic doctor.
For long-lasting illnesses, however, complete Ayurvedic care may also proceed for weeks or months.
Here, the practitioners use strictly compulsory combinations of Ayurvedic diet and nourishment,
Ayurvedic lifestyle and Ayurvedic medicine to regenerate the body back to its normal state of health.
Considering that most long-term illnesses slumbered in the body for years or decades before they actually surfaced, the mentioned treatment period does sound reasonable.
Also, one should consider in this context that conventional medicine cannot cure many chronic diseases at all. Instead, it tries to calm them down (make them dormant) to some extent often for a lifetime. Sadly, however, this rarely succeeds and even causes side effects that put additional strain on the patient.
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3. Prejudice
Ayurveda has no adverse reactions
What works must logically have a side effect. If there are no adverse reactions, the impact also is missing. The Western medical system uses this popular, and quite plausible, statement.
This surprisingly also applies to Ayurveda. Ayurvedic applications not only work but can also have unwanted outturns. Among them are many positive ones. But, most certainly, there can also unpleasant side effects arise.
For example, the adverse response of Panchakarma, an Ayurvedic method of cleansing and detoxifying the body, can be strong, sudden, and even fatal if left untreated.
Therefore, persons must utilize Panchakarma with care, in a classic manner and under professional guidance. This will avoid possible side effects altogether.
If minor undesired reactions occur, one can successfully counteract them with the therapist’s experience.
It does not even have to be an extreme method like Panchakarma. At times, even with simple treatment methods of Ayurvedic medicine and diet, slight side effects can show up.
Namely, when deep-seated toxins suddenly get mobilized in the body and pushed to the surface. Secondary effects can also happen when the power of medicine (Virya) does not match the patient’s condition (Prakriti) (intolerance).
4. Prejudice
First the mainstream medicine, then Ayurveda!
Unfortunately, many diseases become chronical sooner or later due to the typical purely symptomatic conventional medical treatment.
The effects of some medications that people consume over many years (such as steroids (cortisone) obscure the actual symptoms of the disease. Thus, it is altering the body’s metabolism and disrupting the body’s natural protective mechanisms.
At some point, more and more side effects of conventional medicine come to light. One disease chases the next. Often, the drugs no longer work and they get rid of the now chronically ill patient with the less synthesizing words ”sorry, there’s nothing we can do anymore” and “so you have to live with it now”.
Full commitment is vital in certain cases
Now the person goes in search of alternatives. However, naturopathic treatment becomes a real challenge in such a state. The patient must be ready for full commitment and consistent cooperation.
He needs to completely change his diet and lifestyle. But this is much more difficult in a chronically ill condition than it would have been at the beginning of the disease in its acute phase.
Also, the longer you were sick from allopathic medicines, the slimmer your chances of recovery becoming. That is extremely sad, because no one has told you before that all it takes for your body to heal is thorough detoxification, effective colon cleansing, exercise, sunlight, relaxation and all-round healthy food.
Ayurvedic healing as the first choice of treatment method would have achieved excellent results.
Ayurvedic applications, Ayurvedic medications and type-based Ayurvedic nutrition minimize toxins in the body and maximize their release.
All of these Ayurvedic measures, along with a change of mindset, not only eradicate the disease from its source. In the end, they also leave behind strong and high immune people.
Ayurveda definitely changes body and mind, and it promotes a feeling of lightness. It furthermore, adds new strength for the next round in everyday life and enhances the decisive impulse to heal.
It is, therefore, worthwhile to use and experience Ayurveda. Only then can you get an idea of its effects. Once you have tried Ayurveda yourself, previous prejudices will soon dissolve into thin Vayu (air).
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Ayurvedic therapies gain popularity and trust
Ayurvedic treatments are becoming increasingly popular. Especially in chronic diseases, they often lead to amazing healing success. But even as simple two-to three-week cleansing and rejuvenating programs, Ayurveda applications can do a lot for your well-being.
They free you from the stress of everyday life and show you the way back to inner harmony and health. By the way, you do not have to travel to India for a traditional Ayurveda treatment. There are also excellent Ayurveda centers within the USA that are still based on the traditional principles of Ayurveda.
Ayurvedic treatment accompany you to harmony and good health
Now, to summarize what is Ayurveda quickly
- Ayurveda is the classic Indian natural medicine and is considered the oldest, holistic medical system in the world.
- Ayurveda distinguishes three functional principles, namely Kapha, Pitta and Vata. They work in every single cell in each individual human being.
- If one of the three principles experiences disturbance, or if one of them is particularly severe or unusually weak, it can lead to malaise and illness.
- Only the optimal and balanced interaction of Kapha, Pitta and Vata leads to inner harmony, health and contentment. And, this is the innate goal of Ayurvedic healing.
I hope that I could answer all your questions regarding what is Ayurveda? As usual, I would like to hear your stories and experiences with our latest topic. Have you tried Ayurveda? What was the feeling you took away from your ayurvedic session? Please, feel free to share it with us below in our comment section.
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In the meantime, I’m sending you lots of love, peace, harmony, happiness and an abundance of all good things. Always remember that you are beautiful, precious, unique and endlessly loved regardless of what others might say. Thus, keep on shining.

~Namaste~