Thursday, February 23rd, 2012

Ayurvedic Medicine

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Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine from India that uses a constitutional model.  It originated from the country of India centuries, even thousands of years ago. It is a traditional way of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Moreover, it deals with providing tips about food. On the other hand, people who are already suffering from problems regarding their health can perk up their condition by using this traditional system.

Ayurvedic Medicine include herbs, massages, and dedicated diet methods. The three elements of a human person which are the body, mind, and soul are connected to maintain balance. This results to prevention of diseases and promotion of having a healthy lifestyle. Restoring balance in the body is one key aim of the Ayurvedic Medicine. However, products of Ayurvedic Medicine can prove to be harmful when done not in a proper way or without the guidance of a trained practitioner. That is why before engaging in to this kind of practice, it is crucial to inquire regarding the expertise of the practitioner when it comes to experience.

Ayurvedic medicine as an alternative is patterned on a person’s body constitution. An initial step would be to ask about the the behavior, diet, and lifestyle of the person. Its treatment involves removal of the impurities of the person. The next step would be to reduce the symptoms of the disease of the person by exercising, meditation, and breathing exercises. Prevention of the disease is also a part of the Ayurveda treatment to maintain a healthy digestion and increased appetite. Lastly, taking care of the mental aspect of the person takes place.

Ayurvedic Medicine greatly depend on herbs. There are times when botanicals are combined with metals to prepare formulas. Preparations are complex for the reason that they include herbal extracts and exact heat treatment.

To be an expert in the Ayurveda Medicine, practitioners study in India where there are colleges for Ayurvedic Medicine. The training lasts for 5 years. Individuals who have decided to pursue Ayurvedic training in India can get either a bachelor’s or a doctoral degree. Most students who graduate from the said course choose to practice their profession in other countries like the United States of America.

There are concerns about the practice of Ayurvedic Medicine though. For one, Ayurvedic medicines are considered to be potentially toxic. The composition of such medicines have not been examined enough.

An NCCAM-funded study published in 2004 found that of 70 Ayurvedic remedies purchased over-the-counter (all manufactured in South Asia), 14 contained lead, mercury, and/or arsenic at levels that could be harmful. Also in 2004, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 12 cases of lead poisoning occurring over a recent 3-year period were linked to the use of Ayurvedic medications.

Research and trials about Ayurvedic Medicine have been quite problematic making the scientific aspect of said practice difficult to prove its effectiveness. A great amount of research should be done in order to know which practices are safe and useful.

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