Ayurvedic Medicine
Ayurveda
"AYURVEDA" is made up of two words-Ayu and Veda. Ayu means life and Veda means knowledge or science. Ayurveda can simply be translated as the science of life, assisting nature, not disturbing the natural process of living or healing. All the therapeutic measures used for cures, support the natural pro cess. They do not initiate, substitute or suppress the body’s own functions.
It recognizes that every person is unique and focuses on food, lifestyle, massage, yoga and herbal remedies to suit individual make-up. It incorporates all aspects of life whether physical, psychological, spiritual or social.
Ayurveda acknowledges that every individual is responsible for their own health according to the different stage of his/her life, the seasons, and the environment he/she live, work and play in.
Ayurvedic treatments can be broadly divided under the headings of Detoxify/Purify and Maintain/Repair. Ayurveda mostly uses natural herbal products as medicines, which are deemed to be Bio and Eco-friendly. Most of the the medicaments act as Nutraceutical agents and as such they have high safety margins.
Ayurvedic viewpoint of structure and functions of the body
Each individual is summed as a particular mind-body type in Ayurveda. These mind-body types are known as doshas; Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Each of these doshas has its own characteristics, and they in turn attribute to our individual characteristics and traits. Everyone is a combination of these doshas but it is observed that one is almost always dominant
Dhatus (Tissues) are the structural entities of the body. These are Rasa (Plasma), Rakta (Blood cells), Mamsa (Muscular tissue), Meda (Fatty tissue), Asthi (Bony tissue), Majja (Bone marrow) and Sukra (Hormonal and other secretions of genital).
Agni (Metabolic fire) is present at cellular and molecular level in thirteen different forms and carries out the whole metabolism of the body. The waste products of the body which are excretable are produced in the body as by-products of metabolism. All bio transformations within the body occur through Srotas (body channels) which are the sites for action of Agni.
Ayurvedic perspective on health, disease and treatment
As per Ayurveda, 'health' is defined as a state of equilibrium of normal functions of Doshas, Dhatus, Malas and Agni. It means that when Dosha-Dhatu-Malas and Agni are in a state of functional homeostasis, then health is maintained. An unregulated lifestyle is believed to be one of the root causes behind the failure of mechanism of maintaining equilibrium.
In our busy, stressful and toxic world, pollutants are accumulated in our physical and mental systems. This impacts on our body’s ability to function and eventually weakens our systems. This state of vulnerability makes it easier for chronic, degenerative, and non-specific diseases to develop. These can evolve into serious specific diseases, ultimately damaging an individual’s health and wellness. Ayurvedic treatments help release imbalances, impurities, stresses, tensions and toxins held within the body.
Ayurvedic Diagnosis
Ayurveda lays great emphasis on the practitioner – client rapport, being a holistic system; deep understanding of an individual and his total trust is an imperative requirement. The practitioner concludes: the strength of the patient and the nature and strength of the disease. Considering that a disease exists in an otherwise healthy body, the remaining health ‘avasista svasthya’ has to be supported and strengthened to enable recovery.
Ayurveda has very extensive methods of recording case history and clinical examination which include:
Nadi (Pulse) examination to perceive the state of the three doshas, vata, pitta, and kapha with the index, middle and ring finger respectively, placed on the radial pulse of the patient at the root of the thumb. It is presumed that the rate and rhythm of the pulse are controlled by vata, while the amplitude of the pulse is controlled by pitta. Kapha governs volume.Mutra (Urine) helps to determine the tridoshika manifestation through information on quantity, frequency, colour, consistency, smell.Mala (Stool) necessary to assess the sama/nirama (toxic) state, tridoshika imbalance and related manifestations. Jhiva (Tongue) helps in tridosika diagnosis and also reflects the ama state of the body. Regarded as a mirror of the whole body, especially of the digestive system.Sabda (Speech and voice) gets altered in different disease states. The dosha that is vitiated gives its attributes to it, i.e. pitta dosha would render it sharp and tense.Sparsa (Skin) examination can reveal changes in colour, texture and firmness and help tridoshika diagnosis.Drk (Eyes) easily get altered in some clinical conditions like anaemia, emotional states are also very apparent from the eyes. Akrti (General appearance) the patient’s face is the most revealing part of the body. Both mental and physical disturbances are apparent first on the face.After the initial consultation, a personally tailored treatment plan is created – with an aim to regain a balanced state and follow- ups are conducted to maintain the status quo.
The consultation begins with going through the client’s case history (forms are supplied prior to the consultation) followed by Ayurvedic diagnostic techniques including Pulse and tongue diagnosis to establish the individual’s constitution and their current state of health or imbalance.
Sandeep focuses on diet and lifestyle modification in combination with Ayurvedic herbs, as a first step towards health improvement and maintenance. He has had good success in using Ayurveda for treating individuals (adults and children) with depression, digestive issues, eczema/psoriasis, hyperactivity, low immunity, and weight management.
If you need any information before booking in with Sandeep Garg, please contact him on 07956 359 119 or email him at sgarg@btopenworld.com.
