Ayurvedic Medicine

Ayurvedic medicine, an alternative medical system that originated in India, aims to integrate the body, mind and spirit to promote wellness and prevent physical and mental health conditions. In the U.S., Ayurveda, which means "the science of life,” is considered complementary and alternative medicine.

In Ayurvedic philosophy, a relationship is thought to exist between people, their health and the universe. It is believed that health problems can result when these associations are out of balance. To restore this balance and cleanse the body, those who practice Ayurvedic medicine use herbs, metals, massage, yoga and other products and techniques. Basic goals of the practice include eliminating impurities, reducing symptoms and decreasing worries.

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. The constitution is called the prakriti, which 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. In addition, three qualities called doshas form important characteristics of the constitution and control the activities of the body. Practitioners of Ayurveda call the doshas by their original Sanskrit names: vata, pitta and kapha.

About 70 percent of India's population lives in rural areas, and about two-thirds of rural people use Ayurveda and medicinal plants to meet their primary health care needs. In addition, most major cities have an Ayurvedic college and hospital. Ayurveda and variations of it have also been practiced for centuries in Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Tibet. The professional practice of Ayurveda in the U.S. began to grow and became more visible in the late 20th century.

(SOURCE: NCCAM, National Institutes of Health)