MOD018 – Ayurveda

Definition:

Ayurveda is an ancient and holistic system of medicine originating from India, with a history spanning over 3,000 years. The term “Ayurveda” translates to “the sacred knowledge of life” from the words  in Sanskrit of “Ayus” meaning life and “veda” a collection of sacred texts outlining several different aspects of Holistic wellbeing. This comprehensive approach to health and wellness emphasises achieving balance in the body, mind, and spirit through personalised diet, lifestyle modifications, herbal remedies, and therapeutic treatments. 

Explanation:

Ayurveda, often referred to as the “Science of Life” or “Knowledge of Longevity”, is one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems. Originating in India over 5,000 years ago, Ayurveda is deeply rooted in the ancient Vedic culture and was taught for many thousands of years in an oral tradition from accomplished masters to their disciples.

The fundamental principle of Ayurveda is the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit with the universe. It posits that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between these elements. In essence the state of wellness in an individual is based on the experiences that they go through and how they interpret those experiences. Ayurveda recognises that each person has a unique constitution, or prakriti, composed of three doshas: vata (space and air), pitta (fire and water), and kapha (water and earth). These doshas govern physical, psychological, and immunological traits.

Traditionally, Ayurveda has been used for a wide range of health concerns, from common colds to chronic diseases. It emphasises prevention and health promotion, aiming to maintain balance through diet, lifestyle, herbal remedies, and various therapies. These include panchakarma (detoxification procedures), abhyanga (oil massage), and yoga.

Ayurveda’s approach to treatment is highly personalised. Practitioners assess an individual’s dosha balance through pulse diagnosis, tongue examination, and detailed questioning about lifestyle and health history. Based on this assessment, they recommend a tailored combination of dietary adjustments, herbal medicines, lifestyle changes, and therapeutic procedures.

Over time, Ayurveda has evolved and adapted. In India, it has been integrated into the mainstream healthcare system. Globally, it has influenced various holistic health practices and has been incorporated into spa treatments and wellness programmes. Modern research is exploring the scientific basis of Ayurvedic principles and treatments, leading to the development of evidence-based Ayurvedic pharmaceuticals.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in Ayurveda’s potential in managing chronic conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and mental health disorders. Its emphasis on individualised care and holistic wellbeing aligns with current trends towards personalised medicine and integrative healthcare approaches.

Evidence to Efficacy:

There is growing evidence demonstrating the efficacy of Ayurveda for various conditions:

Ayurvedic treatments have shown promising results in managing chronic conditions. A systematic review published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2017 found that Ayurvedic interventions were effective in reducing pain and improving function in osteoarthritis patients.

For type 2 diabetes management, a comprehensive review published in 2022 evaluated 199 randomised controlled trials involving 21,191 participants and 98 Ayurvedic medicines. The review found that several Ayurvedic herbs and formulations showed potential in improving glycaemic control. For example, Tinospora cordifolia reduced HbA1c by -0.5% compared to control groups.

A 2018 laboratory study found that Withania somnifera root extract, a common Ayurvedic herb, demonstrated potential in supporting cellular health. The researchers noted the herb’s promising properties in promoting overall wellbeing.

In the realm of mental health, Ayurvedic practices have shown positive effects. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that a specific Ayurvedic protocol was effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in patients with Generalised Anxiety Disorder.

These studies highlight the potential of Ayurveda in supporting various aspects of health and wellbeing. As research in this field continues to grow, we are gaining a deeper understanding of how Ayurvedic principles and treatments can contribute to holistic health care.

Governing Body:

The Ayurvedic Practitioners Association (APA) is the leading professional organisation for Ayurveda in the UK. While not a statutory regulatory body, the APA plays a crucial role in maintaining standards and promoting Ayurvedic practice. They offer:

• A register of qualified practitioners
• Accreditation for Ayurvedic education programmes
• Continuing professional development opportunities
• A code of ethics and practice for members

Other notable organisations include:

• – British Association of Accredited Ayurvedic Practitioners (BAAAP)
• – Ayurvedic Professionals Association UK (APA UK)

Training and education in Ayurveda are offered by several institutions:

• Middlesex University: Offers a BSc in Ayurvedic Medicine
• College of Ayurveda UK: Provides diploma and degree-level courses
• Ayurveda Institute UK: Offers various levels of Ayurvedic training

While Ayurveda is not statutorily regulated in the UK, these organisations work to maintain high standards of practice and education. They collaborate with international bodies like the Department of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) in India to ensure alignment with traditional standards.

 What Good Looks Like:

In the context of Ayurveda, here’s what a good experience should look like for you:

Personalised approach: You should feel that the practitioner is treating you as a unique individual, considering your specific constitution (prakriti) and current imbalances (vikriti).

Holistic assessment: You should experience a comprehensive evaluation that goes beyond just physical symptoms, including questions about your lifestyle, diet, sleep patterns, and emotional well-being.

Pulse diagnosis: A skilled Ayurvedic practitioner should perform nadi pariksha (pulse diagnosis), which you might find intriguing as they determine your dosha balance through your pulse.

Dietary guidance: You should receive specific dietary recommendations tailored to your constitution and current health status, not just generic advice.

Herbal remedies: If prescribed, you should receive clear instructions on how to take Ayurvedic herbal preparations, including any potential interactions or side effects. Here are some of the most common:

• Triphala: While generally well-tolerated, it may cause abdominal discomfort and diarrhoea, especially if taken in high doses.
• Ashwagandha: Possible side effects include nausea, headache, drowsiness, and stomach irritation. In rare cases, it may cause thyrotoxicosis.
• Boswellia: When applied to the skin, it may cause allergic rashes. Internally, it can lead to stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhoea.
• Turmeric: High doses may cause nausea, diarrhoea, and dizziness. It can also interact with blood-thinning medications.
• Gotu kola: Some people experience sensitivity to light, stomach upset, nausea, and allergic skin reactions.
• Bitter melon: It may cause abdominal pain and diarrhoea. It can also lower blood sugar levels, which is particularly important for people with diabetes to be aware of.
• Shatavari: If not suitable for an individual, it can cause menstrual irregularities.

Body treatments: If you undergo treatments like Abhyanga (oil massage) or Shirodhara (oil pouring), you should feel deeply relaxed and rejuvenated.

Empowerment: You should feel empowered with knowledge about your body and health, understanding how to maintain balance in your daily life.

Gradual improvement: While some relief might be immediate, you should understand that Ayurveda works gradually, with cumulative benefits over time.

Remember, a truly effective Ayurvedic experience is one where you feel heard, respected, and actively involved in your health journey, with a sense that the treatment is addressing the root cause of your health concerns, not just managing symptoms.

What to Ask a Practitioner:

Here are the key questions to assist people in choosing the right Ayurvedic practitioner:

How do you approach diagnosis and treatment planning?

Desired answer: You should expect the practitioner to explain that they perform a comprehensive assessment, including pulse diagnosis, tongue examination, and detailed questions about your lifestyle, diet, and health concerns. They should state that this information helps them determine your unique constitution (prakriti) and current imbalances (vikriti) to create a personalised treatment plan.

What specific Ayurvedic treatments do you offer?

Desired answer: The practitioner should list a range of treatments they provide, such as herbal remedies, dietary advice, lifestyle recommendations, panchakarma (detoxification procedures), abhyanga (oil massage), and guidance on yoga and meditation, all tailored to your individual needs.

How do you ensure the safety and quality of your herbal preparations?

Desired answer: You should hear the practitioner explain that they source their herbs from reputable suppliers who follow strict quality control measures. They should mention their awareness of potential herb-drug interactions and their practice of checking for contraindications before prescribing. Additionally, they may indicate that they use third-party testing for heavy metals and contaminants in their herbal preparations.

I apologize for not providing more focused and relevant questions. You’re right that these may not be the most critical questions for Ayurveda specifically. Let me provide a more targeted set of questions that are particularly important for Ayurvedic practice:

How will you determine my individual constitution (dosha)?

Desired answer: The practitioner should explain their process of assessing your prakriti (natural constitution) and vikriti (current imbalance) through pulse diagnosis, physical examination, and detailed questioning about your lifestyle and health history.

How do you ensure the purity and safety of the herbs you use?

Desired answer: The practitioner should explain their sourcing practices, any testing procedures, and how they ensure the absence of contaminants or heavy metals in their herbal preparations.

Can you explain how the recommended treatments will address the root cause of my health issues?

Desired answer: They should be able to clearly articulate how the proposed Ayurvedic treatments aim to restore balance in your body and mind, not just manage symptoms.

What potential side effects or healing reactions should I be aware of?

Desired answer: The practitioner should be open about possible reactions to treatments or herbs (see above for a list), explaining what’s normal and what might indicate a need to adjust the treatment plan.

Related Therapies:

 Meditation (MOD099): A practice that focuses on calming the mind and enhancing awareness. Meditation can deepen the relaxation experienced during Reiki sessions and help individuals connect more profoundly with their inner selves.

Naturopathy (MOD113): A system of alternative medicine based on the healing power of nature.

Homeopathy (MOD070): A holistic healing system that uses highly diluted substances to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. Flower essences are often used alongside homeopathic remedies.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)(MOD167): An ancient medical system that includes various forms of herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage, exercise, and dietary therapy.

Massage Therapy (MOD097): This hands-on therapy involves manipulating the body’s soft tissues to relieve tension, reduce pain, and promote relaxation. It can enhance the effects of Reiki by addressing physical discomfort and improving circulation.

Herbal Medicine (MOD067): The use of plant-based remedies to treat various health conditions. Herbal medicine can complement flower essence therapy by addressing physical symptoms alongside emotional imbalances.

Cupping Therapy (MOD005): While not strictly acupuncture, it is often used in conjunction with it. It involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, promoting blood flow and healing.

Tai Chi (MOD157): A Chinese martial art practiced for both defence training and health benefits, including stress reduction and improved balance.

Moxibustion (MOD006): Involves burning moxa (a type of dried herb) near or on the skin to warm and stimulate acupuncture points.

Reiki (MOD142): A Japanese energy healing technique that involves channelling universal life force energy through gentle or no touch. Reiki can be combined with sound healing to enhance relaxation and energy flow.

Chiropractic (MOD029): A healthcare profession focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine, using manual adjustments and other techniques to improve function and alleviate pain.

Osteopathy (MOD121): A system of medicine that emphasizes the physical manipulation of muscle tissue and bones to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury, based on the principle that the body’s systems are interconnected and capable of self-regulation and self-healing.

Yoga Therapy (MOD182): A physical and spiritual practice that combines postures, breath control, and meditation. Yoga can complement Reiki by promoting physical flexibility and mental clarity, enhancing overall well-being.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)(MOD106): A structured program that combines mindfulness meditation and yoga to cultivate awareness and reduce stress.

Panchakarma (MOD124):  An ayurvedic detoxification and rejuvenation program involving various therapeutic treatments

Insights

Read more about the background to Ayurveda on World Scientific: Chapter 1: History, Present and Prospect of Ayurveda

Find out your Dosha with an online quiz from Pukka teas.