Ayurveda
Alternate names: Ayurvéda, Ayurvedic Medicine, Médecine Ayurvédique, Médecine Traditionnelle Asiatique, Médecine Traditionnelle Indienne, TAM, TIM, Traditional Asian Medicine, Traditional Indian Medicine
Actions: Dosha, Kapha, Pitta, Prakriti, Tridosha, Vata, Vikriti
Background
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine that originated in India. It commonly involves yoga, meditation, massage or bodywork, diet, and herbs.
Ayurveda means "the science of life." Ayurveda teaches that vital energy ("prana") is the basis of all life and healing. Prana is thought to be governed by the five elements: earth, air, fire, water, and ether. Ayurveda parallels traditional Chinese medicine in many ways. The focus of treatment is on the whole person, and balancing or harmonizing body, mind, and spirit.
Ayurveda uses a wide variety of methods to diagnose and treat many different medical conditions. The evidence supporting its use varies for each treatment and condition.
Like traditional Chinese medicine herbal products, Ayurvedic herbal products have suffered from poor quality. Some Ayurvedic products have been contaminated with prescription drugs including corticosteroids and NSAIDs. Other products have been contaminated with high concentrations of heavy metals including mercury, arsenic, and lead.
Ayurveda means "the science of life." Ayurveda teaches that vital energy ("prana") is the basis of all life and healing. Prana is thought to be governed by the five elements: earth, air, fire, water, and ether. Ayurveda parallels traditional Chinese medicine in many ways. The focus of treatment is on the whole person, and balancing or harmonizing body, mind, and spirit.
Ayurveda uses a wide variety of methods to diagnose and treat many different medical conditions. The evidence supporting its use varies for each treatment and condition.
Like traditional Chinese medicine herbal products, Ayurvedic herbal products have suffered from poor quality. Some Ayurvedic products have been contaminated with prescription drugs including corticosteroids and NSAIDs. Other products have been contaminated with high concentrations of heavy metals including mercury, arsenic, and lead.
Safety Safety definitions
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine that uses a variety of treatments including herbs, specific combinations of herbal ingredients, meditation, yoga, and bodywork. Some of these are safe while others may not be. See specific therapies for safety information.
Effectiveness
Effective Effectiveness definitions
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine that uses a variety of treatments including herbs, specific combinations of herbal ingredients, meditation, yoga, and bodywork. See specific therapies for effectiveness information.
Dosing & administration
In Ayurveda there are three bodily "humors" (doshas) that regulate bodily function. Practitioners of Ayurveda believe disease occurs when there is imbalance in the doshas - kapha, pitta, and vata. Kapha governs structure, cohesion, and lubrication. Pitta governs energy. Vata governs movement and mind.
Like traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda uses herbs or specific combinations of herbal ingredients to help balance bodily processes. Many of the herbs commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine are used in Ayurveda. Ayurveda also uses diet, yoga, exercise, lifestyle changes, and bodywork to treat illness.
Like traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda uses herbs or specific combinations of herbal ingredients to help balance bodily processes. Many of the herbs commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine are used in Ayurveda. Ayurveda also uses diet, yoga, exercise, lifestyle changes, and bodywork to treat illness.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
See specific therapies for information about interactions with medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
See specific therapies for information about interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
See specific therapies for information about interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 16/01/2024 11:00:00 and last updated on 10/06/2015 00:46:48. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
