Ayurveda is a practice of holistic healing through natural remedies and ingredients available to mankind. It is the combined benefit of healing physically, mentally and spiritually through nature. Ayurveda dates back to as long as 5000 years ago and was discovered in India. It was found and conceived by ancient sages and was passed on from generation to generation. Many Ayurvedic medicines such as Oushada and the miracle healing of Murivenna are indispensable even in this modern world. Unfortunately, modern sciences have become so popular among the Indians that many have forgotten to realize the effective healing available to us through Mother Nature.
Origin of Ayurveda
Ayurveda is one of the oldest medicine systems and has its roots in Ancient transcripts found in India. It was passed on from sages to their disciples and also has a place in ancient Vedas. The 4th Veda of the Indian Vedic Books, Atharva Veda, talks much in detail about the holistic natural approach of healing via Ayurveda. Simply put, Ayurveda is the amalgamation of the Pancha Bootha – the 5 components that make up practically everything in the universe – Vayu ( Air), Agni (Fire), Jala (Water), Bhoomi (Land) and Akasha (Sky). Ayurveda seeks to find healing through these very elements.
The components of Ayurvedic healing
Ayurveda makes use of simple, easily available, purely natural ingredients to create medicines and treatment oils. Many of these herbs can be easily grown in our gardens without burning a hole in our pockets. Most Ayurvedic plants have multiple uses for each part of the plant. The stems, the flowers, the seeds and even the roots of these plants are used in different ways to make medicine. Some of the most widely used procedures in Ayurveda is listed below:
Ayurvedic Oil Treatments
Ayurvedic Oils are prepared in an ancient method that helps extract the medicinal properties from each herb. The oil consists of dry ingredients that are naturally obtained and is boiled in a base of coconut oil or any neutral oil for a long time. These herbs and roots release their essential properties while slow-cooking into the oil. The oil is cooled down and used in massages and application on affected areas. Sometimes, they are poured over an affected area and let sit for hours so that the skin naturally absorbs the oil.
Ayurvedic Treatment oils such as Bringadi Oil, Murivenna Oil, Kumkumadi Oil, Mahanarayani Oil etc find use in a range of medical issues and are being popularly used in most of the world as a potent medicine. They can heal Arthritis, Spondylitis, Back and hip related issues, Spinal issues, Dislocation of bones, skin and hair issues etc.
- Abhyanga Oil Treatment
Abhyanga is a procedure in Ayurveda where the entire body is massaged with warm essential oils that have various herbs in it. Based on the body type and the underlying issues in the body, the oils are selected in this procedure. For those who have dry, itchy skin, a heavy oil such as almond or sesame oil is chosen. For those who have sensitive skin, a neutral oil is chosen such as sunflower oil, and for those who have oily skin and high body heat, a much lighter oil such olive oil is chosen.
- Ayurvedic Herbs and Teas
There are many herbs and spices that have potent abilities to heal many problems that ail most of us. Some of the herbs are used widely as spices and in the form of teas. Some are inedible and therefore used as herbal essences in oils. Most commonly used Ayurvedic herbs are listed below:
- Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties
- Cumin – Aids Digestion and Bile secretion from Liver
- Brahmi – Aids memory and calms the mind
- Triphala – improves recovery and reduces inflammation from joints
- Ashwagandha – Improves stress management
- Cardamom – Improves Lung health and oxygen intake
These are some of the main components of Ayurvedic treatments. Ayurvedic medicines are gaining popularity among the westerners and foreigners rapidly. Unlike Allopathy (English Medicine), Ayurveda talks about holistic healing and the use of natural substances. Ayurveda is not limited to physical well-being but also a stress free state of mind. Ayurveda believes in a lifestyle that aids the wellbeing of the mind and the body on a continual basis.
Many foreigners visit India to indulge in Ayurvedic treatments. There are many spas and Ayurvedic Healing Centers that help people in curing ailments that even Allopathy cannot cure. These treatments have amazing potential to heal the body miraculously and the world has just begun to find out about them.
