Hinduism-the Ayurvedic System

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In Indian society there are many practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine, an ancient Hindu system of healing based on both natural and homoeopathic remedies. It uses mental techniques actually to alter bodily responses to disease processes-a form of 'mind over matter'.

This system also involves concentration on primordial sounds, such as meaningless syllabic sounds, or mantras. The patient repeats these sounds unceasingly for long periods of time in order to concentrate the mind and focus attention away from pain. These techniques are often used in conjunction with transcendental meditation for general improvement of wellbeing.

Ayurveda is a complete system of healing that deals with every aspect of an individual's physical, mental and spiritual health. In the language of Ayurveda, these three aspects are known as the physical, the subtle and the causal, and 'health' is defined as a harmonious functioning of all three together.

The name 'Ayurveda' comprises two Sanskrit words, ayur, meaning 'life' or 'daily living', and veda, meaning 'knowledge'. Ayurveda, therefore, is the knowledge of daily living, meaning that it is a medical system that emphasizes an understanding of Nature and the individual's place within society and the universe.

This emphasis on the individual is key to the Ayurvedic system, which is more a whole lifestyle than simply a set of treatments. An Ayurvedic practitioner will keep in close contact with his or her patient, monitoring and assessing the patient's entire way of life-diet, exercise, habits, sleep patterns, religious beliefs, occupation and conditions at work, state of personal relationships, and so on.

By finding out all he or she can about the patient's personal and professional life, eating habits and medical history, the therapist can advise changes as necessary in order to prevent the onset of illness.

One of the most important teachings in the Ayurvedic diagnosis of a patient is the Tridosha theory. According to Ayurvedic law, everyone and everything in the universe is comprised of three basic elements or 'doshas'. These three doshas are called vata, pitta and kapha and are said to control all mental and physical processes. The nature of each dosha can be likened to the forces of the wind, the sun and the moon.

Vata

This is compared to the wind and is the moving force behind the other two doshas, which are believed to be immobile, without it. Because of this, vata is considered to be the most influential of the Tridosha. It is responsible for all the body's actions and sensations, controlling the central nervous system and the respiratory and circulatory systems. It also regulates thought processes, promoting mental balance and comprehension.

Pitta

This is comparable to the sun and is a source of heat and energy. The word 'pitta' literally means 'that which digests things', and this dosha governs the digestive system, the metabolism, and all biochemical processes in the body. It is also responsible for the 'digestion' of ideas and perceptions, stimulating the intellect and the capacity for curiosity and enthusiasm.

Kapha

This is likened to the moon, with its tidal influence. Kapha controls the balance of fluids in the body and governs cell growth and structure. In fact, it provides support and structure for the whole body, giving strength and stability, both physical and psychological. Kapha also stimulates the capacity for positive emotions such as love, peace, patience and courage.

Every individual consists of a combination of these three basic forces in differing proportions. Their relative proportions in a person are thought to be determined at conception and continued throughout childhood and adult life. Good health results when all three doshas are working in harmony, with none exerting any more considerable force than the others. In his or her diagnosis, therefore, the Ayurvedic physician must first try to identify and understand the patient's inborn disposition. This he or she does through examination of the patient's eyes, skin, hair, nails, tongue, spittle, urine and stools.

The practitioner will also listen carefully to the voice and take note of physical mannerisms and general physique. By all these means he or she can establish a person's basic constitution and identify which dosha 'rules' the individual's body.

Characteristics of the vata individual

Vata people have thin, bony bodies and dry, rough skin. The hair is also thin and dry, and often curly. Their eyes are small and dull, often dark in colour, and their teeth tend to be large and prone to decay. The voice is weak, hoarse and uncertain. Psychologically, these people are creative, active and intellectually sharp.

Characteristics of the pitta individual

Pitta people are of medium height and build, with reddish complexions and oily skin. Their hair is soft, fine and fair, light brown or red. The eyes are sharp and penetrating, often green or grey in colour, and teeth are medium sized and yellowish. The voice tends to be sharp and high-pitched. These people are highly intelligent, with strong leadership qualities.

Characteristics of the kapha individual

Kapha people have large, strong physiques, with a tendency to be overweight. The skin is pale and smooth, and the hair is thick, dark and wavy. They have large, attractive eyes, often blue, and large white teeth. The voice is clear, deep and well-pitched. These people learn slowly but have long memories, and their thoughts are generally logical and well-considered.

Obviously, these are purist manifestations of different dosha types, and one would not be likely to encounter an individual with all the characteristics of a particular dosha, as everyone is a combination of all three types, and where one type is dominant the other two doshas will serve to modify it.

Once the practitioner has assessed the dosha type, he or she will be able to pinpoint any imbalance that may cause distress or disease and will treat the patient accordingly. As Ayurveda has a strong doctrine of prevention, people are often treated before showing any signs of illness. If, however, illness does occur, a wide variety of treatments is available-from conventional surgery to plant-derived drugs.

Basic treatments fall into three main categories: medicinal, practical and dietary.

Medicinal remedies

There are some 8,000 different medicines designed to heal patients, made from natural substances such as herbs, vegetables and minerals. Each drug is custom-blended to create the right balance of ingredients for the individual patient. In addition, various orthodox medicines and treatments may be prescribed by the Ayurvedic physician.

Practical remedies

These include complementary therapies such as massage, yoga, oil treatments, breathing exercises and meditation. These practices are prescribed in order to promote general wellbeing as well as to treat physical and psychological disorders.

Dietary discipline

Foods are broken down into six types: sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent.

A patient is prescribed different types of food according to his or her individual needs. Food is also prepared and consumed in accordance with external factors, such as time of year, time of day and weather conditions. It is also important that food is fully savoured, well chewed and swallowed in a relaxed, contented state of mind.

Most Ayurvedic practitioners qualify first in orthodox medicine and then attend courses in Ayurveda, so professional integrity is ensured. There are some 60 to 70 orthodox doctors practising Ayurvedic medicine in Britain. Many Western doctors agree that Ayurveda is a highly effective health-care system, with its emphasis on preventative measures and physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.