A Brief Overview Of Ayurvedic Medicine Programs

By Jason Schmidt


Holistic and alternative practices have been around for centuries, with some being more acceptable than others. In the case of Ayurvedic Medicine Programs, a number of people have never heard of the practice. While this is the case, the practice is actually an ancient system rooted in the Indian subcontinent.

While the practice has been modernized, globalized and modified over time, the basic concepts are still in place. For, the concepts have been successful in aiding the healing process for centuries. In fact, holistic and Western practitioners are now using some Ayurvedic based therapies and treatments in some wellness plans.

The practice, believed to have been developed from knowledge of the Gods, then handed down to sages and physicians, is a system that is still somewhat unknown. At the same time, history suggest that Sushruta penned information about Dhanvantari, believed to be the Hindu God of the practice which was incarnated into a King whom taught the practice to medical doctors, including Sushruta.

Ancient texts in the practice suggest that teachings were also provided on how to extract foreign objects, open and close sutures, rhinoplasty and kidney stone extractions. While there have been some treatments developed with Ayurvedic products and therapies, there has been no scientific data to prove any have been effective. Whereas, the entire practice is considered to be pseudoscientific by most of those in the medical community.

In a study completed in 2008, twenty one percent of United States and Indian-manufactured Ayurveda patent medicines sold online were found to contain high levels of heavy metals including a number of toxins. These toxins include, arsenic, mercury and lead, three of the most deadly of all toxins.

Most scholars assert that the practice began sometime during the pre-historic period. Whereas, others believe it to have began during the Indus Valley Civilization. In either case, it is a practice which has been around for centuries which has been reported to aid in reducing pain and healing a number of illnesses.

The Vedic period appears to be where the practice developed into a viable healing option. During that time, Ayurveda applications were used to relieve and cure a number of illnesses. While this is the case, as the founders of Buddhism and Jainism have practices and concepts which appear in ancient Ayurvedic texts, it is not clear which practice was developed first. Although, it is clear that there are a number of commonalities among all three.

Ayurveda is often defined as having a clear understanding as to the meaning of life and longevity. In addition, the practice also pays homage to the theory that maintaining a balance in body, mind and spirit promotes overall good health and well being. Whereas, the practice also promotes the belief that when individuals suppress natural urges, illness is far more likely as doing so often throws body, mind and spirit out of balance.




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