Ayurveda
FAQs

Ayurveda is the ancient healthcare system of India. It is a Sanskrit word - Ayur means 'life' or 'daily living' and Veda means 'science'. Ayurveda then is the name given to the scientific study of life, based on the eternal principle that everyone should live in a healthy & balanced state.

Ayurveda has been practiced in India for more than 5000 years but its origins go back even further. It is the distillation of principles of healthy living that have evolved from centuries of observations of the natural world and our place in its complex web.

It was first recorded in the Vedas, the world’s oldest collection of knowledge and influenced the medical systems of other ancient civilizations like Greece, Egypt & China. More recently it has influenced many of the New Age healing systems currently on offer.

The central principle of Ayurveda is that each human being has the right to live a healthy & fulfilled life (dharma), however, because of our unique body constitution, genetic inheritance and unhealthy diet & lifestyle choices, we are predisposed to certain diseases and health concerns.

Caraka, the great Ayurvedic sage, wrote,” When there is equilibrium in the body’s intelligences (Doshas), when the digestive fire (Agni) is in balance, when the seven bodily tissues (Dhatus) are functioning normally, the body's waste (mala) is being eliminated efficiently, when there is normal functioning of the five senses and harmony between body, mind & soul, then one can be said to be healthy.”

Modern medicine treats symptomatically rather than looking to the root cause of the problem. This stems from the view that all people are more or less the same. Ayurveda’s special contribution is healing the cause of the symptoms by considering the uniqueness of each patient and by helping each body to heal itself. 

Ayurveda has perfected healing treatments and herbal preparations to keep the physical, mental and emotional health of a person in its prime throughout life. It is contrary to the current practice of waiting until symptoms appear before getting medical help or only seeking treatment when a disease manifests.

• Looks beyond the symptoms to the cause

• Recognises each individual has a unique constitution or “Body type”

• Acknowledges the human body is a microcosm of the universe

• Recognised diet, lifestyle & environment play a role in disease manifestation

• Places importance on optimum digestive fire being the key to health

• Considers the six tastes as essential for our wellbeing

• Acknowledges balance of Mind, Body & Soul as pathway to total wellness

• Provides an opportunity for individuals to take responsibility for their health

No. Ayurveda is a health science, one of the oldest systems of healing in the world. Its path to balance & wellness can be followed by anyone, irrespective of caste or creed, as long as its ancient principles are understood in the correct way. However, Ayurveda recognises that healing must occur at the physical, mental & spiritual levels so will use techniques to bring all three back into balance

Ayurveda believes that a properly nourished body, that is free from toxins, is the abode of a creative mind and indomitable spirit.

Ayurveda and Yoga have been practiced together for thousands of years with the goal of healing body, mind, and consciousness. Generally speaking, Ayurveda deals more with the health of the body, while yoga deals with purifying the mind and consciousness but in reality they complement and embrace each other.

Besides sharing a philosophical foundation, both systems have many similarities in relation to nutrition, diet, hygiene, exercise, as well as spiritual practices. The ancient Rishis of India understood that good health is a great asset on the path toward Self-realization. If the body is neglected it can easily become an obstacle to spiritual practice. Anyone who has practiced meditation for any length of time would agree to how difficult it can be to sit still for long periods of time without feeling discomfort and fatigue. Both yoga and Ayurveda are mutually supportive and offer many ways to prevent and heal various disorders as well as to cleanse and rejuvenate the body.

No. While it is true that many Ayurvedic recipes use Indian ingredients, you are not required to only eat Indian food. Ayurveda gives you the understanding of the role digestion and nutrition play in creating a healthy life and how food can be used as a medicine to treat illness. This awareness can be applied to all foods. However, it is true that Ayurveda considers many of the heavily processed foods in our Western diet to be detrimental to our digestion and good health.

No. In fact, there are some Ayurvedic preparations that use animal products to treat specific ailments. However, Ayurveda recognises that meat is very heavy and the stomach struggles to digest it properly. Without the addition of particular kitchen herbs to aid digestion, this undigested food can become toxic, leading to many health problems.

Also, because meat is heavy it is considered Tamasic, the qualities of which can dull the mind, making it sluggish & heavy. Ayurveda believes that a heavy & dull mind is unable to make good choices for us, which again can be the cause of many ailments.

If your practitioner trained in India, they should have a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine (BAMS), a 6 year Degree Programme at University Level. 

In Australasia, Ayurveda is regarded as complimentary medicine, so teaching standards are not regulated. However, as a minimum, your practitioner should have either have completed the Australian Government approved Certificate in Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consulting (Level 4) or the New Zealand Government approved Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultant (Level 5).

Yes. In many cases of chronic back pain, the muscles around the area are generally stiff, tight or inflamed. Many current muscle manipulation techniques work on these tight muscles, generally causing more damage. 

Ayurveda offers a treatment called Kati Basti, which softens the muscles and relaxes the surrounding tissues. A dough is prepared from special grains which is shaped into a small ring and placed on the affected area. This adheres to the skin and is then filled with heated, medicated oil. The oil is retained within the ring at a specific temperature for a specific time. This helps the oil to penetrate deeper into the tissues, softening the stiff and tight muscles. It also helps to heal the muscle in a much better way by making it supple before manipulation.

Once the oil is removed the therapist will massage specific marma points around the affected area to repair ligaments and tendons, followed by a localised herbal steam to deepen the effect.

• People are looking for a holistic approach to Wellness
• They are tired of masking the symptoms with medication
• Looking for a simpler lifestyle – ‘Back to Basics”
• They are wanting to take responsibility for their own health
• Looking for a values system to guide their lives
• People wanting to use products that are more in harmony with their bodies, both externally & internally

Though Ayurveda is of Vedic origin and dates back over 5000 years, the contribution of Buddhist thought to this health science has been invaluable. Along with propagation of education, early Buddhist monks paid keen attention to health care. They popularized herbal medicine and Ayurveda benefited tremendously from it.

This contribution is clearly visible in Kerala where the most authentic form of Ayurveda is being practiced now. It could be said that many of the present day Ayurvedic practitioners are descendents of early day Buddhists.

Like the Buddhist doctrine of the ‘middle way’, Ayurveda also advocates moderation in all things. Like the ‘eight fold path’ of Buddhism, Ayurveda also has rules for healthy living. Ayurveda, like Buddhism, advises us to resist negative thoughts, abstain from physical abuse, not to give into greed or sorrow, resist fear, pride, arrogance and ego.

• Internal medicine (Kaya chikitsa)
• Pediatrics and gynecology (Balaroga chikitsa)
• Surgery (Shalya chikitsa)
• Ear, nose and throat surgery (Shalakya chikitsa)
• Toxicology (Agadatantra)
• Rejuvenation (Rasayana)
• Study of sexual function and reproduction (Vajikarana chikitsa)
• Psychiatry (Manasroga chikitsa)

The entire science of Ayurveda is based on the theory of the five great elements (Panchmahabhuta). The five elements are Ether or Space (Akash), Air (Vayu), Fire (Agni or Tej), Water (Jal) & Earth (Prithvi). 

In Ayurvedic philosophy, all matter in the universe is made up of these elements: Earth represents the solid state, water the liquid, air the gaseous state, fire the transforming force and ether is simultaneously the source of all matter and the space in which it exists. Thus all matter in our bodies, from tissues and organs, to diets and "doshas" (faults) is built of these five elements.

Ayurveda has simplified the organisational layout of the human body into three basic components- Dosha (Vital Energy), Dhatu (Tissue) and Mala (Impurities). These, along with Fire (Agni), which means the fire of life that transforms matter in to energy, form the main pillars of the human body. The last component is the mind, which is of immense importance in Ayurveda. 

According to Ayurveda, good health comes when the Fault (Dosha), Tissue (Dhatu) and Impurity (Mala) are in harmony with each other, with all the components properly balanced. Any imbalance is the first step in the disease process.

The Doshas are the body’s vital energies, namely Vata, Pitta & Kapha. Together they regulate every physiological and psychological activity in the body. They influence the functioning of the tissues (Dhatus) and control the removal of the waste products (Mala).

Ayurveda recognises three primary energies at work in the body, Vata, Pitta & Kapha. Together they regulate every physiological and psychological characteristic from basic cellular processes to the most complex biological functions:

Vata – represents the momentum. It is responsible for all the bodily activities and sensations. It controls the movement of blood through the circulatory system, breathing, the delivery of nutrients to the cells and the removal & excretion of waste products.

Pitta – represents metabolism. It governs digestion and metabolic transformation of nutrients into biologically usable forms. It also imparts the capacity to absorb ideas and impressions and bestows intelligence and an enthusiasm for life.

Kapha – provides substance and support. It gives strength and stability, both physically and psychologically. It enhances resistance to disease and promotes the healing process.

Doshas are basically three different forms of energy. They work as a team in a natural healthy individual. Together they regulate every physiological and psychological characteristic from basic cellular processes to the most complex biological functions Perfect balance of these three Doshas (energies) is the basis of well being. 

When these forces are in a state of natural balance the defence mechanisms of the body works at peak efficiency. But when this balance is disturbed due to an incompatible diet, lifestyle, lack or excess of exercise or mental stress, then the body's immunity can be affected. This encourages the growth of bacteria and viruses which will cause sickness and disease

Each of us has a unique combination of these Doshas in our bodies. Called Prakruti or ‘body type’, this combination is determined at the time conception. This is because both the sperm and ovum contain the three primary energies - Vata, Pitta and Kapha. If the sperm is stronger, then the newborn will be dominant with the quality carried in the male sperm or vice versa.

The word Vata means “that which moves” so it is the principle of kinetic energy in the body. Vata is the initiator of all forms of activity. It is important in the communication network of the body – from sense organ to brain and consciousness, from tissue to tissue and cell to cell. It is responsible for perception (including pain), assimilation and reaction. It brings a thought from memory to consciousness and transfers current experience into memories. It inspires speech and is the base of laughter and exaltation. At the level of the physical body it is responsible for all micro and macro movement.

There are five sub-types of Vata:

Prana Vata - Governs inhalation, perception through the senses and governs the mind. 
Udana Vata - Governs speech, self expression, effort, enthusiasm, strength and vitality. 
Samana Vata - Governs peristaltic movement of the digestive system. 
Vyana Vata - Governs circulation, heart rhythm, locomotion. 
Apana Vata - Governs all downward impulses (urination, elimination, menstruation, etc.)

Pitta is responsible for all types of transformations in the body. Pitta controls the digestion of food and is responsible for hunger, appetite and thirst. It converts light rays that fall on the retina into electric impulses. In the brain, Pitta is responsible for comprehension and the analysis of data. It controls emotion like anger, fear and bravado. It also gives sheen to the skin. 

There are five sub-types of Pitta:

Pachaka Pitta - Governs digestion of food which is broken down into nutrients and waste. 
Ranjaka Pitta - Governs formation of red blood cells. Gives colour to blood and stools. 
Sadhaka Pitta - Governs emotions such as memory, intelligence and digestion of thoughts. 
Alochaka Pitta - Governs visual perception. 
Bhrajaka Pitta - Governs lustre and complexion, temperature and pigmentation of the skin.

Kapha is the cohesive energy in the body. It smoothes out problems, lubricates and provides support when needed. It gives mental strength and resistance to disease. It gives firmness to joints while keeping them lubricated. It also enhances sexual potency.

There are five sub-types of kapha: 

Kledaka Kapha - Governs moistening & liquefying of the food in the initial stages of digestion. 
Avalambaka Kapha - Governs lubrication of the heart and lungs. 
Bodhaka Kapha - Governs perception of taste, lubricating and moistening of food. 
Tarpaka Kapha - Governs nourishment of sense & motor organs. 
Shleshaka Kapha - Governs lubrication of all joints.

Ayurveda favors the use of natural products (of plant, animal & mineral origin) in their preparations. Generally, Ayurvedic products cause no toxic side effects and are totally safe. They are time-tested preparations, which have been used by many generations. There is no question of tolerance, resistance or addiction with Ayurvedic health care products.

• Traditional Ayurvedic products target the root cause of all illness rather than treating the symptoms of disease.

• Authentic Ayurvedic products will only be a combination of pure herbs & minerals and will never contain synthetic vitamins and other substances.

• Traditional Ayurvedic products while helping to dislodge toxins from deep tissue will also assist in the rejuvenation of that tissue.

• Ayurvedic products will help to revive the intelligence to that particular system/organ or tissue that has been affected by the build up of toxins. Once all the toxins have been eliminated one doesn’t need to keep taking these products.

There is a growing concern in the West about the heavy metal content in Ayurvedic products and a perception that these products are not safe for consumption. While it is true that some specific Ayurvedic preparations contain heavy metals, it is misleading to suggest that all Ayurvedic products are therefore unsafe.

Ayurveda, like Western Medicine produces pharmaceutical products with varying degrees of potency. In the West, many preparations that contain paracetamol can be freely purchased from supermarket shelves as they simple preparations that provide low doses of their active ingredient. Medications with more complex chemical formulations and containing higher doses are only available on prescription.

This implies that some medication can only be prescribed by qualified practioners as only they have the experience and knowledge to know the prescription dose, the length of time that the medication needs to be taken and any potential side effects from prolonged usage of the medicine.

In the same way Ayurveda has a vast range of products at its disposal, the majority of which are simple herbal preparations that provide low doses of their active ingredients. However certain products do contain powdered stones, gems and heavy metals but these should only be taken under the supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic doctor who understands the correct dosage.

Unfortunately, such Ayurvedic medicines can be purchased easily over the Internet. When people buy and use these products without appropriate supervision and the inevitable side effects occur, they tend to blame the product rather than the supplier and question the efficacy of Ayurveda as a health care system.

I believe it is the responsibility of everyone who wishes to follow Ayurveda for their own health and welfare that they should ask the following questions before purchasing any Ayurvedic products:

• Is the company accredited to manufacture Ayurvedic products?
• Does the company have anyone with clinical Ayurvedic experience on staff?
• If they are a supplier, do they distribute products from a reputable manufacturer?

Unfortunately, many people selling Ayurvedic products in the West have no knowledge of Ayurvedic Herbology & Pharmacology and are unable to determine the therapeutic value of Ayurvedic products. They are not able to identify fresh, good quality herbs from those that are stale and adulterated. Instead, they determine the value of the product or herb based on price.

In a further effort to cut costs, some suppliers buy Ayurvedic products manufactured for domestic consumption in India, rather than those manufactured for specifically for the export market. These export grade products undergo rigorous testing to satisfy the requirements of the international market and the additional cost of this stringent quality control is incorporated into the price.

For example, the levels of heavy metals permissible in products for sale in the domestic market in India are much higher than those of many Western countries. When Ayurvedic products are purchased in the domestic market in India and then offered for re-sale in the West, the level of heavy metals in the product is noticed by the purchaser who then feels Ayurvedic medicine is unsafe which causes irreparable damage to the reputation of Ayurveda.

The classical texts of Ayurveda are:

• Charaka Samhitha
• Susrutha Samhita
• Ashtanaga Samgraham
• Ashtanga Hridayam
• Sargadhara Samhita
• Bhishaga Ratnavali

These treatises contain many formulations that are the basis of all Ayurvedic pharmaceuticals. A number of Ayurvedic research institutes around the world have proven the efficacy of these formulations in the treatment of disease.

• Fermented preparations (Asava or Arishta)
• Medicated Ghee (Ghrita)
• Paste (Lehya)
• Incinerated metals and minerals (Bhasma)
• Fine powder (Churna)
• Coarse powder for decoction (Kashaya Churna)
• Decoction (Kashaya)
• Pills (Gulika)
• Ophthalmic preparation (Rasakriya )

Ayurveda can treat diseases of all systems of the body. There are special treatment for the diseases of the elderly, women and children. Disorders of the nervous, respiratory, digestive, circulatory and reproductive systems as well as infectious diseases, mental disorders and many more illnesses can be successfully treated with Ayurvedic herbal preparations & procedures.

Many diseases for which modern medicine has no effective cure are successfully treated by Ayurveda. 

Research institutes & Ayurvedic medical colleges in India are engaged in constant research and development which has resulted in bringing to light the efficacy of many age old formulations.

Well-documented studies confirm the breakthroughs in this field, including the successful treatment of diabetes, arthritis & cancer.

Ayurveda has a simple treatment plan:

• Stop the further accumulation of toxins in the body by improving digestion. Food is then “cooked” properly, preventing the build up of toxins.
• Remove accumulated toxins from the body through herbal preparations and specific Ayurvedic treatments like massage.
• Nourish the depleted tissues through diet, herbal preparations & lifestyle changes.

Ayurvedic procedures are basically therapeutic measures taken either to prevent diseases or cure them. They are done either to detoxify the body or as a prelude to strengthening the immune system. Panchakarma is the most sought after treatment offered by Ayurveda.

Panchkarma, meaning five (panch) actions (karma), is a unique treatment to Ayurvedic Medicine and is known as one of the most systematic de-toxification and rejuvenation programmes available. Panchkarma helps to restore the body’s intelligence by stabilising the aggravated Doshas – Vata, Pitta & Kapha.

In acute stages of disease, the Panchkarma procedure helps to break down the amalgamation of toxins and removes the aggravated Doshas, which are responsible for all disease. In chronic cases, when toxins have reached the deeper body tissues, Panchkarma is the only health programme available that can systematically & safely remove these deep seated toxins & rejuvenate the body, setting it on the path to health & wellbeing.

Pooravkarma (Pre-Operative) - In this procedure the body is prepared so toxins can be safely dislodged from the tissues. These toxins collect at various sites in the digestive system.

Pradhankarma (Main Action) – The toxins that have been dislodged from the tissues are eliminated from the body.

Paschatkarma (Post-Operative) – This is the most important component of the treatment, nourishing the depleted tissues and preventing the build up of further toxins by changes to lifestyle & diet.

Pre-Operative treatments take two forms – Oleation (Snehana) & Herbalised Steam (Swedana) 

Snehana – Internal & External

Internal – Decoctions of medicated Ghee are consumed to prepare & protect the body’s tissues. They are prepared according to the nature & severity of the condition.

External – Daily synchronised massage from two trained Ayurvedic therapist’s is performed using specially medicated massage oils. The procedure softens the toxins deposited in the body, lubricates the joints, improves lymphatic flow & helps alleviate aggravations of the Vata Dosha (the prime dosha in the body & the first to become unbalanced). Duration of treatment is 60-90 minutes, depending on the client’s need

Swedana – After external oleation, a herbalised steam treatment is performed on the body, the time & temperature determined by the nature & severity of the condition. The treatment loosens the sticky toxins that adhere in the body and opens the body’s channels, which allows the oil to penetrate deeper in to the body & to carry the dislodged toxins back into the digestive tract.

• Shirodhara – This is an important part of Planet Ayurveda’s Panchkarma treatment programme. A steady stream of warm medicated oil is applied to the forehead to help pacify Prana Vata & Sadhaka Pitta to relieve symptoms of anxiety, stress & depression.

• Karna Purna – Application of warm medicated sesame oil to the ear canal to help calm the nervous system.

• Akshi Tarpana – Application of medicated Ghee to the eyes to protect them from degeneration due to the ageing process and to improve the eyesight

• Yoga & Pranayam – Yoga postures & breathing techniques are taught to strengthen and balance the body and mind

• Clinical Meditation – Meditation practices are taught to calm & focus the mind

• Ayurvedic Emotional Healing Programme – A unique & systematic approach to dealing with suppressed emotions to bring about healing.

Once the toxins are dislodged from the body tissues, they collect in various sites within the body. Four types of treatments are available to expel them:

• Vamana (Therapeutic Vomiting) – Used to expel aggravated Kapha toxins, which collect in the upper respiratory tract. However, as many people have difficulty in completing this treatment, it is not generally included in the West.

• Virchana (Therapeutic Purgation) – Used to expel aggravated Pitta toxins, which collect in the stomach & small intestine. A mild purgative is administered to gently expel these toxins through the bowel.

• Basti (Therapeutic Enema) – Used to expel aggravated Vata toxins, which collects in the large intestine & colon. Enemas take two forms –

• Nirhua – A cleansing herbal decocted enema that gently collects the aggravated toxins so they can be expelled from the colon

• Anuvasana – A nourishing medicated oil enema administrated to rejuvenate the depleted tissues in the body

• Nasaya (Therapeutic nasal drops) – Used to expel Vata, Pitta & Kapha toxins. Warm medicated oil is applied to the nasal cavity, followed by warm compresses & massage.

This is the most important component of the treatment, nourishing the depleted tissues and preventing the build up of further toxins by changes to lifestyle & diet. It involves restoration of strong digestive enzymes and rejuvenation of tissues. The aim is to establish increased energy level, strengthen the immune system, and increase longevity. 

After Panchkarma the patient loses some weight and the digestive power becomes feeble so a special diet and life style is followed for about two weeks. This therapy brings back the digestive power by starting with bland foods and gradually moving towards a more balanced diet. The regime can be followed by the patient at home.

Individuals that are keen to achieve optimum balance in their lives

• Those who are committed to their wellbeing & value a life free from ailments

• Those who have serious ailments such as Diabetes, Asthma, Osteo-Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Liver disorders, Skin disorders & Obesity

• Those who suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis & Fibromyalgia

• Mental ailments such as Anxiety, Depression, Manic Depression & Insomnia

• Women who are approaching Menopause or have post-menopausal symptoms

• Those suffering from fatigue & tiredness

Ayurveda has uses 2 forms of enema – Nirhua, a cleansing herbal enema that collects & removes toxins from the colon and Anuvasana, a nourishing medicated enema administrated to rejuvenate the depleted tissues in the body. Both types of enemas have an warm oil base which gently cleanses and nourishes the tissues of the colon.

Colonic irrigation have a water base, often combined with herbs or caffeine. Water can dry & irritate the colon tissues, further aggravating the problems the treatment is meant to address.