A GUIDE TO AYURVEDIC MEDICINE

Ayurveda is a complete system of medicine originating from the Indian subcontinent. It has been practised for thousands of years and is one of the oldest systems of medicine still in use today. Ayurveda translates as the “Science of Life” in Sanskrit and is based on the principle of balance among the five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and space. According to Ayurveda, each person has a unique constitution, or dosha, made up of combinations of these elements.

These determine our physical, mental, and emotional characteristics. When these doshas are out of balance, we can become unwell and develop disease.

Ayurveda aims to maintain or restore the harmony of the doshas through natural methods, such as diet, herbs, massage, yoga, meditation, and lifestyle changes. It also involves the use of herbal medications and nature-based supplements to promote health and prevent disease.

An Ayurvedic assessment covers every aspect of a person’s life, both past and present, to identify root causes of illness. Once these are identified and understood, then the process of self-healing can begin with the help of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.

Ayurveda’s focus on prevention of illness and identifying root causes of disease offers patients a path to better health and wellness and, ultimately, longevity.

Why is it so important now?

It offers a holistic and personalised approach to health and wellness that is compatible with modern scientific knowledge.

The key focus of Ayurveda is on the digestion. The emphasis is on eating food that is seasonal, organic, unprocessed, and local as much as possible. This is so important these days, with the problems we face in our food production system and with climate change.

Ayurveda also recognises the importance of developing healthy routines and practices to incorporate into our daily lives. In our fast-changing technology-driven world, we are losing the connection to ourselves and to nature. This is causing a rise in mental health problems and attention disorders. Ayurvedic practices help us to reconnect with our true nature and maintain balance in body and mind.

Ayurveda not only reflects the health of the individual in its practices, but also the health of the planet.

Who would benefit from Ayurvedic treatments?

Ayurveda can help people cope with the challenges and stresses of modern life, such as poor dietary habits, stress/burnout, sedentary habits and chronic diseases.

Ayurveda can also help people prevent or treat various health conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, arthritis, asthma, allergies, depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

Ayurveda can also enhance the quality of life by improving the immune system, digestion, metabolism, skin, hair, and overall vitality. It is particularly helpful for all digestive problems as a key focus of Ayurveda is on the digestion.

What types of treatment does Ayurveda offer?

An Ayurvedic practitioner will focus on dietary suggestions and treatments that target the digestive system to promote digestion and remove toxins.

Various digestive remedies can be prescribed which can be prepared at home with directions from a practitioner. These will be taken with meals usually twice a day. They have a mild cleansing and detoxification effect.

Oils for self-massage can be prescribed for removal of toxins from the skin and muscle layers. Oils are used for treatment of skin problems as well as muscular aches and pains. Medicated herbal oils can also be applied to joints for arthritis and bone pains.

Nasya or nasal application of oils is a therapy that involves administering medicated oil or powder through the nostrils. It is used to treat sinusitis, headaches, migraines, and nasal congestion.

Are there any side-effects from taking Ayurvedic medications?

There may be some risks associated with Ayurvedic therapies, depending on the type and quality of the treatment, the practitioner’s expertise, and the individual’s health condition.

Generally, Ayurvedic products and medications are very safe as they are made from plantbased sources with the addition of herbs and trace elements such as minerals to achieve a therapeutic effect.

However, some of the powder form of the medication can have a harsh astringent taste which can be unpleasant to take at first. There are tablet formulations which can be used instead of powder if the patient cannot tolerate the powder form.

Reports in the past suggested that some Ayurvedic preparations contained metals which, in sufficiently high doses, could be harmful. This is why it is so important to get medication from a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner who can prescribe a high-quality safe and tested product from a reputable source.

Some Ayurvedic herbs and supplements may interact with prescription or over-the-counter medications, causing adverse effects. It is advisable to inform your doctor before using any Ayurvedic products.

As with all medication, some Ayurvedic therapies may cause mild to moderate side effects, which may vary depending on the individual’s sensitivity, strength of their digestion, dosage, and duration of use. Careful incremental dosing and instructions will minimise any of these initial side effects.

Care must be taken with application of oils, especially if they have been warmed or are being applied to a tender, inflamed joint. Your Ayurvedic practitioner will advise you how to apply topical treatments safely and do a patch test before treatment to ensure no sensitivity or allergy is present.

Therefore, it is important to follow the instructions of your Ayurvedic practitioner and report any adverse reactions immediately.

Dr Oscar O’Duchon is a retired family doctor with over 30 years of experience in the UK and Ireland. He has a Diploma in Ayurveda Lifestyle and Nutrition DALNC, Diploma Ayurvedic Practitioner DAPC, Health and Wellbeing coach [NHS accredited].

For more information on Ayurvedic medicine, see

Ayurveda Belfast | Anam Ayurveda – Holistic Healing with Dr. Oscar

Always consult your doctor if you are making significant changes to your lifestyle