What is Ayurvedic Medicine?

Written by National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Detailed information about Ayurvedic Medicine, how Ayurvedic medicine works and effectiveness of Ayurvedic medicine.

Contents

• Key Points
  1. What is Ayurvedic medicine?
  2. What is the history of Ayurvedic medicine?
  3. How common is the use of Ayurveda in the United States?

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  4. What major beliefs underlie Ayurveda?
  5. What is each dosha like?
  6. How does an Ayurvedic practitioner decide on a person's dosha balance?
  7. How else does an Ayurvedic practitioner work with the patient at first?
  8. How does an Ayurvedic practitioner treat health problems?
  9. How are plant products used in Ayurvedic treatment?
  10. In the United States, how are Ayurvedic practitioners trained and certified?
  11. Does Ayurveda work?
  12. Are there concerns about Ayurvedic medicine?
  13. In sum, what should people do if they are considering or using Ayurveda?
  14. Is NCCAM supporting any studies on Ayurveda?

• References
• For More Information
• Acknowledgments

Ayurvedic medicine (also called Ayurveda) is one of the world's oldest medical systems. It originated in India and has evolved there over thousands of years. In the United States, Ayurveda is considered complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)--more specifically, a CAM whole medical system.^a Many therapies used in Ayurveda are also used on their own as CAM--for example, herbs, massage, and yoga. This Backgrounder will introduce you to Ayurveda's major ideas and practices and provide sources for more information on these or other CAM therapies.

^aCAM is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not currently considered part of conventional medicine. Complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine. Alternative medicine is practiced in place of conventional medicine. Conventional medicine is medicine as practiced by holders of M.D. (medical doctor) or D.O. (doctor of osteopathy) degrees and by their allied health professionals. Some conventional medical practitioners also practice CAM. Whole medical systems are healing systems and beliefs that have evolved over time in different cultures and parts of the world.

Key Points

• The aim of Ayurveda is to integrate and balance the body, mind, and spirit. This is believed to help prevent illness and promote wellness.

• In Ayurvedic philosophy, people, their health, and the universe are all thought to be related. It is believed that health problems can result when these relationships are out of balance.

• In Ayurveda, herbs, metals, massage, and other products and techniques are used with the intent of cleansing the body and restoring balance. Some of these products may be harmful when used on their own or when used with conventional medicines.

• Before you seek care from an Ayurvedic practitioner, ask about the practitioner's training and experience.

• Tell your health care provider(s) about any CAM therapies you are using, including Ayurveda. This is for your safety and a comprehensive treatment plan.

1. What is Ayurvedic medicine?

Ayurvedic medicine is also called Ayurveda. It is a system of medicine that originated in India several thousand years ago. The term Ayurveda combines two Sanskrit words--ayur, which means life, and veda, which means science or knowledge. Ayurveda means "the science of life."

In the United States, Ayurveda is considered a type of CAM and a whole medical system. As with other such systems, it is based on theories of health and illness and on ways to prevent, manage, or treat health problems. Ayurveda aims to integrate and balance the body, mind, and spirit (thus, some view it as "holistic"). This balance is believed to lead to contentment and health, and to help prevent illness. However, Ayurveda also proposes treatments for specific health problems, whether they are physical or mental. A chief aim of Ayurvedic practices is to cleanse the body of substances that can cause disease, and this is believed to help reestablish harmony and balance.