Post Series: Global Traditional Medicine Systems
In order to spread awareness about the rich living herbal traditions from around the world, this post series will introduce some of the characteristics of the herbal or traditional medicine systems to which plants belong.
Ayurveda is derived from the Sanskrit words “ayur” (life) and “veda” (science)- the “science of life”. It is an over 3000-year-old holistic medical system that originated in India and has now been exported around the globe.
In Ayurveda, each person has an individual constitution, or prakruti, and deviations from this causes illness.
Balance and harmony are emphasized for attaining overall well-being, and the world is seen in Ayurveda as consisting of certain elements that respond to natural laws.
These elements—either (space), air, fire, water, and earth—make up the primary doshas or energies which govern physiological processes of the body.
Ayurvedic treatment to bring the constitution back in balance may include herbs and/or spices or certain changes in diet and lifestyle.
It may also include massages, nasal cleaning, detoxification, steam or floral baths, and oil treatments.
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