WHY CHOOSE AYURVEDA?
These ancient holistic practices have more than 5,000 years of experiential and increasingly evidence-based knowledge.
1. It’s holistic. Ayurveda is a mind-body-spirit science that assesses an individual’s physical, physiological, psychological, genetic, spiritual, and social health. Consultations pay as much attention to mental health as they do physical health. The Ayurvedic concept of what is now called salutogenesis.
2. It’s natural. We come from nature and return to nature; nature has everything we need to sustain us. Ayurveda relies on nature for healing—using natural formulations rather than synthetic compounds, encouraging the restoration of circadian rhythms, and honoring seasonal changes. Ayurveda advocates sustainability and honoring the natural elements and all living and nonliving beings.
3. It goes to the root cause. Ayurveda addresses the root cause of disorders rather than providing limited symptomatic relief. While it does have first-aid protocols, it helps find long-term solutions, not quick short-term fixes.
4. It’s personalized. An Ayurvedic regimen is not one-size-fits-all. Instead, it is tailor-made and personalized for every individual at various stages of imbalances and an analysis of their etiopathogenesis.
5. It uses quantum science. Ayurveda is to quantum science what modern medicine is to classical chemistry or science. Ayurveda deals with the energetics of the mind-body complex. Our constitution—which forms at conception—consists of the three energy principles: vata, pitta, and kapha, known as doshas. These energies define our structure, function, affinities, and tendencies.
6. It’s preventive. Ayurveda recognizes that prevention is always better than a cure! Its pragmatic three pillars of health are nutrition, sleep, and a balanced lifestyle (which includes exercise, yoga, and meditation). The Ayurvedic of positive health creation is similar to the concept of salutogenesis, or a focus on positive health creation through education, individual awareness, and improvement of quality of life and longevity. This also reduces the social cost of diseases.
7. It’s lifestyle-based. Sixty-one percent of all deaths are due to long-term unhealthy lifestyle choices, according to a WHO estimate from 2005. And things have only gotten worse since then! In the US, 6 out of 10 people have a chronic disorder. These include type 2 diabetes, hypertension, joint and lung disorders, and certain forms of cancer. Ayurveda as a lifestyle-based form of healing can make a world of difference.
8. It has robust disease management. Ayurveda has always emphasized what has become buzzwords now: gut health, or regulation of the digestive and metabolic fire (Agni). It has versatile protocols to deal with imbalances. Formulations, therapies, and dietary and lifestyle modifications help in restoring health. Cleansing techniques like panchakarma are powerful, individualized, non-surgical therapeutic interventions that can help with everything from prevention to deep-seated chronic disorders and minimize their recurrence.
9. It excels at assessment. Ayurveda factors in prodromal symptoms and provides suitable early interventions. There is a triple-pronged approach to evaluation: questioning, observation, and touch (including the robust pulse diagnosis).
10. It promotes community support. Life can be lonely and depleting. Ayurveda encourages harmonious relationships with ourselves, our family, nature, and our community.
Volunteering or seva (service) is a way to feel connected and have a sense of belongingness. Research has shown it even improves your health!
11. It uses the mechanism of epigenetics. Ayurveda can alter gene expressions and restore balance! This is the study of epigenetics. Ayurveda advocates better nutrition, digestion, lifestyle choices, and stress management, which can lead to health gains across multiple generations!
12. It helps you reach your full potential. The purpose of Ayurveda is to help you live life to your fullest potential. It is a spiritual, consciousness-based science that goes beyond the physical and subtle to the causal. In Ayurveda, the word for health is Swasthya, and it means being established in the self. Knowing ourselves and striving to be our best selves is an empowering and healing journey.
