How to Know If Ayurveda Is Working

How to Know If Ayurveda Is Working



Ayurveda is a holistic medicine that seeks to bring the mind and body into balance. Ayurveda is commonly used for illnesses like arthritis, insomnia and headaches. Although this holistic science has been around for over 5,000 years, there are very few research studies about it. The best way to know if Ayurveda is working for you is to conduct your own. Follow these steps to find out how.







Understand Ayurveda




1


Know that Ayurveda is centered on the 3 doshas: "vata," "kapha" and "pitta." A combination of these 3 doshas, in varying quantities, makes each person unique.





2


Discover a comprehensive medical system. Like orthodox medicine, Ayurveda treats the body; but Ayurveda goes further in seeking to treat the mind and spirit as well.





3


Maintain good health with Ayurveda. This holistic medicine seeks to help the patient maintain good health and avoid disease.





4


Know that Ayurveda emphasizes living in harmony with nature. It encourages you to live a natural lifestyle and to eat unprocessed food.





5


Learn more about Ayurveda at the "National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine" Web site (see Resources below).



Begin an Ayurvedic Treatment




1


Make an appointment with an Ayurvedic practitioner. The practitioner will examine you to find out what your health problem could be. The fee for your appointment could be anywhere from moderate to high.





2


Be prepared for a thorough examination that may last 2 hours. The doctor will examine every part of your body, including waste products, to get a better idea of the state of your health.





3


Follow the recommended treatment. At the end of the examination, the doctor will prescribe a form of treatment that's intended to balance one of the doshas.



Know if the Ayurveda Treatment Is Working




1


Start a journal before you begin the Ayurveda treatment. Take note of how you're feeling physically, mentally and emotionally. You may also want to take note of your body weight before treatment.





2


Begin the treatment prescribed by your Ayurveda doctor. Be sure to follow the treatment exactly.





3


Update your journal everyday during treatment. Continue to make notes on the general state of your being.





4


Read through your journal at the end of your treatment or halfway through the treatment. Compare your notes from before treatment to after treatment. This will give you a good idea of whether the Ayurveda treatment is working or not.





5


Consider making an appointment with your medical doctor for a physical exam. An examination may give you a better idea of the effectiveness of your Ayurvedic treatments.








Tips & Warnings










Ayurveda practitioners in the United States aren't always fully certified. Most are certified in one aspect of Ayurveda only. Be sure the practitioner you see is certified.








Seek immediate help if you start to experience trouble breathing, a heart attack or pain in your chest.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Keep your doctor informed about anything new you undertake.



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