Ayurveda

What is it?

Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine that originated in India. It commonly involves yoga, meditation, massage or bodywork, diet, and herbs.

Ayurveda means “the science of life.” Ayurveda teaches that vital energy (“prana”) is the basis of all life and healing. Prana is thought to be governed by the five elements: earth, air, fire, water, and ether. Ayurveda parallels traditional Chinese medicine in many ways. The focus of treatment is on the whole person, and balancing or harmonizing body, mind, and spirit.

Ayurveda uses a wide variety of methods to diagnose and treat many different medical conditions. The evidence supporting its use varies for each treatment and condition.

Like traditional Chinese medicine herbal products, Ayurvedic herbal products have suffered from poor quality. Some Ayurvedic products have been contaminated with prescription drugs including corticosteroids and NSAIDs. Other products have been contaminated with high concentrations of heavy metals including mercury, arsenic, and lead.

Is it effective?

Effective for …

Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine that uses a variety of treatments including herbs, specific combinations of herbal ingredients, meditation, yoga, and bodywork. See specific therapies for effectiveness information.

Is there concern for the safety of its use?

Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine that uses a variety of treatments including herbs, specific combinations of herbal ingredients, meditation, yoga, and bodywork. Some of these are safe while others may not be. See specific therapies for safety information.

Are there any drug interactions?

See specific therapies for information about interactions with medications.

Are there any interactions with herbs and supplements?

See specific therapies for information about interactions with herbs and supplements.

Are there any interactions with food?

See specific therapies for information about interactions with foods.

What dose is used?

In Ayurveda there are three bodily “humors” (doshas) that regulate bodily function. Practitioners of Ayurveda believe disease occurs when there is imbalance in the doshas – kapha, pitta, and vata. Kapha governs structure, cohesion, and lubrication. Pitta governs energy. Vata governs movement and mind.

Like traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda uses herbs or specific combinations of herbal ingredients to help balance bodily processes. Many of the herbs commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine are used in Ayurveda. Ayurveda also uses diet, yoga, exercise, lifestyle changes, and bodywork to treat illness.

By what other names is the product known?

Ayurvéda, Ayurvedic Medicine, Médecine Ayurvédique, Médecine Traditionnelle Asiatique, Médecine Traditionnelle Indienne, TAM, TIM, Traditional Asian Medicine, Traditional Indian Medicine.

Information on this website is for informational use only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While evidence-based, it is not guaranteed to be error-free and is not intended to meet any particular user’s needs or requirements or to cover all possible uses, safety concerns, interactions, outcomes, or adverse effects. Always check with your doctor or other medical professional before making healthcare decisions (including taking any medication) and do not delay or disregard seeking medical advice or treatment based on any information displayed on this website.

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