Question

Investigating Ayurvedic Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Dive deeper into Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurvedic Medicine though the following internet resources. Write thorough answers to the questions below.

Holistic Online: Ayurveda

http://www.holistic-online.com/ayurveda/ayv-introduction.htm

Dr.Weil.com: What is Ayurvedic Medicine

https://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/balanced-living/wellness-therapies/ayurvedic-medicine/

WebMD: Ayurvedic Medicine

https://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/ayurvedic-treatments#1

University of Minnesota: Taking charge of your health and wellbeing

https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/ayurvedic-medicine/what-happens-visit-ayurvedic-practitioner

Questions:

1. What does the Sanskrit term Ayurveda mean in English?
2. Where did Ayurveda originate and how long ago?
3. What does the term dosha mean?
4. Briefly describe the three main doshas.
5. What are some of the common diagnostic procedures?
6. What are some of the common health practices and treatments?

Answer 1

1) Ayurveda is one of the world's oldest holistic (“whole-body”) healing systems. In english it stands for “the science of life” or “life knowledge.”

2) It originated in India (Northern India), more than 5,000 years ago

3) In Ayurveda it is believed that every person is made of five basic elements found in the universe: space, air, fire, water, and earth. These combine in the human body to form three life forces or energies, called doshas which control how our body works. They are Vata dosha (space and air); Pitta dosha (fire and water); and Kapha dosha (water and earth).

4) The three doshas are:  

- Vata is described as the energy of movement (breathing, heartbeat, bowel/bladder function). It is considered most powerful of the three. It controls very basic body functions ( example cells divide), mind, breathing, blood flow, and heart function. When out of balance, person becomes more susceptible to anxiety,  nervousnous, asthma and heart diseases

- Pitta composes the energy of digestion, metabolism and hormones. Imbalances cause agitation and anger. Diseases involve the element of fire with fevers, inflammation, skin rashes, and ulcers. When out of balance, person can develop conditions like Crohn’s disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, and infections.

- Kapha dosha involves the energy of strength, immunity and growth, where imbalances can lead to accumulation and stagnation. Diseases involve the element of water such as sinus congestion.

5) Diagnostic procedure comprises of- Observation, touch and asking questions. An assessment of mental status and level of life-energy (prana) is done.

6) The goal of treatment is to cleanse the body of undigested food and refulling with healthy diet. Various treatments involved:

- Use of herbal medicines

- The cleansing process (called “panchakarma”) is designed to reduce your symptoms and restore harmony and balance. Blood purification, massage, medical oils, herbs, and enemas or laxatives are used to cleanse the system

- Ayurvedic diet and nutrition, comprising of six primary tastes