Ayurvedic Medicine Overview
Ayurvedic medicine, also known as Ayurveda is one of the oldest systems of medical treatment in the world.  It evolved thousands of years ago in India and is based on the belief that medical conditions should be treated through a blend of body, mind, and spirit, not only to prevent a wide variety of illnesses, but also to encourage wellness. Herbal treatments are a large part of this form of alternative or natural health care.

The Ayurvedic approach believes that three qualities help to perform activities within the body.  These qualities are called doshas.  As such, each dosha is made up of basic elements such as air, fire, space, earth, and water to maintain particular relationships to body functions. The upsetting of these doshas can result in various health problems.

Because of this approach, Ayurvedic medicine is not considered to be conventional but an example of alternative or natural medicine. However, due to its growing popularity not only in the United States but also around the world, medical doctors and others in the healthcare field practice both complementary and alternative medicine with traditional forms of practice.

Examples of Ayurvedic Treatments
The three doshas: vata, pitta and kapha control various functions and systems throughout the human body. When the body is out of balance, which can be caused by illness or disease, various symptoms are manifested throughout the body.  Ayurvedic treatments may address issues such as poor food digestion, both emotional and physical stress, as well as the buildup of toxins that accumulate in the body through bad eating habits, smoking, drinking, and those caused by environmental pollutants.

Ayurveda utilizes a three-step process in treating many disease processes: the cleansing process, process that alleviate discomfort and pain, and treating the causes of such conditions.

Vamana is a therapy that is used to treat cases of chronic asthma, and symptoms of indigestion. Through this process, individuals are induced to vomit through the use of medicines that helped to purge the system of toxins.  Conducted under a physician's supervision, it is generally not given to the very young or very old, or to those who are pregnant. 

Two therapies that helped to cleanse the digestive tract as well is to help purge buildup of toxins within the digestive system and help relieve and treat jaundice is called Virechan.  This process is completed through the use of laxatives.

Conditions such as arthritis and backaches as well as those that help to relieve migraines and symptoms of epilepsy and rhinitis may involve medicated animus.  Such treatments are called Vasti.  Medications may also be administered through the nose, and help to remove toxins from the neck and head areas.

In addition to the above procedures and treatments, the Ayurveda approach to medicine takes into consideration diet, lifestyle practices, symptoms, and general overall health of a person being treated. During an examination, Ayurveda practitioners check a patient's overall body health, including the skin, eyes, urine, and body sounds, much as a traditional doctor would. He or she may also ask about personal habits, diet, and digestion. Treatments are intended to help regain the balance of the dosha.

The use of an Ayurvedic approach helps to sooth symptoms of chronic conditions such as arthritis, asthma, and even diabetes and various forms of cancers. The use of massage, herbal treatments and even metal therapies helps restore balance in various body systems.

For example, the "pitta" dosha is believed to control the digestive system as well as hormones and hormone production. A person whose pitta dosha is out of balance may even suffer from serious health conditions like heart disease.

To treat such chronic illnesses, an Ayurvedic practitioner will obtain a thorough history of the patient and promote exercise, meditation and proper diet to help restore balances. Massage and yoga are often employed to provide relief from chronic pain. Herbal and mineral tonics are often used to help restore balances needed by body systems for optimal performance.

The basic goals of Ayurveda treatment are to:
• Eliminate impurities in the body
• Reduce symptoms of discomfort
• Reduce worry
• Increase harmony through the use of yoga, meditation, and exercise
• Eliminate physical and psychological issues

Yoga and Meditation
Practice of yoga and meditation helps to reduce stress levels as well as to maintain good physical conditioning in all age groups is a focus in the practice of Ayurvedic medicine.  Meditation helps many to find a balance and to reduce the stress of everyday jobs, obligations, and responsibilities.

Exercise
Exercise combined with Ayurvedic treatments is an essential part of healing body and mind. Such exercises are individualized to various capabilities and will be encouraged as a way to help purge the body of toxins and keep joints, muscles and internal organs working properly.

Massage
Massage is also an important part of Ayurvedic treatments, and medicated herbal oils are often used to provide relief and help injured joints, muscle tissues, and skin heal and grow supple and strong.

Benefits of Ayurvedic Treatment
When combined together, all the various forms that incorporate aspects of Ayurvedic therapy may help to relieve many conditions as well as aches and pains that people of all ages suffer as a result of arthritis, childhood illnesses, pregnancy, muscular and skeletal injuries, as well as various disease processes, including cancer treatment.

Whether suffering from diarrhea, urinary disorders or emotional stress and imbalance, sinus infections or alcoholism, Ayurvedic treatments may help to relieve symptoms and promote better health, stronger constitutions, and less susceptibility to illness and disease.

Cost of Ayurvedic Treatments
Costs of treatments vary depending upon where a practitioner is located, as well as which treatments are chosen. However, in the United States, such treatments may incorporate biweekly visits to a practitioner for up to a total of ten treatments. In most cases, these treatments in the United States cost roughly $100-$150 dollars each. Total treatment costs may range between $1000-$2000.

Finding an Ayurvedic Practitioner
Ayurvedic practitioners are common in India, where professional training may involve up to five years of study. Outside of India, more medical doctors, naturopathic doctors and nurses in the United States as well as in Europe are studying Ayurvedic practices as an accompaniment to more traditional medical training. Today, there are no national standards or certified training or licensee boards within the United States or Canada for this type of treatment. However, the National Center for Health Statistics, and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine recognizes the growing popularity of Ayurvedic treatment in the United States and may soon set such standards.

When seeking an Ayurvedic practitioner in the United States, Europe, or India, ask for training credentials and certification to ensure that the treatments that are offered are the result of formal training in this field.