Ayurveda Introduction

Introduction

Ayurvedic medicine (also called Ayurveda) is one of the world’s oldest medical systems. It originated in India and has evolved there over thousands of years. Ayurvedic medicine comes under the complementary therapy in Australia. Complementary therapies are used alongside conventional medical treatments to help improve a person’s health and wellbeing. Examples include acupuncture, aromatherapy, traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, herbal medicine, yoga, meditation and massage. These treatments are sometimes known collectively as ‘complementary and alternative medicine’ (CAM). Regulation of complementary medicines in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is a federal government department that regulates all medicines in Australia, including complementary medicines. Under Australian law, every complementary medicine is assessed for the safety and quality of its ingredients, but not always for its efficacy (how well it works). Only complementary medicines that are deemed ‘high risk’ are assessed for efficacy. The TGA does this by looking at data from clinical trials supplied by the manufacturer.

The TGA considers as complementary medicines:

• Medicinal products that contain herbs, vitamins or minerals
• Nutritional supplements
• Certain aromatherapy products
• Traditional medicines such as traditional Chinese medicines, Ayurvedic medicines and Australian Indigenous medicines.
• Homoeopathic medicines

In the United States, Ayurvedic medicine is considered complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)—more specifically, a CAM whole medical system. Many therapies used in Ayurvedic medicine are also used on their own as CAM—for example, herbs, massage, and specialized diets. This fact sheet provides a general overview of Ayurvedic medicine and suggests sources for additional information. 

 

Triguna (Qualities of Nature)

Just as the Doshas are the essential energies of the body, the three Gunas, namely Sattva, Rajas and Tamas, are the three essential energies of the mind. Genetically determined, an individual’s psychological characteristic is dependent on the relative dominance of the three Gunas. In equilibrium, the three Gunas maintain a healthy mind (and indirectly a healthy body). Any disturbance in this equilibrium results in various types of mental disorders.

Panchmahabhuta Theory (Five Elements)

The concept of Panchmahabhuta (Five elements) is the foundation of Ayurveda to understand its physiology (normal functioning), pathology (disease formation) & pharmacokinetics (movement of drug within the body).

Ayurveda believes that everything in this universe is made up of five basic elements. These five elements are earth (prithvi), water (jal), fire (Agni or tej), air (Vayu) and ether or space (akash) and collectively they are termed as Panchmahabhuta.

Tridosha (Bio-humors)

Tridosha also called Life forces (Doshas). Important characteristics of the prakriti (Body Cocstitution)are the three life forces or energies called doshas, which control the activities of the body. A person’s chances of developing certain types of diseases are thought to be related to the way doshas are balanced, the state of the physical body, and mental or lifestyle factors. These doshas are known by their original Sanskrit names: vata, pitta, & kapha.