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Ayurveda - A Brief Introduction

© Jodi Wetherup

I have never studied Ayurveda previously, and it's only in my researching the topic that I have had contact with it. I cannot in good faith write this article and tell you that I completely understand the method, however, I can pass along the information I've learned thus far. This article is meant as a basic introduction to the Ayurvedic styles - I've included a short list of books and websites where you can receive more professional information.

I've called Ayurveda a method of healing. In actuality, method is not the right word. What I discovered is that Ayurveda is not a single method, it's more of a lifestyle involving many methods, some of which you are probably already familiar with to an extent. The lifestyle combines everything in nature, balanced personally for each unique person, to heal illnesses by strengthening the self.

Color, sound, minerals (crystals and stones), herbs, spices and foods combine to balance the energies within and without the body (spirit). As well, many people use Yoga and Tantra to help this along.

Ayurveda is the oldest known system of medicine. Texts date back as far as 1500 B.C.E. (Before Common Era), to 100 C.E. (Common Era). Comprehensive works on all manners of health and healing - one in particular, the Atharva Veda (800 B.C.E.) lists these: Internal medicine, Surgery, Toxicology, Fertility, Gerontology, Opthalmology, Otorinolaryngology, Surgery of the neck and head, Psychiatry, and Pediatrics. It was amazing to me, to see these understood so long ago. It made me wonder what happened between then and present day.

Books:

Ayurveda - A Way of Life by Vind Verma
Red Wheel/Weiser Publishers - ISBN 0-87728-822-4

Ayurvedic Healing for Women by Atreya
Red Wheel/Weiser Publishers - ISBN 1-57863-116-5

Practical Ayurveda by Atreya
Red Wheel/Weiser Publishers - ISBN 1-57863-029-0

Pocket Guide to Ayurvedic Healing by Candis Cantin Packard
Crossing Press - ISBN 0-89594-764-1

Links:

California College of Ayurveda - www.ayurvedacollege.com

NIAM (National Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine) - www.niam.com

SpiritWeb Ayurveda - www.spiritweb.org/Spirit/ayurveda.html

For anyone looking for a lifestyle for healing and betterment, I would have to tell them to look into Ayurveda. From everything I have researched so far, it seems to encompass everything necessary to achieve wholeness in body and spirit, as well as finding self amongst the hustle of everyday life. I myself have had my curiousity piqued - I love Yoga, and while I don't practice that often, it is a stepping stone into change. I can see myself getting involved in this lifestyle!

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