Discussion: Ayurvedic Practitioners

Discussion: Ayurvedic Practitioners

Discussion: Ayurvedic Practitioners

The doshas

Ayurvedic practitioners seek to balance the doshas through methods such as herbal remedies, yoga, meditation, and massage. For example, Panchakarma is a purification process used to remove impurities and restore balance to the doshas. Panchakarma is a set of therapeutic procedures that is intended to improve health and expand the life span. The specific treatments vary and may include using a special diet, emetics, herbal enemas, massage, herbs, and nose cleaning.

Yoga Yoga is an ancient system of exercises and breathing techniques designed to encourage physical and spiritual well-being. It incorporates a number of guidelines for well-being, including good nutrition and hygiene. The physical practice of yoga consists of going through asanas (physical postures) to improve the physical body and calm the nerves. Pranayamas are breathing techniques and meditations designed to improve spiritual well-being.

Some yoga practitioners teach that centers of energy, known as chakras, are connected to the nerves and spinal cord. It is believed that certain asanas and meditations can positively influence the chakras, improving physical and mental health. The exercise and relaxation techniques utilized in yoga are practiced by many people every day.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is the term used for a group of ancient healing practices that date back some 2,000 years to 200 BCE. The concepts utilized have been adapted by the Koreans, Japanese, and Vietnamese into their own versions of treatment. The system includes, among other treatments, herbalism, acupuncture, qigong, and tai chi.

TCM is based on diagnosis from the pattern of symptoms rather than on endeavoring to identify a specific illness. It is believed that the cause of disease must be cured, not just its symptoms. TCM considers a person’s body, mind, spirit, and emotions as part of one complete whole rather than individual parts that are to be treated separately. TCM is based on a number of interrelated theories: the theory of Qi, the theory of the five elements, the theory of yin and yang, and the meridian theory.

The Theory of Qi Qi, pronounced “ chee,” is the vital life force that animates all things. Qi flows through the 12
meridians that run through the body. Physical, emotional, and mental harmony rely on the flow of qi. Qi has two parts, energy or power, and conscious intelligence. These parts are found in organ systems and allow them to perform their physical and energetic functions. Qi also can be described by how it functions. Qi creates all movement, protects the body, provides for harmonious transformation, such as water being turned into urine, keeps the organs and body parts in proper position, and warms the body. This theory holds that qi:

Is spiritual in origin

Makes up and moves through all living things

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