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India
is a country where traditions have existed side by
side with modern technological advances. In fact,
the character of modern India is firmly rooted in
a rich cultural past. This feature is evident in
our ancient herbal healing system of Ayurveda,
which continues to provide remedies to our
ailments. India's herbal beauty aids are also a
part of her social and cultural heritage. Many of
the present beauty treatments have been handed
down from generation to generation. These have
been tried and tested through centuries of popular
usage. Today, Ayurveda has found a prominent place
in modern cosmetic care. Treatments that were lost
in the mists of time have been revived and viewed
in the light of modern scientific techniques.
Today, along with the Indian philosophies of Yoga
and Meditation, the world is looking at the
holistic system of Ayurveda for health and beauty
solutions. In fact, the interest in Ayurveda has
prompted scientific research in many countries, to
assess it in scientific terms.
Established
5000 years ago, by the great sages of India,
Ayurveda is the oldest and most organized system
of herbal healing in the world. Literally,
Ayurveda means, "The Science of Life."
Indeed, it is not merely a system of healing, but
an entire way of life, which aims at helping man
live in harmony with nature and also in harmony
with himself. Ayurveda has never been more
relevant than it is now, in terms of counteracting
the degenerative processes, environmental
pollution, toxic build-up and mental stress, all
of which have become undesirable features of
modern life.
Ayurveda
is a holistic system of healing, which aims at
activating the body's natural healing processes.
Ayurveda is based on the theory of "Tridosha",
somewhat like the "humours" of the
Greeks. The three "doshas" represent
combinations of the five elements of Earth, Water,
Fire, Air and Ether (or space), giving rise to the
three basic constitutions of the human body. The
three "doshas" are Vata (a combination
of Air and Ether); Pitta (a combination of Fire
and Water) and Kapha (a combination of Earth and
Water). The three doshas not only determine
individual constitution, but our physical form and
other attributes, our mental make-up and even
individual metabolic processes. Most
constitutions, however, result from the
combination of two "doshas", with one
being more predominant. All traits and even
individual metabolism can be classified under the
3 doshas. However, most of us belong to dual dosha
types and have traits of both the doshas, although
traits of one dosha may be more prominent.
According
to Ayurveda, disease is the manifestation of
negative influences and imbalances caused by a
metabolic disbalance of the doshas. This is true
of skin and hair problems too. When one dosha
becomes predominant, an imbalance occurs. For
example, in a constitution of Vata-Kapha, if Vata
becomes excessive, the Kapha is reduced. When Vata
is reduced through treatment, Kapha increases and
a balance is restored. The aim in Ayurvedic
treatments, therefore, is to restore the
equilibrium, not only through herbal medication,
but also through the diet and lifestyle. Over
centuries of practical usage, Ayurveda has
identified foods, herbs, minerals and other
natural substances that help to balance an
aggravated dosha.
In
Ayurvedic healing, the elimination of toxins and
wastes is an important part of the treatment, so
that tissues are cleansed, pure and healthy. This
not only promotes metabolic functions, but also
activates the natural healing process, by opening
the channels of both body and mind. Apart from
alleviating physical complaints, such treatments
have helped in reducing mental stress and
stress-related problems. There is overall
improvement in cellular functions, specially in
the regeneration of new cells and in revitalising
the entire system. Ayurvedic treatments,
therefore, are not only for those who are ill, but
for all those who wish to come closer to a state
of perfect health. Similarly, Ayurvedic
formulations for the skin and hair help both
general care and maintenance, as well as the
treatment of specific problems. Although mentioned
in ancient texts, the ingredients are still
popular in India.
Ayurvedic
texts contain the details of a staggering number
of plant products, minerals and other natural
substances, along with their medicinal properties,
their methods of collection and extraction, as
well as specific combinations of complementary
herbs. The specific processing methods and the
well-known combinations enhance the efficacy of
the treatment. In Ayurvedic prescriptions, the
complementary herbs also increase the
effectiveness of the main herb. An example of a
popular combination of herbs is Chawanprash, which
has more than 50 different herbs. Trifala is
another popular combination, which contains 3
herbs. Most of the herbs that are used in
Ayurvedic treatments are available only in India.
Some are available in other Asian countries.
India
has a great deal to offer the rest of the world,
in terms of her herbal heritage of Ayurveda. With
the current "total well-being" concept
sweeping the world, Ayurveda is poised to become
the healing system of the future.
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