www.womanthismonth.com 65 November 2013 If the word ‘ayurveda’ brings to mind ancient Indian sages concocting strange potions using herbs and medicaments unheard of, think again. It is, in fact, the ultimate weapon used by celebrity divas Demi Moore, Cindy Crawford, Madonna and the likes to maintain their beauty, health and vitality. ‘Ayurveda’ literally means the science of life. Regarded as the oldest form of healthcare in the world, this system of natural healing has won popularity in the Western world, and is increasingly being turned to as a holistic way of life in this age of poor health and nutrition. Still skeptical? Well, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognises ayurveda as a traditional system of medicine. In fact, the public health arm of the United Nations adapted its formal definition of health from ayurvedic teachings. Bahrain has a number of centres offering authentic ayurvedic consultation, medicines and treatments. We speak to expert practitioners in the field to de-mystify this powerful branch of medicine and reveal how it helps us live a more wholesome life. The basics of ayurveda Our expert: Dr PK Abjith, The Indian Ayurvedic Medical Centre Simply put, Ayurveda primarily rests on the concept of ‘tri-dosha’. Every individual has three doshas or energies: vata, pitta and kapha. These primary forces have varying proportions in every body and they shape our mental and physical characteristics. “The doshas maintain the equilibrium for sound health. An imbalance between them result in an unhealthy body,” says Dr Abjith. Each one of us is born with a unique mix of doshas, and has either one or two predominant ones. Every patient is assessed for the predominant dosha to prescribe an appropriate treatment plan as it could aggravate and needs to be controlled. “These days, practitioners lay more emphasis on symptomatic treatment rather than balancing the doshas. Patients today are always in a hurry and want to see speedy results,” he says. “Earlier, ayurvedic physicians felt the patient’s pulse to determine the dominant dosha and pinpoint the root of the ailment. But today, we rely on X-rays, blood tests and MRI scans to come to a more accurate diagnosis.” Dr Abjith blames the modern lifestyle for the energies to be thrown off balance and for disorders like cholesterol, diabetes and cardiac trouble to arise. Additionally, climatic and seasonal changes, and the environment affect the harmony between the doshas. “Modern research reveals that ayurvedic herbs can cure more serious illnesses, like cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Here in Bahrain, I have a lot of patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease, whose conditions have improved thanks to Ayurveda,” he adds. Ayurvedic medicine and its efficacy Our expert: Dr Smitha, Kotakkal Ayurvedic Centre “Ayurvedic medication is completely natural and contains no synthetic substances,” says Dr Smitha. “Unlike allopathy, it uses a combination of herbs to cure the root cause of ailments.” The effectiveness of the correct combination of natural herbs is unchallenged. Certain herbs can cure persistent problems like ovarian cysts, fibroids and menopausal discomfort. Ayurvedic drugs have no serious side effects and generally do not contain any lead, mercury or arsenic. This art of holistic living not only cures, but also prevents. “There are effective medicines that help to maintain optimal health. Children can be given supplements to boost immunity against common illnesses, especially those caused by climatic changes that we experience here,” Dr Smitha explains. Beauty buffs can rely on natural ayurvedic supplements for a healthy complexion and to The doshas maintain the equilibrium for sound health
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