Ayurvedic Treatments, The Threefold Path

Life is a complete whole, and every part of that whole is an integral part which contributes to the proper functioning of the entirety and the other parts. Life in balance does not neglect any part of itself, and life in balance is a healthy life. However, this balance is often near impossible to find with the demands of today’s world, or can seem so at least. Ayurvedic medicine seeks to restore that balance to life which is natural to it, and is productive of the health which it is intended to have. Consequently, ayurvedic treatments can address every aspect of life regardless of how insignificant it may seem.

In Ayurveda, all disease and unhealthy conditions are the result of imbalance of the natural forces of life within the body, mind, and spirit of the individual. Restoring these forces to their natural state of balance is the ultimate goal of ayurvedic medicine. To accomplish this ayurvedic treatments follow a fairly simple threefold plan of action. The first step is to determine the nature of the imbalance, this is known as diagnosis, and though sharing the name with its western counter-part, it is quite unique in its methodology.

There are three primary actions for diagnosing a patient in ayurvedic medicine. The first is to check the pulse of the patient. The pulse of an individual directly reflects the exact current state of that individual, and a sensitive doctor can identify the specific dosha(s) which are out of balance, the cites of the origin of their imbalance, and the resulting symptoms of the imbalance. This method for diagnosis is very powerful, and unique to Ayurveda.

Next, the doctor will review the tongue of the patient. The tongue is a mirror to the body, reflecting on its various regions the states of the various parts of the body. Ama, toxins accumulated due to imbalance, often buildup on the tongue and the different colors and cite of buildup can further indicate the type and level of imbalance.

Finally, after listening to and looking at the body, the doctor will listen to the patient’s description of their symptoms and conditions. This method is common to all medical practices, but is often complicated by the patient’s ability or inability to accurately describe their condition, or their willingness to be honest.

The next stage in ayurvedic treatment is not always necessary but used only for old, chronic, or particularly stubborn conditions. This stage uses the methods of Panchakarma, or five actions, to expel stagnate and accumulated toxins from the body which prevent the body from being restored to balance. Panchakarma are five general types of ayurvedic treatments that often utilize powerful herbs blended in oils and other mediums for the purposes of emesis, purgation, and nasal discharge. These blends are applied internally through the mouth, nose, and rectum, or externally through massage depending upon the desired effect. This stage of ayurvedic treatment is a necessary precursor to the final stage of restoring the vitiated dosha(s) to their natural balance.

The third and final stage in the process of ayurvedic treatment is the restoration of balance. Treatments utilized in this stage are as vast and multifaceted as are the actions of life. It can be necessary to change any kind of habit, to introduce a new one, or remove an old one. Yoga and meditation are new habits which are often prescribed, but it can be necessary to do things which might seem insignificant or irrelevant, like going on walks in the evening, or sleeping on a different side of the body. Such Ayurvedic treatments often include changes in diet, exercise, and sexual habits. This stage of treatment will also include the use of traditional ayurvedic medicines, which are less severe than panchakarma and work to restore balance to the body rather than simply cleansing it of toxins. There are hundreds and perhaps thousands of ayurvedic preparations specially designed for the treatment of all the variety of ailments which humans encounter, and it is here that most of such ayurvedic treatments are employed.

This threefold path to health is simple yet thorough and methodical. It begins with true insight into the condition of the suffering and ends with a person restored as a whole. It neglects no aspect of life, and treats nothing with less importance than it deserves. Only by addressing the wholeness of life can life find the complete balance which is health. Ayurvedic treatments keep a encompassing perspective in order to achieve this complete balance, and this perfect health.

Ayurvedic medicine maintains vitality as a living tradition and world view, the heart of which can only be taught by a living and breathing sensitive person to another living, breathing, sensitive person.