First developed in India, Ayurveda is a healing practice that has gained more attention in the western world. Focusing on healing both mind and body, Ayurvedic medicine is becoming more well-known by people interested in exploring naturopathic healing methods and further developing themselves spiritually.
Ayurveda was once only reserved for India’s most wealthy citizens but has become mainstream in recent years. This growing popularity can be attributed in part to testimonials that credit Ayurveda with treating a variety of chronic ailments ranging from acne to allergies.
In the United States, Ayurveda is studied by traditional physicians as well as naturopaths who seek to incorporate the principles to help treat their patients. Practitioners assert that supplementing conventional medical treatments with Ayurvedic medicine principles and self-care can help patients fight disease and create a balance between the mind and body.
Keep reading to find out about Ayurvedic medicine and how it is used in a retreat setting.
What Is Ayurvedic Medicine?
Ayurvedic medicine has been around for more than 3,000 years. Meaning life (Ayur) and science (veda) in Sanskrit, Ayurveda is founded on the belief that all human diseases can be traced to an underlying imbalance—whether that imbalance is physical or subconscious.
Ayurvedic practitioners understand that everything we deal with in daily life can positively or negatively impact our wellbeing and that many stressors can be effectively treated holistically. Utilizing Ayurvedic medicine to achieve harmony between mind, body, and spirit is the goal.
There are three energy types (doshas) that anyone interested in Ayurveda should know about: vata (movement), pitta (digestion and metabolism), and kapha (spiritual growth). Due to an unbalanced diet and other internal and external stressors, the doshas can become unbalanced, which leads to a variety of illnesses and less than optional physical and mental wellbeing.
Those who embark on an Ayurvedic healing regimen generally begin by what is called an internal purification process. The duration of this process varies from person to person. It typically involves a modified detoxication diet, various Ayurvedic remedies, yoga or tai chi, and meditation. The purification process prepares the individual for treatment by eliminating toxins and building immunity. Herbs and oils are commonly used to augment detoxification.
Ayurveda is more than just an alternative therapy. In India, it is considered to be a type of medical care on par with the organized health care systems in North America. Practitioners undergo extensive education and training.
There is currently no certification or licensing structure for Ayurvedic medicine in the United States. Despite the lack of licensure in the US, many Western physicians attest to the efficacy of an Ayurvedic approach and believe that the lifestyle changes encouraged by Ayurveda can contribute to an improved quality of life.
Ayurvedic Retreats: What to Expect
With more awareness being raised about the benefits of Ayurveda, retreats and other experiences based on these principles are becoming more common. Ayurvedic specialists organize these retreats to give participants an authentic experience. So what can you expect at an Ayurvedic retreat?
Individual experiences vary greatly, but many Ayurveda-based retreats have several commonalities. The overall structure is centered on an improved diet, private consultations with Ayurvedic specialists, group and individual meditation, and physical activity through yoga. Other components may include herbal treatments, aromatherapy, Ayurvedic cooking classes, and massage.
Many of the most prominent Ayurvedic retreats are nestled in scenic locations like rural farmland or forests adjacent to mountain ranges. Standard accommodations are offered and many retreats serve a locally-grown, mostly vegetarian menu. Retreats can last as little as a few days or can stretch over several weeks, and some have strict regimens for further mental and physical growth.
Is Ayurvedic Medicine Right for You?
Deciding to embark on an Ayurveda-based healing regimen requires significant research, planning, and forethought. It is important to understand how the process works as well as any special circumstances before deciding to visit a practitioner.
To decide if an Ayurvedic experience is right for you, search for a qualified practitioner. You may want to obtain a recommendation from your current physician, a friend, or a family member who has benefited from treatment. You can also search the National Ayurvedic Medical Association’s website.
Once you find a potential practitioner or Ayurvedic facility, it is important to ask questions and address any concerns you might have. Depending on your health history, there may be parts of the process that are contraindicated. Your practitioner will be able to evaluate you to determine if an Ayurveda-based regimen is right for you.
Always be transparent about any diagnosed illness, symptoms you are currently experiencing, as well as any herbal remedies or medications you’re taking. Additionally, remember that Ayurvedic medicine should be considered a supplement to Western medicine and treatment, not a replacement for it. By doing your research and being forthcoming about your health history, you can find a practitioner and program that meets your needs.