The holistic approach
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During this whole unforgotten journey to Mysore, India one of the most memorable experiences I will forever cherish was the visit to the tribal camp. The opportunity to travel by overnight train to Dharwad, spending four days in the jungle with no cellular service and solely relying on living in the moment. Completely disconnecting and connecting with each other was heart-rending, along with the involvement of nature on another level. The chance to meet and interact with Ayurvedic medical practitioner Mr. Sridhar Desai, at his herbal medicine garden who was truly knowledgeable. He welcomed me along with the rest of the Florida International students to his home with open arms, where American’s aren’t always so welcoming to strangers. It was a nice feeling to have being so far away from home.
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Ayurveda medicine is the oldest system of medicine in the world, originating from India more than 3,000 years ago (OMICS, 2014). Ayurveda is the holistic approach to healing through the balance between the environment, mind, body and spirit. This system of treating illness broken down stands for the science of life; Ayur meaning life and Veda meaning science or knowledge (NCCIH, 2015). Ayurvedic medicine uses various products containing herbs, minerals or metals. Throughout the visit to Mr. Desai’s herbal garden it was unbelievable to see the vast amount of plants he nurtures. Acers of land you can get lost in, and he knew every plant without a guide or book for reference. This to me showed a true passion for the work he practices. I had a slight idea on the Ayurveda medicine and practice, but what I was exposed to this particular day made me feel a surprisingly deep appreciation to the plants surrounding me.
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The context I encountered with the ayurvedic medicine taught me that there is a more natural way than the western medicine. In western medicine doctors are always so rapid to advise you to take prescriptions. You don’t always need to be on several medications or be prescribed a drug for the slight pain you are feeling. This alternative route can help countless people, including being cost effective. There are several different remedies I learned while exploring this garden that I would not have the chance to get in a classroom setting, because I do not think there are classes offered at Universities on this practice. The use of plants or herbs I rather turn to for a headache, or when I am feeling anxious verses taking a pill to numb those feelings. I truly wish to look for various ways to help me after this experience for example, when I am stressed or irritable I can partake in yoga and meditation.
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Health issues are categorized by your diet, Ayurveda teaches us that everyone is made up of three traits called Doshas that are essential to a healthy lifestyle. Each person is said to have rata, pitta and kapha, in which each dosha is measured in different levels for everyone (McCall, 2007). Certain body types are associated with different doshas, personality styles, specific diseases and dietary needs. For example, the dosha Vata is associated with air, which is linked to people who are thin, creative, energetic and sometimes scattered. Ayurvedic medicine states that when the Vata levels are not balanced there is a risk for anxiety, insomnia, constipation and diseases of the nervous system. The recommended diet should consist of warm, well cooked foods eaten at regular intervals, consuming granola and salads moderately because this can take the Vata more off balance (McCall, 2007). Guidelines for Rata and Kapha also exist for those who choose to live by this practice, none of which contain any specific medications just a balanced healthy diet.
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Ayurveda medicine has been around for centuries and is still being practiced today in different regions of the world. As I continue with my concentration being in the medical field I wish to expand my knowledge on the various alternate routes of ayurvedic medicine to help others. There are so many medications being prescribed and contain a list of side effects that are just as harmful as what the medicine is supposed to be treating. Western medicine can definitely benefit with the use of Ayurvedic medicine, making a change to the medical industry. I believe I learned a lot during this experience and I can take home, benefiting from ayurvedic medicine. If I am feeling ill or have a headache I will think twice on taking a pill, I can choose to look up an alternative to taking medicine to relieve my septum’s. Moreover, I want to share this understanding with others, because I choose to help others in a more natural homeopathic approach.
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References:
McCall, T. (2007). Ask the doc: What can Ayurveda teach us about diet and health. Retrieved from http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.fiu.edu/eds/detail/detail?vid=4&sid=06e68dea-0eb1-4241-875e-41779d37f906%40sessionmgr120&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmU%3d#AN=edsgcl.169085318&db=edsgao
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National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). (2015). Ayurvedic Medicine: In Depth. Retrieved from https://nccih.nih.gov/health/ayurveda/introduction.htm
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OMICS (2014). Ayurvedic Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.omicsonline.org/ayurvedic-medicine/peer-review.php