The development of the Ayurvedic health-care system is rooted in the Vedic culture of the ancient South Asian sub-continent, with records of Ayurvedic knowledge and practice dating back over 5,000 years.  The most fundamental aspects of Ayurvedic theory is based on the 5 elements of the universe; ether (space), air, fire, water, earth.  Three combinations of these elements are thought to compose the 'Doshas' or energies whose interactions compose the natural world and our bodies.

The focus of Ayurveda is on understanding the pathology and contributing factors of disease, and through holistic means, eliminating the root cause as well as the symptoms of doshic imbalances.  As everything is seen through the lense of the doshas, or the 'tri-doshic' theory, every disease is seen to be caused by a doshic imbalance.  The Ayurvedic practitioner aims to use herbal medicines, individualized dietary and lifestyle guidelines, home remedies and detoxification treatments to balance the doshas and treat the root cause of the condition.  Ayurveda contains documented pathology and treatments for nearly all minor, chronic and even acute diseases (not including modern phenomena such as HIV/AIDS).

The Many Benefits of Ayurvedic Medicine

Helps Lower Stress and Anxiety

Calming and supporting the nervous system is simple for Ayurvedic medicine.  Sedative, nervine and adaptations have the ability to lower stress and reduce anxiety.  This one improvement may have a cascade of benefits throughout the body.  Well, to lower cortisol levels and re-balance the body’s energy, an Ayurvedic medicine practitioner has a wide range traditional formulas in powder, ghee, liquid for most nerve related condtions such as heart palpitations, tremors, nerve pain, neuropathy, anxiety and insomnia. 

Lowers Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

Herbal formulas can be prepared for the individually based on the dosha(s) responsibility for the cardiovascular condition. An ayurvedic herbalist will Using blood cleansing (alterative) herbs, bitter herbs, diaphoretic herbs, circulation promoting herbs, nervies as needed and supporting herbs While Ayurveda may help lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol, practitioners focus on prevention rather than treatment. For example, lifestyle habits and food choices affect blood pressure and cholesterol, and Ayurveda encourages improving these. In addition, the benefits of Ayurvedic medicine also include the ability to reverse atherosclerosis and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Helps With Recovery From Injuries and Illnesses

Ayurveda helps not only with prevention, but also with recovery. The beauty of this paradigm is in its comprehensive approach to care. For example, the benefits of Ayurvedic medicine come from many areas of life. Exercise and meditation from yoga, as well as food choices and fasting all combine to help with recovery. Yes, Ayurveda targets inflammation, which is often at the core of disease. But it can also help improve blood flow and reduce pain and swelling to fight inflammatory conditions like arthritis. Ayurveda can also help detox the body with different herbs, teas and healthy foods. To help lower cortisol levels, a practitioner may also recommend classic Ayurvedic medicine herbs like ashwagandha.

Improves Digestion 

And where would we be without better food choices? The benefits of Ayurvedic medicine include the ability to promote a nutrient-dense and antioxidant-rich diet. Diets for all three doshas include fresh herbs, teas, spices, vegetables, and healthy fats. But when you eat is also important. In addition, Ayurvedic medicine promotes foods that are easy to digest and foods that help detoxify the body, like fermented foods.

Can Help With Weight Loss

As you may have guessed, the benefits of Ayurvedic medicine include the ability to help boost metabolism and aid in weight loss. In a recent 2019 study, researchers found that the whole-body approach offered by Ayurveda can help effectively increase weight loss. Though the test group was small, the benefits of Ayurvedic medicine were significant. Ayurvedic medicine promotes a balanced, healthy diet based on an individual’s dosha type.

Clearly Lowers Inflammation

As we’ve already seen, the benefits of Ayurvedic medicine include the ability to lower inflammation in the body. You see, Ayurveda focuses on the assumption that poor digestion, unhealthy diet, and a lack of sleep cause inflammation and oxidative stress, which lead to imbalances in the body. Ayurvedic medicine helps to lower inflammation and improve digestion using natural, herbal treatments and antioxidant-rich foods. Practitioners often recommend turmeric and black pepper to help fight inflammation and speed healing.

Helps With Hormonal Balance

That wonderful feeling of health may come about when your hormones are in balance and acting properly (for you!). The benefits of Ayurvedic medicine include the ability to help balance hormones using a healthy diet, herbs and essential oils. For example, studies show that essential oils that balance hormones include thyme, clary sage, sandalwood, lavender, and basil oil, among others. Ayurveda can help fight thinning hair, irregular periods, acne, PMS, and other symptoms related to hormonal imbalance.