Complementary Health Approaches: Ayurvedic Medicine

Deborah Pearce

HW499-Unit 5

Health is a state of body, wellness is a state of mind. – J. Stanford

NASM Certified Personal TrainerBS in Business Administration, Human Resources (2003)BS in Health Sciences: Health and Wellness (2016)

Complementary Health Approaches

u The term “complementary” refers to the use of unconventional or non-mainstream healthcare approaches that are used in conjunction with conventional approaches.u Versus an “alternative” health approach which refers to the use of

unconventional or non-mainstream healthcare approaches in place of conventional approaches.

u Ayurveda/Ayurvedic Medicine

u Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

u Homeopathy/Homeopathic Medicine

u Naturopathy/Naturopathic Medicine

What is Ayurvedic Medicine?

u Ayurveda: combination of Sanskrit words “ayur” and “veda”

u One of the oldest medical systems in Indiau Emphasis on preventing illness and disease,

maintaining balance within the individual, and individualized treatment

u Utilizes herbs, plant-based medicine, specialized diets

“The part can never be well unless the whole is well” - Plato

Key concepts

u Mind/Body connectionu Universal interconnectednessu Body’s constitution vs

environmentu Life forces (dosha)

The mind/body connection

Interconnectedness

Body Constitution and Life Forces

u Body constitution (parkriti)u Life forces (dosha)

u Pittau Vatau Kapha

u Elements

u Energy that controls metabolic functionsu Digestion & hormones

u Nutrition/absorption

u Body temperature

u Characteristics:u Physical: medium build, strong, red

tint skin and warm body

u Personality: passionate and romantic, sharp mind, focused, assertive, confident, competitive, aggressive, demanding, strong appetite

u Out of balance: agitation, anger, hot temper, impatience

u Elemental influence: fire – rashes, inflammation, ulcers, heartburn, fevers, insomnia

Vata

u Energy of movement and motionu Breathing

u Heart beat & blood circulation

u Bowel/bladder functions

u Characteristics:u Physical: tall, thin, dry skin, cold

hands/feet

u Personality: lively, active, flexible, creative, fun, quick learner, forgetful

u Out of balance: anxiety, fear, nervousness

u Elemental influence: air –emphysema, pneumonia, tics, aching joints, flatulence, nervous disorders, mental confusion.

Kapha

u Energy of strength, immunity, growthu Supplies water throughout the bodyu Moisturizes the skinu Maintains immune system

u Characteristics:u Physical: heavier build, strong, thick

skin, soft hair/skin, large eyes, low voice

u Personality: tolerant, easygoing, relaxed, affectionate, loving, forgiving, stable, faithful, high energy, gentle, calm

u Out of balance: depression, possessive, lethargic

u Elemental influence: water – sinus issues, colds, upper respiratory infection, sluggish digestion, atherosclerosis

Treatments, benefits and common uses

u Herbal supplements

u Aromatherapy

u Massage

u Enemas

u Supervised fasting

u Yoga/meditation

u Exercise

u Lifestyle adjustments

u Chronic illnesses

u Heart disease

u Type 2 diabetes

u Digestive disorders

u Rheumatoid arthritis

u Autoimmune conditions

u Chronic skin disorders

How safe is this? And does it work…u FDA regulation

u Toxicityu Scientific studies

u 2008: products purchased onlineu 2011: schizophrenia, diabetesu 2011: NCCIH clinical trail – rheumatoid arthritisu 2011: osteoarthritis

“Most people have no idea how good their body is designed to feel” – Kevin Trudeau

Licensing and education

u No official license in the U.S.

u National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA)u http://www.ayurvedanama.org

u Practitioners licensed in other fields