If you have grown up in an Indian home, you would know the magic of simple remedies suggested by our grannies to treat all big and small health-related problems. Chest congestion, cough, stomach ache or even period pain. These simple yet effective remedies are age old secrets handed down and had always held an important place in our hearts. Reminiscing the memorable times, all these “gharelu nuskas” had their roots deeply embedded in Ayurveda. With a combination of locally grown ingredients, these helpful alternatives not only treated the problem but also strengthened the immune system. Let’s read on to find what Ayurvedic healthcare is and why Ayurvedic medicine for women’s health has become popular.
What is Ayurvedic Health Care?
Ayurveda is an indigenous, oldest recorded health care system. It is known to promote good health, as well as prevent and treat diseases without any hazardous side effects. Ayurvedic health care concentrates on the health and well-being of the individual as a whole, and as a member of society. The central aspect of Ayurveda is – the kitchen is the pharmacy and the pharmacy is the kitchen.
Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word which literally translates – “Ayur” means since of life and “Veda” means knowledge.
- With roots deeply embedded in CharakaSaṃhitā, Ayurveda is the science of life, a system of health and medicine which aims to assist people in living a healthy life.
- Health, according to Ayurvedic theory, is defined as – uninterrupted physical, mental, spiritual happiness and fulfilment; a true balance of organs/systems, psyche and spirit, and balanced and creative relationships with fellow creatures and nature as a whole, family, friends, work, climate, ideals and customs, truth and ourselves.
- According to Ayurveda, each ingredient used for cooking holds medicinal value. Consuming a nourishing diet is well-thought-out prevention of diseases and is considered a ‘substitute’ for stronger medicine.
Why Ayurveda promotes a healthier, happier lifestyle
Head of Ayurvedic Research Institute, India Dr. Shri Vishal Tripathi (BAMS – Gold Medalist) believes, “Even though modern sciences, and allopathic in particular, has made several advancements in the field of technology and diagnosis, however, there are very few families who are healthy in the real sense.” According to him, the cycle of medication is an unending one, that is to treat the side-effect of one, we now pop another pill and then another and so on.
With 40 years of extensive experience in field of Ayurvedic research and treatment, Dr. Tripathi believes health problem are nothing but lifestyle disorders. Wrong eating and sleeping habits, lifestyle choices, and dependency on quick medicines is the root cause of all health problems.
Ayurvedic medicine for women’s health
Dr. Tripathi explains why Ayurvedic health care is the right road to a healthy life in women. He says, “The Aurvedic doctrine, unlike modern sciences, is over 5000 years old, and has its roots deeply embedded in our Vedas.” He is of the opinion that the reason of increasing health issues in women specifically is the lack of a natural nourishing diet. PCOS or PCOD, for instance, is affecting girls at a very young age.
According to a research, one in every 10 women in India has polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common endocrinal system disorder among women of reproductive age.
“The main cause is that girls don’t take sufficient rest during their menstruation cycle. They pop a pain killer and are out playing in the ground or do rigorous workout in the gym.”
— DR. Vishal TRIPATHI
He says that body works overtime during the periods, therefore needs a break in the form of sleep.
“In Ayurveda, the menstrual cycle is treated as a cleanse. It is regarded as a gift to the female body that should be received gracefully every month. As with any cleanse, the body requires rest to rejuvenate and balance the three doshas (biological energies found within the body). These three energies are namely Vata (Air), Pitta (Fire) and Kapha (Water).”
Ayurveda is completely against the use of oral contraceptives as these have a serious impact on the physiologically health of the women. The symptoms aren’t visible instantly but artificial medications to have a long-term impact on the overall well-being of women’s health. Ayurveda is also against C-sec deliveries and advices women to opt for natural delivery. Dr. Tripathi also emphasises on the fact that during menopause, if the flow isn’t too heavy, then women should not get the ovaries removed. Doing so has an adverse effect which is visible during old age. Headaches, back pain and Urinary Tract infection become common when ovaries are removed.
Benefits of Ayurveda in treating women’s health
Dr. Pundhir (MD Ayurveda), a renowned Ayurvedic doctor and columnist in daily nationals, precisely explains why Ayurveda is the right course for healthy life. He says, “Since women have different physiology in terms of pregnancy, menstruation, hormonal specifics and a specific anatomy accordingly, Ayurveda prescribes woman centric medicines to balance all those imbalances pertaining to the above mentioned woman-specific disorders:
1. Ayurveda treats a woman’s menstrual disorders only by herbo mineral medicines, i.e. without chemically developed hormones which are known to have temporary effects. The aim of Ayurveda, on the other hand, is to correct them at physiological level providing long term relief.
2. Ayurveda has specialised medicines for the weakness of uterine muscles and checks habitual abortions.
3. After delivery a woman’s physiology reboots to non-pregnancy state in which Ayurvedic medicines are of immense use and provide quick recovery only by medicines of natural resources thus saving the woman from chemically developed hormonal therapy if required.
4. A woman needs a very good lactation for the baby to feed and Ayurveda has specific medicines to stimulate a good milk production in terms of not only in quantity but quality also, hence securing the health of the baby.
5. Whenever a woman falls ill during pregnancy and suffers high fever, headache, diarrhea, respiratory, gastrointestinal, liver and urinary tract infections, she can bank upon Ayurvedic medicines to treat them as they don’t harm the baby during gestation in any manner whatsoever, usually known with allopathic medicines.
6. Yoga is a part of Ayurveda and no exercise is known better than it for a woman at any stage in her life.
Dr. Pundhir goes on to say that Ayurveda not only takes the care of a woman’s physiological health but also takes of her hair, skin, physique, digestion, diet, eyes, etc. through its woman oriented herbo mineral applications; external as well as internal.
Early diagnosis and treatment is the key to help prevent health problems. Internal healing is of prime importance and Ayurveda focuses on the physiological constituents to treat all health problems. The need of the hour is promotion of healthy lifestyles to enable holistic living that is free from stress and anxiety.
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