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Ancient Indian Health Practice Finds Niche in Present-Day

Posted on: Monday, 11 July 2005, 12:00 CDT

An ancient Indian health practice is being touted as the latest thing for the health-conscious after attracting a host of celebrity devotees. Madonna and Sting, Cindy Crawford, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jemma Kidd are all reported to be fans of Ayurveda. It has been reported that the stars have been adjusting their dietary plans and beauty regimes according to the principles of the regime, which originated over 5,000 years ago.

The glamorous enthusiasts have given a high profile to the complementary healthcare system, which is far from being unproven or merely a fad enjoyed by the wealthy.

Ayurveda is becoming one of the fastest-growing alternative medical treatments in the world.

Dr Suraj Dubey, an Ayurvedic practitioner and consultant for the Oberoi Hotel group, said Ayurveda is a complete healthcare system based on the principal belief that prevention is better than cure.

He said, 'While most healthcare systems focus on the human body and its diseases, Ayurveda treats the complete person - mind, body and spirit.'

He believes its increasing appeal in today's stressful times is partly due to people seeking drug-free alternatives to conventional medicine and wanting a more successful way to manage their own health issues.

His experience is backed by statistics which show that one in five Britons uses complementary medicine, and according to a Mintel survey, one in 10 uses herbalism or homeopathy.

Dr Dubey says people often become devotees after first experiencing Ayurvedic treatment in spas.

He said, 'I meet many people who believe they are not as well as they could be despite the attention they give to their health, fitness and diet.

'Often this is because their diet and lifestyle does not suit their individual body type.

'Once they identify this through Ayurveda they can begin to balance their life and their body with amazing results.'

The word Ayurveda literally translates as 'the science of life' and the system has been traced and documented through ancient books of wisdom known as the Vedas.

While most healthcare systems focus on the human body and its diseases, Ayurveda treats the complete person and is based on the concept that we are only truly happy when all these three are in balance.

As with all holistic healthcare, medicines, advice and treatment are tailored to individual needs.

It aims to treat the patient rather than the illness, to prevent disease and to promote health.

The essential ethos is that we are all part of nature and everyone has a unique body type made up of a mixture of five elements - air, space, fire, water and earth.

These manifest in our bodies through three doshas or humours: vata (air), pitta (bile) and kapha (phlegm). Each person usually has one or two dominant doshas.

Doshas determine body type, character and constitution.

Practitioners believe that all ill health - both emotional and physical - is related to disturbances in the three doshas. For example, if Vata people are balanced they will be vibrant, enthusiastic and imaginative. When they are out of balance they could feel restless, tired, anxious and prone to certain disorders.

Using a blend of yoga, meditation, herbal medicine and dietary advice, an Ayurvedic practitioner will prescribe a treatment which is unique to the patient and will help balance the doshas. But always seek advice from an expert before taking herbal remedies as some are not compatible with orthodox drugs.: What type are you?:Vata (Air) - are likely to be creative, active, alert and restless. Physically he or she will be small-boned and dry skinned. They have outgoing personalities. Ailments: Air types are prone to dry skin, flaky scalp and frizzy hair. Diet: They benefit from warm, moist, nourishing foods such as stews, creamy curries and porridge.

They should avoid stimulants such as alcohol and caffeine.

Pitta (Fire) - are logical, critical and intelligent. They are usually medium build and are competitive.

Ailments: Sensitive skin, an oily T-zone, perspiration and spots.

Diet: They should avoid processed, fatty, or fried foods and eat more sweet, bitter vegetables such as carrots, and leafy greens. Overwork leaves them feeling burnt out - they should add massages and meditation to their routine.

Kapha (Earth) - tend to be calm, caring, family-minded and stable. They are generally heavily built and enjoy routine.

Ailments: Open pores and blackheads. Lack of exercise and cold, damp weather makes them feel tired and low.

Diet: They have a tendency to overeat, and should eat small meals of low-fat foods, vegetables and sour fruits. They can benefit from high impact sports.

Source: Western Mail

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