1.What is Ayurveda?
The term “Ayurveda” combines the Sanskrit words ayur (life) and veda (science or knowledge). Ayurvedic medicine, as practiced in India, is one of the oldest systems of medicine in the world.
2.What is the origin of Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is said to have its origin in India more than 5000 year ago based on deep understanding between the mind, body and spirit and its co-relation to the nature.
3.What is the general importance of Herbs?
Herbs are nature based (roots, leaves, bark, seeds, fruits and natural minerals) thus safe to use on a long term basis.
Some medicines are easily available in the kitchen or the plants in the home garden.
Ayurveda treatments are more affordable than conventional medicines, particularly where the surgery is avoided.
No side effects.
4.What is the Ayurvedic viewpoint of structure and functions of the Body?
Universe as well as human body are made up of five basic elements collectively called ‘PanchMahabhootas’. These are Aakash (Ether), Vayu (Air), Agni(Fire), Aapa (Water) and Prithvi (Earth). The sixth mandatory component of life is Atma (life spirit) without which life ceases. The human body is made up of Doshas (Bio-humours), Dhatus(Body matrix) and Malas (excretable products).
Vata, Pitta and kapha, known as Tridoshas are physiological entities of the body which are responsible for carrying out all the functions of the body.
Dhatus are the structural entities of the body. These are Rasa (Plasma), Rakta (Blood cells), Mamsa (Muscular tissue), Meda (Fatty tissue), Asthi (Bony tissue), Majja (Bone marrow) and Shukra (Hormonal and other secretions of genital).
Agni (Metabolic fire) is in thirteen different forms and carries out the whole metabolism of the body. The waste products of the body which are excretal are produced in the body as bye-products of metabolism. These are known as malas which include pureesh (faeces), Sweda (sweat) and Mutra (urine). All bio-transformations within the body occur through Srotases (body channels) which are the sites for action of agni.
5.What is the Basic philosophy of Health, Disease and Treatment in Ayurveda?
As per Ayurveda, ‘Health’ is a state of equilibrium of normal functions of doshas, Dhatus, malas and Agni with delighted body, mind and soul. It means that when Dosha-Dhatu-Malas and Agni are constantly in a state of functional equilibrium, then the health is maintained. Otherwise distortion of the equilibrium results into diseases. Erratic lifestyle is believed to be one of the basic causes behind the failure of mechanism of maintaining equilibrium.
Treatment either with or without drugs and application of specific rules of diet, activity and mental status as described, disease wise, brings back the state of equilibrium i.e. health.
6.How is Diagnosis done in Ayurveda?
Diagnostic procedures in Ayurveda are two pronged; one is aimed to establish the state and type of pathology and second to decide the mode of treatment to be applied. The former implies examination of the patient and make different investigations to diagnose the disease entity.
Inspection, palpation, percussion and interrogation are the main modes of physical examination. Pulse reading is an important tool for diagnosis in Ayurveda. Not only through Pulse reading can an Ayurveda Doctor understand the disease but also can predict the onset of disease to take place in future, if unchecked.
The second type of examination is to assess the strength and physical status of the individual so that accordingly the type of management required could be planned. For this examination of Prakriti (Body constitution), Saar (Tissue quality), Samhnan (physique), Satva (Mental strength), Satamya (specific adaptability), Aaharshakti (diet intake capacity), Vyayaam shakti (exercise capacity) and Vaya (age) is done. On the basis of this examination the individual is decided to be having Pravar bal (excellent strength), Madhyam Bal (moderate strength) or Heen Bal (low strength).
7.What are the modes of Ayurvedic Treatment techniques?
Modes of treatment in Ayurveda varies with the individuals
The types of treatment are as follows
Panchakarma (5treatments named vamana [emesis] ,virechana [purgation],nasya[instillation of medicine through nostrils],niroohavasti[decotion enema],anuvasana vasti[oil enema]) plus others.
Yoga
Dietary regiments
Daily regiments
Seasonal regiments
Oral medication
8. Where do the raw material of Ayurveda treatment come from?
All raw materials for Ayuveda treatment and medicine is natural[plants,animals,minerals].
9. What are the differences between Ayurveda and Western Medicine?
The basic fundamental of Ayurveda and western medicine is totally different,
And both medicines have their strength and weakness
Ayurveda medicines are natural, so if used properly will not cause any side effects
Ayuevedic medicine does not have addictive nature
Ayurvedic herbal medicines are safe for long term use.
Where western medicine is used for treating symptoms Ayurveda medicines and treatments focus on treating the root cause.
Western medicine targets the disease, while Ayurveda considers the whole body (physical as well as emotional) and tries to bring the body (doshas) into balance so that the disease disappears.
Thus Ayurveda empowers the body’s healing properties to keep itself healthy and disease free.
10.Is it possible to integrate Ayurveda and Western Medicine?
Yes, in some disease conditions integrating both Ayurveda and western medicines prove to be successful and fruitful.
11. Is Ayurveda recognised by W.H.O.
YES, it is.
Internationally, Ayurveda is getting recognition that it deserves. Ayurveda is recognized in many states in USA.It is very popular in Germany and some other parts of Europe, United Kingdom, Canada and Asia.
12.What are the common Ayurveda Medicines which can be used without consulting the Doctors?
It is always advised to use Ayurvedic medicine after consulting a registered Ayurvedic practioner
13.How safe is it to buy Ayurveda medicine over the counter?
Even though Ayurveda medicines do not have side effects. It is always advised to buy Ayurveda medicines after consulting an Ayurveda doctor.
14.Do Ayurveda medicine have side effects?
When taken in correct dose and proper way Ayuvedic medicines do not have side effects.
15.Where can one access specialised Ayurveda treatment in Kenya?
Ayurvedic services Ltd ,25 First Parklands Avenue, Nairobi, popularly known as Ayurvedakenya.
16. Do you have a branch in other parts of Kenya or East Africa?
No, we do not have a branch in Kenya, Uganda or Tanzania. We are based in Nairobi only.
17.Are there Beauty treatments in Ayurveda?
Yes, our beauty treatments too are nature based. We also have a health and beauty program for the bride and the bridegroom to be taken 3-4 Weeks prior to the wedding.
18.How safe is it for children and Babies?
It is absolutely safe for babies and children. Being nature based, they are safe for all ages and especially for little ones. The use of Ayurveda medicine prevents the recurrence of common cough and cold and builds immunity.
19.Does Ayurveda have any Fertility program?
Yes, Ayurveda can help conception where aspiring mothers are not able to conceive.
Ayurveda also has an advanced system to ensure a safe delivery of a healthy baby.
a.Ayurveda has the expertise to help the would be parents to plan for a physically and emotionally healthy baby with its Bij Sanskar program to improve the Intellectual, Emotional, Social and Spiritual Quotient of the unborn child. Helps to improve Growth parameters of the child to be above average. Born child becomes less cranky, more responsive, Happier, Better sleep and eating patterns, with advanced social behavior and better health in future.
b.The Bij Sanskar program Prevents/ reduces the risk of-
Hereditary diseases, Congenital abnormalities, Growth abnormalities, Cranio- facial abnormalities, Musculoskeletal abnormalities, Cardinal abnormalities, nervous system abnormalities, Mental deficiency etc. in the child. This is unique to Ayurveda as it is much more than the ante-natal care.
20.When should the parents seek Ayurveda advice for this Bij Sanskar program.?
A couple planning to start a family should visit an Ayurveda practitioner, even before the conception.
A couple planning to start a family should contact Ayurvedakenya whereby the treatment will be given to them to balance their Dosha. A simple logic is to have the best seed germinating in a healthy soil.
21.How does Ayurveda treat Erectile dysfunction and low sperm count?
Through its Detox program to repair, rejuvenate and improve the blood circulation plus natural herbs.
22.In summary, Why Ayurveda?
a.Ayurveda is a holistic treatment system which helps in whole body healing which has a history of over 5000 years.
b.As explained by WHO health is “state of complete, physical, mental and social wellbeing, and merely the absence of disease or infirmity”.
The same has been explained by Ayurveda Acharyas(Gurus) 5000 years ago and treatments and medicines are formulated based on the same principle.
c.Ayurveda treatments have no side effects and in auto immune disorders Ayurveda treatments tend to give very good result in comparison to western medicines.
d.Safe to use, all medicines used in Ayurveda are from nature, safer than the use of steroid as these do not cause any side effects
e. In auto immune disorders like psoriasis, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis. Ayurveda is able to improve the condition of patient without any steroids or surgery.
Under conventional treatment, such diseases keep on progressing while Ayurveda is able to arrest the progression and regress the disease and thus save further damage to the joints and vital organs and provide pain free living without the side effects of the long term use of the pain killers and steroids.
f. Life style and many hereditary diseases can be kept at bay if panchakarma treatments are done yearly. Ayurveda treatments are highly preventive and prevention is always better than cure.
g. Ayurveda has the capacity to renew and revive Kidneys without dialysis.
h. Ayurveda can provide relief and cure to Deviated Nasal Septum(DNS) eliminating the need for a Surgery.