Ayurveda

Introduction Complementary therapies also known by several other terms such as, holistic therapies, alternative medicine and traditional medicine is mainly used alongside conventional medical treatment . For instance, a patient is diagnosed with cancer, depending on the type of cancer, he/she may have to undergo surgery such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy. In addition, their doctor will suggest complementary therapy to them to boost their physical/emotional health or to relieve symptoms or side…

Many products in Ayurveda have antimicrobial activities against many pathogens. Sindur which is a kulpirasayan also is a broad spectrum antibiotic. Antimicrobial activity of tal sindur : Metallic and mineral preparations are unique preparations in Ayurveda. Along with herbal preparations which includes Bhasmas, herbo-mineral preparations, Kupipakwa Rasayanas which are inorganic mineral preparation, are the base of treatment of various diseases in the Ayurveda. Tal Sindoor contains mercury ,…

INTRODUCTION- Shalakya Tantra is a special branch of Ashtanga Ayurveda which deals with the treatment of the diseases affecting the body parts above the neck. This reveals that the branch of medical science which deals with the causes, diagnosis and curative procedures of the diseases pertaining to the head, ear, nose, eye, lips and throat is Shalakya Tantra. In Sanskrit the word Shalaka means a rod or probe. Therefore by Shalakya Tantra it is meant that the treatment would…

unknown author in 17th century and Bhaishajya ratnavali by Govind Das in 14th century. Details of more than 60 ‘Pratinidhi dravyas’ were described in Bhavaprakasha, more than 70 in Yogaratnakara, and about 75 in Bhaishajya Ratnavali, and later on in Ayurveda Sarasamgraha, more than 110 Pratinidhi dravyas were described (Vaghela…

Long Term Care and End of Life Treatment When dealing with death or possibility of death people react differently especially family and friends. In certain cultures there are specific rituals that are performed as a right of passage to death. Culture is the instrument that engraves specific meaning upon perceiving illness suffering and dying. Long term care especially for those that are older like geriatrics often times can rove to be one of the greatest challenge in numerous families today.…

There has been an increase in the use of alternative medicine worldwide, however a big part of the population do not still recognize and accept this type of medicine. This makes the future of alternative medicine uncertain, but we could make some predictions about its future if we know the factors that can shape it. Therefore, this part of the presentation will deal with the future of alternative medicine in two parts, the first part is the factors shaping the future of alternative medicine, and…

In the article, “Why Plants Are (Usually) Better Than Drugs” by Dr. Andrew Weil, Dr. Weil argues that using whole herbs, as opposed to drugs containing isolated compounds, is a better method of medicine. He discusses the benefits of using herbal treatments to gently heal the body, naturally achieving health by providing the necessary elements for the body to heal itself. By isolating a single compound, and excluding the other compounds, we are missing out on potential health benefits. These…

INTRODUCTION About 2400 years BC, Hippocrates advised: “Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food” (Rishi 2006). Herbal medicines are used as a method of diseases treatment all over the world, especially in some countries like Iran. Advantages, such as less adverse effects, therapeutic efficacy, and lower final prices, make them a good alternative source for synthetic drugs. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are the most common drugs used to treat joint, bone, and muscle…

CHAPTER 1 THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND The World Health Organization (WHO, 2000) defines traditional medicine as “the sum total of knowledge, skills, and practices based on the theories, beliefs, and experiences indigenous to different cultures that are used to maintain health, as well as to prevent, diagnose, improve, or treat physical and mental illnesses”. Traditional medical practices can include plant, animal, and mineral-based medicines, massage, spiritual therapies, and a variety of…

Acupuncture is a healing technique used in traditional Chinese medicine. Very thin needles are used to stimulate specific points in the body. These points remain in energy paths called "meridians." Acupuncture treatments are designed to improve the flow and balance of energy along these meridians. Traditional Chinese medicine has existed for at least 2,500 years. Consider the human body as a system of energy flows. When these flows are balanced, the body is healthy. Practitioners take the pulse…