Ayurveda is a system of alternative medicine that traces back its roots to ancient Indian civilization. According to ancient Hindu religious texts, called the “shastras”, Ayurveda is believed to have originated when the knowledge of medicine was passed on from the Gods to the sages, who in turn educated the human physicians about them.
Ayurveda therapies are still practiced widely in the Indian subcontinent. It usually comprises the usage of complex herbs, minerals, and other metals.
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Advantages of Ayurveda
- It is useful in aiding weight loss and maintenance
One of the most popular usages of Ayurveda is in losing weight and maintaining an otherwise fluctuating weight. Ayurvedic weight management treatments are without any side-effects and have shown proven results.
- It is believed to relieve stress
Ayurvedic practices are widely believed to be great stress busters. They tend to relax the tensions on the shoulder muscles and calf muscles. Ayurvedic spas are very common in India and are great ways to relax.
- Helpful in reducing Inflammation
The therapies have proved to reduce inflammation in all parts of the body and result in holistic healing of the body. Ayurvedic medicines and treatments tend to have a positive effect on one’s skin and hair.
- Detoxes the body
It helps the body get purified and rid itself of any toxins present in it. It is one of the most organic ways of achieving a healthy, high-functioning body.
- It is believed to balance hormones
There have been claims by certain researchers that ayurvedic medicines can result in balancing hormones. There are Ayurvedic remedies for PCOS, thyroid, etc. Many swear by the results Ayurvedic treatments have shown on these ailments.
- It reduces the risk of diseases
Some treatments of Ayurveda are believed to deter the occurrence of multiple diseases. However, Ayurveda might not be as useful in curing those diseases.
- It is believed to improve the overall health
Ayurveda, which is often called the sibling of Yoga, is all about holistic healing. It increases mindfulness and improves one’s overall sense of wellbeing and happiness.
- It improves skin quality
From Hollywood celebrities to Princess Diana, all have used Ayurvedic treatments for their skin and sworn by its effects.
- It is believed by many to cure insomnia
Ayurvedic treatments are believed to be a harmless cure for insomnia as they have no side effects. Some examples of Ayurvedic cure for insomnia are the various herbal sleeping teas which have become a hit in the West.
- It helps in reducing bloating
Ayurveda is truly believed to aid in the digestion process and prevent bloating. Made with absolutely natural ingredients, Ayurvedic digestive medicines are very common all over the Indian subcontinent and are widely used in almost every other home.
- It helps clear up energy
The whole aura of ancient Indian treatment and Ayurveda centers around energy and it is believed by many that Ayurveda introduces them to a new kind of positivity.
- Helps the Digestive System
The most common treatments of Ayurveda are for aiding digestion and easing digestion related problems.
- It improves your concentration
Some researches have also claimed that Ayurvedic treatments have positive side effects like improving one’s concentration levels.
- Some Ayurvedic therapies are very relaxing
Some Ayurvedic therapies which include oil massages and hot stone therapy are very relaxing. It reduces stress levels and improves blood circulation throughout the body.
Disadvantages of Ayurveda
- Diagnosis of the real ailment is difficult with the help of Ayurveda
Diagnosing complex symptoms is a very difficult task in Ayurveda. As Ayurveda doctors do not prescribe any medical examinations or testings of the body like X-rays, ultra-sonographies, finding the accurate cause of an ailment might be a difficult task and there remains a lot of ambiguity regarding the diagnosis.
- Poor or no formal training of Ayurveda doctors
Ayurveda doctors have no formal education and all their expertise comes from years of practice. While they might be very knowledgable, lack of formal education makes them incapable of providing some specific treatments.
- It takes time to show results
Ayurveda therapies and treatments take a long time to show results and are not effective in quickly relieving pain.
- The herbs prescribed are often rare and difficult to find
In some Western countries, the herbs are difficult to find. In that case, they have to be imported from abroad and stored. Both of these activities increase the cost of manufacturing Ayurvedic medicines.
- It is better at preventing than at curing
Ayurveda is at best, a precautionary measure than a cure. It is better at deterring the occurrence of an ailment than curing it.
- Lack of standardization regarding treatments
There are no standard practices in Ayurveda governing all the practices carried out under this branch of treatment. This can cause a lot of ambiguity and confusion.
- Can be expensive in some countries
Ayurveda, in some Western countries, can be quite expensive. This is because the ingredients used in Ayurvedic treatments are often extremely difficult to find in the West and have to be imported from the Indian subcontinent and because many Ayurveda clinics overcharge clients, utilizing the West’s obsession with exotic treatments.
- Treatment requires consistency
One must be regular with Ayurvedic treatments to start getting visible results. Further, Ayurvedic medicine also prevents you from consuming certain other food items that have the potential to nullify the treatment’s effects.
Ayurveda has become a rage over the decades and with the rise in demand for alternative and “exotic” sounding treatments in Western countries, the demand for Ayurveda is ever-growing. While some treatments and therapies of Ayurveda have been backed by medical science and research, there are still many Ayurvedic medicines which have not been subjected to any kind of checks.
They sometimes have a high concentration of metals and other harmful ingredients which can cause to be lethal for the body. The West might be fascinated with Ayurveda, but they have very few clinics that offer authentic Ayurvedic prescriptions.
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Rahul Panchal
“Business, marketing, and blogging – these three words describe me the best. I am the founder of Burban Branding and Media, and a self-taught marketer with 10 years of experience. My passion lies in helping startups enhance their business through marketing, HR, leadership, and finance. I am on a mission to assist businesses in achieving their goals.”