How does Ayurveda work?

The main purpose of our organism is to keep us alive. That is its function, its duty. Every 
cell has the intelligence to support that duty, but it can be a difficult task due to factors of the environment, emotions, nutrition, and genetics. These factors can affect the doshas (elements in the body) and bring about ailments and disease. Ayurveda's main objective is to balance the doshas of the individual according to their original constitution. When the doshas are in balance, the organism can function properly. Ayurveda focuses on removing the underlying cause of symptoms, which are the result of doshic imbalance. For that purpose, Ayurveda uses medicinal herbs, cooking methods, rejuvenating therapies, and daily routines (dinacharya). Diet and lifestyle that are in harmony with the original constitution will strengthen the body, mind, and consciousness, and prevent disorders at all levels.
 

Is Ayurveda safe? 

Ayurveda is a truly holistic natural system of health for all ages. Since Ayurveda considers food to be medicine, it focuses on diet and lifestyle as the foundation for good health, allowing the individual to take more control over their health and well being. Along with proper nutrition, it uses herbs and therapies that have been utilized for thousands of years. Medicinal herbs have many properties and potential actions, and, when manufactured and used properly, they achieve the desired results without creating further imbalances. So, as with any type of health care, it is important to have the guidance and close supervision of a trained clinician through regular follow-ups and good communication. At the Ayurveda Center we use only high quality, wildcrafted, and organic herbs and herbal preparations.
 

How effective is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is a very effective system of alternative medicine that is slowly being recognized in the west. It is one if the primary systems of health care in India, and has been used for thousands of years for all sorts of ailments and disorders. Its full effectiveness will depend on various considerations, including the age and state of health of the individual, how much effort they are willing to put into making the necessary changes toward better health, and how compliant they are with taking their formulas and following the recommended guidelines. Since an Ayurvedic regime is very individualized, its results will depend on individual factors and on follow-up treatments, since adjustments and close supervision are absolutely necessary to obtain optimal results. 
 

Can Ayurveda help with cancer, chronic, or serious diseases?

As a holistic system of medicine, Ayurveda does not focus on disease or pathology per se. Rather, it maintains that all life must be supported by energy in balance. It views health as the harmonious functioning of the organism as a whole, and states that no system can work in isolation. Therefore, its goal is not just to treat or suppress symptoms, but to restore balance to the doshas so as to restore the natural harmony of the organism as a whole. When the flow of energy is harmonious, everything works properly and there is a sense of well being. In other words, when the balance of the doshas is restored, the root cause of imbalance is removed, and the organism works properly (symptoms disappear). Furthermore, Ayurveda uses the cleansing and rejuvenation program known as panchakarma to detoxify and rejuvenate the organism at a cellular level, further promoting overall health.

 Can I keep taking my medication when following an Ayurvedic regime?

Ayurveda can be used in conjunction with Western allopathic medicine. Drugs can save lives, but because of their toxicity they can also weaken or damage the body. Ayurveda can help protect and make the body stronger after or along with drugs or surgery. It is very important to let the Ayurvedic clinician know what medication you are on, so he can recommend the appropriate regime for you.
 

Can Ayurveda be used for acute ailments and/or first aid?

Yes. Ayurveda offers many practical and simple treatments for acute and first aid ailments with medicinal substances you can usually find in your kitchen. Most people are amazed at how simple preventing and treating common ailments can be with a basic Ayurvedic knowledge. This is why we include a 'kitchen pharmacy' section in the Ayurvedic cooking workshops we offer each school session.
 

How long do I have to wait to see any results?

It depends on your state of health, your lifestyle, and how disciplined you are in following an Ayurvedic regime. Often times following an Ayurvedic regime can have rather quick effects, but since Ayurveda is a holistic science, patience and self-effort are important. We believe that slow change is lasting change.
 

Do I have to completely change my lifestyle to follow and Ayurvedic regime?

It really depends on what your health state, age, lifestyle, and goals are. Ayurveda defines imbalance as the end result of living out of harmony with our original constitution. Our constitution is the inherent balance of energies within our bodies and our minds. It determines everything from our bone structure and temperament to our predisposition toward certain health challenges. Since we all have a different balance of energy, the path to optimal health will vary from person to person. How close you are to your constitutional balance will determine how many changes you need to make to get the results you want from your regime.
 

What is Ayurvedic massage?

Ayurvedic massage is known as abhyanga. It consists of one or two therapists vigorously massaging warm oil onto your body from head to foot. This kind of massage takes you into a state of deep relaxation, both muscular and mental, while nourishing bodily tissues and promoting cleansing and healing. Specialized herbal oils specific to your constitution and imbalances help bring your body back into balance. 
 

What are medicated oils and why are they used in Ayurveda?

Medicated oils are herbal oils that have been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic clinics. They are used according to each person's needs and doshic imbalance. Warm oil has a penetrating quality that helps the body absorb the substances infused into the oil for health purposes. They are applied in many Ayurvedic therapies and are also used for self-massage as a part of a daily routine for self-healing and maintaining health (dinacharya).
 

How does Shirodhara work?

Pouring warm oil on the forehead has an extremely soothing and relaxing effect. This therapy quiets both the mind and the senses, allowing the body's natural healing mechanisms to release stress and impurities from the nervous system. When deep relaxation is achieved, the subtle "imprints" of imbalance or disease are also released. This therapy calms the subtle aspects of the doshas in the region of the head, thus promoting mental rejuvenation. It is done with herbal oils and other medicated liquids that nourish the nervous system and the subtle channels in the head. Because of the profound effects it has upon the consciousness, it has often been called "Bliss Therapy."
 

Is marma therapy similar to acupuncture or acupressure?

Marma point therapy is similar to acupressure in that it triggers energy to different organs and parts of the body, but it differs from it in that marma points follow different pathways of energy (called nadis). This therapy includes Ayurvedic massage, yoga stretches to free blocked energy and promote flexibility, the use of Ayurvedic essential oils or attars, herbal pastes and powders, as well as application of mild heat over specific areas, according to individual needs.
 

Do you offer courses at practitioner level?

Not at the present time. We offer courses for personal enrichment, and we are working on a more in-depth training that will also include other components that we are not able to offer at the moment. We will post all the information about it on this web site when it's fully implemented.
 

I have another question that hasn't been answered here. Contact Us

If you have any questions about our services, therapies, or educational programs, please don't hesitate to contact us. Someone will get back with you promptly.

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