Frequently Asked Questions
How is Ayurveda different than Western Medicine?
One major difference is that in Ayurveda, the responsibility for health is fully shared with the client. Ayurveda approaches each person as unique,and believes that they hold the keys to their own healing. A practitioner determines each client's unique "prakruti", or constitution (body/mind type), and "vidruti" or current state of imbalance, then works with them to create a highly individual plan to assist that patient to her or his unique state of health and well being.
How does Ayurveda work with Western Medicine?
The two systems are often used in a complementary manner. Increasingly, Western doctors are referring to Ayurvedic practitioners. Moreover, they are studying and incorporating Ayurveda into their practices. Similarly, Ayurvedic practitioners refer patients to their Western medical colleagues.
How do herbs differ from pharmaceutical products?
Herbs work closely with the body's natural energies, helping it to regain proper functioning. Herbs may take longer to work, depending on the nature and location of the imbalance. However, herbs are generally less toxic and are less apt to have side effects than most pharmaceutical products. Also, herbs are not simply used to focus on the presenting symptoms, but are used to return the body to a state of optimal functioning: to a state where the body can heal itself.
How does Ayurveda fit into the medical picture?
The National Institutes of Health, Office of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, currently considers Ayurveda to be a form of complementary and Alternative medicine in United States. In the state of California, Ayurveda is a non-licensed profession. Its practice was formally legalized by passage of Senate Bill 577 in January 2003. Ayurvedic consultations are considered alternative and complementary to the healing arts that are licensed in the state of California.