Explainer | What is Ayurveda? History, treatments and doshas of traditional Indian medicine loved by Madonna, Naomi Campbell and Demi Moore explained
- Also called the ‘science of life’, Ayurveda is based on the idea that good health can only be achieved if an individual’s three doshas (energies) are in balance
- Therapies use herbs, oils, meditation and yoga, and can help treat various ailments, from insomnia and eczema to back pain and hormonal problems
Regarded in the West as a complementary or alternative medicine system, Ayurveda originated in India more than 3,000 years ago.
While practitioners of conventional Western medicine treat symptoms of a disease or illness, practitioners of Ayurveda work to address the cause of a symptom and help individuals strengthen their immune system to prevent disease.
Ayurveda treats the body, mind and spirit as one entity, on the basis that the body and mind are connected to the outer world and work together to prevent disease.
The Ayurvedic method tackles a range of health-related issues, from excessive sweating, hormonal issues and joint pain to hormonal imbalances, sexual dysfunction, anxiety and insomnia. Much of the population in India uses Ayurveda exclusively or in combination with modern medicine.
During the coronavirus pandemic, interest in Ayurvedic remedies for health – and beauty – has skyrocketed. Western celebrities including Naomi Campbell, Demi Moore, Madonna, Halle Berry and others have spoken out in their support long before the global health crisis.
