Chapter 6 - Ayurveda

Question 1

Where is Ayurveda considered traditional medicine?

Answer 1

India

Question 2

Ayurveda falls under what classification of CAM?

Answer 2

Whole medical system.

Question 3

When did Ayurveda become organized?

Answer 3

~1500 BC

Question 4

When was Ayurveda transcribed?

Answer 4

~500 BC, during the Vedic period.

Question 5

What language do the root words of Ayurveda come from?

Answer 5

Sanskrit

Question 6

What are the two roots in the word Ayurveda, and what do they mean?

Answer 6

‘Ayu’ meaning life.

‘Veda’ meaning knowledge.

Question 7

What does Ayurveda deal with?

Answer 7

The physical body

Question 8

What does Yoga deal with?

Answer 8

The spirit

Question 9

What does Tantra deal with?

Answer 9

The mind

Question 10

What does ‘holistic’ mean in Ayurveda?

Answer 10

That every individual is a unique expression of cosmic consciousness.

Question 11

What are the 5 elements that make up the universe in Ayurveda philosophy?

Answer 11

Earth, water, fire, air, ether (space).

Question 12

What is it called when elements combine?

Answer 12

Doshas.

Question 13

Ether + Air =

Answer 13

Vata

Question 14

Fire + Water =

Answer 14

Pitta

Question 15

Earth + Water =

Answer 15

Kapha

Question 16

Why do doshas change?

Answer 16

Due to changing seasons, diet, lifestyle, emotions, and relationships.

Question 17

Altered state of a person’s ___ can create a potential for ___.

Answer 17

Altered state of a person’s dosha can create a potential for disorder.

Question 18

How are doshas kept in balance?

Answer 18

With personal, daily, seasonal routines.

Question 19

What are the 7 primary elements that the human body is composed of?

Answer 19

Plasma, blood, flesh (muscle), fat, bone (marrow, nervous tissue), semen or female reproductive tissue.

Question 20

What do OM doctors think the human body is made of?

Answer 20

Cells.

Question 21

Disease or insanity can be caused by…

Answer 21

blockage of channels that carry fluids can lead to imbalances of doshas.

Question 22

Diagnostic techniques of Ayurveda medicine.

Answer 22

Detailed questioning and observation of the patient; examination of vital pressure points; taking pulse; examination of tongue; examination of lines on the face; and stool exams.

Question 23

Ayurveda treatments

Answer 23

Moderation in all things; proper diet and hygiene; detoxification; medicines; massage; sweating; oil rubs; yoga.

Question 24

Ingredients in Ayurveda medicines

Answer 24

herbs, animal substances, minerals & metals (mercury and lead).
Preparation of medication involves prayers.

Question 25

Are the traditional modes of action in Ayurveda supported by scientific evidence?

Answer 25

No. We are made out of cells, which are made out of atoms.

Question 26

As a scientist, how would you test Ayurveda?

Answer 26

One treatment at a time, to see if they stand on their own.

Question 27

Do we know the dose-response curves of most Ayurveda medicine?

Answer 27

No.

Question 28

Are many of the Ayurveda studies properly blinded and randomized?

Answer 28

No, they are poorly designed.

Question 29

Example of an Ayurveda medicine that has not shown a specific biological response...

Answer 29

Cinnamon

Question 30

Example of an Ayurveda medicine that might show a specific biological response...

Answer 30

Turmeric

Question 31

Why is research into Ayurveda medicine risky for private companies?

Answer 31

The medicines can't be patented.

Question 32

What are the safety issues surrounding Ayurveda medicine?

Answer 32

Not adequately tested; reluctance to admit safety problems; metals can have adverse effects; accurate labeling has been an issue.

Question 33

Is Ayurveda taught at western medical schools?

Answer 33

No

Question 34

Is Ayurveda medicine licensed in the west?

Answer 34

No

Question 35

Is Ayurveda taught at colleges in India?

Answer 35

Yes

Question 36

Is Ayurveda licensed in India?

Answer 36

Yes

Question 37

Does Ayurveda medicine come from the same paradigm as OM?

Answer 37

No. The 5 elements are different from cell theory.

Question 38

Is there any overlap with the scientific method?

Answer 38

There is a lot of internal interest in scientific testing of Ayurveda treatments, especially herbs.