Chapter 6 - Ayurveda Flashcards
Where is Ayurveda considered traditional medicine?
India
Ayurveda falls under what classification of CAM?
Whole medical system.
When did Ayurveda become organized?
~1500 BC
When was Ayurveda transcribed?
~500 BC, during the Vedic period.
What language do the root words of Ayurveda come from?
Sanskrit
What are the two roots in the word Ayurveda, and what do they mean?
‘Ayu’ meaning life.
‘Veda’ meaning knowledge.
What does Ayurveda deal with?
The physical body
What does Yoga deal with?
The spirit
What does Tantra deal with?
The mind
What does ‘holistic’ mean in Ayurveda?
That every individual is a unique expression of cosmic consciousness.
What are the 5 elements that make up the universe in Ayurveda philosophy?
Earth, water, fire, air, ether (space).
What is it called when elements combine?
Doshas.
Ether + Air =
Vata
Fire + Water =
Pitta
Earth + Water =
Kapha
Why do doshas change?
Due to changing seasons, diet, lifestyle, emotions, and relationships.
Altered state of a person’s ___ can create a potential for ___.
Altered state of a person’s dosha can create a potential for disorder.
How are doshas kept in balance?
With personal, daily, seasonal routines.
What are the 7 primary elements that the human body is composed of?
Plasma, blood, flesh (muscle), fat, bone (marrow, nervous tissue), semen or female reproductive tissue.
What do OM doctors think the human body is made of?
Cells.
Disease or insanity can be caused by…
blockage of channels that carry fluids can lead to imbalances of doshas.
Diagnostic techniques of Ayurveda medicine.
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.
Ayurveda treatments
Moderation in all things; proper diet and hygiene; detoxification; medicines; massage; sweating; oil rubs; yoga.
Ingredients in Ayurveda medicines
herbs, animal substances, minerals & metals (mercury and lead).
Preparation of medication involves prayers.
Are the traditional modes of action in Ayurveda supported by scientific evidence?
No. We are made out of cells, which are made out of atoms.
As a scientist, how would you test Ayurveda?
One treatment at a time, to see if they stand on their own.
Do we know the dose-response curves of most Ayurveda medicine?
No.
Are many of the Ayurveda studies properly blinded and randomized?
No, they are poorly designed.
Example of an Ayurveda medicine that has not shown a specific biological response…
Cinnamon
Example of an Ayurveda medicine that might show a specific biological response…
Turmeric
Why is research into Ayurveda medicine risky for private companies?
The medicines can’t be patented.
What are the safety issues surrounding Ayurveda medicine?
Not adequately tested; reluctance to admit safety problems; metals can have adverse effects; accurate labeling has been an issue.
Is Ayurveda taught at western medical schools?
No
Is Ayurveda medicine licensed in the west?
No
Is Ayurveda taught at colleges in India?
Yes
Is Ayurveda licensed in India?
Yes
Does Ayurveda medicine come from the same paradigm as OM?
No. The 5 elements are different from cell theory.
Is there any overlap with the scientific method?
There is a lot of internal interest in scientific testing of Ayurveda treatments, especially herbs.
