This guide is the first in a series exploring "alternative" therapies.

Ayurveda, pronounced "eye-yer-vay-duh" (thanks, Sailu's Food!), is an alternative medical system and is the ancient Hindu science of health and medicine. the ohmtastic blog shares her succinct definition of Ayurveda with us and according to Dr. Vasant Lad, in Sanskrit, Ayurveda means "The Science of Life" and the knowledge of Ayurveda is more than 5,000 years old. How can this vast understanding of the human body and spirit help us today?

First, it is important to assess your dosha, or constitution. The three doshas are: vata, pitta and kapha and describe energy in the body, excess or deficiency of which can cause disease. Fran's House of Ayurveda helps you find your dosha by posting a handy chart and including links to online tests. She also writes a useful reference on how to eat in an Ayurvedic way, highlighting what she dubs as "odd-sounding" guidelines, like what to put on your fork and foods you should avoid combining.

Sailu's Food gives a detailed introduction on Ayurvedic nutrition and cooking, including principles for the body ("Eating foods according to your dosha type and seasons."), mind ("Eating in a relaxed mental state. Never rush with eating your food.") and spirit ("Non-violent eating helps in purity of our inner soul."). Reading this transported me to another level of thinking about food.

Alpha 150 posts an article that mentions how Ayurveda can help us to enjoy eating what we love without feeling deprived.

char's blog gives us a look at "the real Ayurveda" (highlighted: a dreamy-sounding massage) from her base in Aluva, Kerala, India.

So, "ayur" ready to try something new? (Har, har. I couldn't resist.) Find an Ayurvedic practioner near you.

Related guides:

• The ABCs of Homeopathy
• All About Naturopathic Medicine
• Exploring Herbalism
• Intro to Traditional Tibetan Medicine
• Traditional Chinese Medicine in Brief

Suggested reading:

• Vasant Lad, B.A.M.S., M.A.Sc., Ayurveda: A Brief Introduction and Guide, 2003, The Ayurvedic Institute and Dr. Vasant Lad, 21 February 2006, http://www.ayurveda.com/online%20resource/index.html.
• "Ayurvedic Medicine", PDR Family Guide to Natural Medicines and Healing Therapies.
• What is Complementary and Alternative Medicine? May 2002. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 21 February 2006 http://nccam.nih.gov/health/whatiscam/.

art credit: Kadavu Resorts
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mipmup.
Contributing Editor, Health & Wellness

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