7 common myths about Ayurveda

Ayurveda takes a long time to heal.

Well…... that is not quite true. Ayurveda works from the root cause of the issue, so even though in some cases it may take some time for you to see the symptoms disappear, your body is getting conditioned to be treated as a whole. However, several of the Ayurvedic treatments can also work as fast as Western medication when required. For instance, if a person is suffering from constipation, Ayurveda has some fastest acting laxatives.

Ayurveda only treats a limited number of diseases and conditions.

Oh no! Ayurveda can heal many ailments whether they are chronic, acute or a common flu. Just like in modern medicine, there are specialties in Ayurveda

i. Kayachikitsa- Internal Medicine

ii. Prasuti Tantra - Gynecology and Obstetrics

iii. Kaumarabritya – Pediatrics and Neonatal

iv. ShalyaTantra - Surgery

v. Agada Tantra- Toxicology

vi. Shalakya: ENT

vii. BhutaVaidya: Psychiatry

viii. Rasayana: Geriatrics/Rejuvination therapy

Ayurveda is spiritual

The origin of Ayurveda is from the Vedas ( religious scriptures), however, Ayurveda does not talk about any religion. All the practical application of Ayurveda is borrowed by modern medicine and still being used. Like Yoga, Ayurveda deals with physiology, Anatomy and pathology with no reference to the religion.

Ayurveda asks you to switch to a vegetarian diet.

Nope! The sages who wrote the scriptures of Ayurveda never restricted the diet to be just vegetarian. In fact, a lot of Ayurvedic medications include meat products, milk, etc. However, if you like to eat meat, its important to be selective.

Panchakarma is like getting a massage.

This is one of the misconceptions that originated by the advertisements of the recent Spa culture. Ayurvedic massage is not even one the panchakarmas. A panchakarma treatment can be done without a massage. In fact, a panchakarma may not be as relaxing as you feel but is an intense detoxifying process.

Ayurveda is all about herbs.

Not necessarily! Ayurvedic treatments can be done just with changes in your diet or lifestyle. All medications used are not just herbs. There are salts, resins, rocks, alcohol, fruit juices, teas, fermented drinks as well.

Ayurveda has no side effects

This is the most commonly believed myth and today, Ayurveda products are made available on shelf for public use. No one should self-administer Ayurvedic products without proper consultation. There can be implications and side effects when taken incorrectly.