Lad, director of an Ayurvedic educational institute in Albuquerque, New Mexico, refers to Ayurveda as “the art of daily living in harmony with the laws of nature.” This comprehensive and easy-to-use guide can be considered the Ayurvedic counterpart to a conventional home medical handbook. Parts 1 and 2 present the philosophy, principles, and therapies of this 5,000-year-old Indian medical system. The therapies include diet, herbs, exercise and yoga, oil massage, breathing techniques, meditation, and such adjuncts as sound, color, and aromatherapy. Part 3, fully one-half of the guide, is an encyclopedia of remedies organized in an AZ format by symptom or condition; see references provide adequate access to the more than 100 common ailments. Numerous sidebars throughout the text provide additional information or precautions. The guide closes with line drawings of yoga postures, a glossary, resources, and further reading. - Penny Spokes
Review
This book is the first one I’ve read on Ayurveda which makes immediate sence. Written in a practical straight forward way, It is obvious the author genuinely cares about his readers.
I have tried several cures listed in the book, they have provided better and faster relief than any drugs. There is one for sinus headache (pg 250) that worked in less than 10 min. And the best story of all, is one he lists for food allergies which has allowed me to eat dairy and wheat again. This book has changed my life. I have been independantly studying holistic medicine for the past 9 years, and this book is a fast leap forward in my awareness of the field of alternative treatments.
I only hope to be able to meet Dr. Lad some day and offer my gratitude. – Eric S. Lloyd, Amazon Review
About Ayurveda
Ayurveda, is the oldest and most holistic medical system on this planet today. It is a system of traditional medicine native to the Indian Subcontinent and practiced in other parts of the world as a form of alternative medicine. It is an age old scientific method of healing with natural products. Knowledge of Ayurveda has been recorded in two of the Vedic texts: the Atharva Veda and the Rig Veda, which are more than 5,000 years old.
The Sanskrit term ‘Ayurveda’ is composed of two words- Ayus + Veda. Ayus means life and Veda means knowledge. So the literal meaning of Ayurveda is the “Science of Life”
Dhanvantari is said to be an avatar of Vishnu from the Hindu tradition and God of Ayurvedic medicine. Dhanvantari was an early Indian medical practitioner and one of the world’s first surgeons. Based on Vedic traditions, he is regarded as the source of Ayurveda. He perfected many herbal based cures and natural remedies and was credited with the discovery of the antiseptic properties of turmeric and the preservative properties of salt which he incorporated in his cures.
Evolving throughout its history, Ayurveda remains an influential system of medicine in South Asia. The earliest literature of Ayurveda appeared during the Vedic period in India.The Sushruta Samhita and the Charaka Samhita were influential works on traditional medicine during this era. Ayurvedic practitioners also identified a number of medicinal preparations and surgical procedures for curing various ailments and diseases.
Essentially, Ayurveda is the traditional medicine of Kerala. Largely due to geographical and climatic conditions, Kerala, better known as the “God’s Own Country” has rich and diverse reserves medicinal and aromatic plants. Along the Western Ghats, sub-tropical and tropical region, as many as 1463 medicinal plants have been identified. Maruthva Mala, Agasthya Vanam are said to be the natural treasures of these holistic medicinal reserves.
Ayurveda is considered to be a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) within the western world, where several of its methods, such as the use of herbs, massage, and Yoga as exercise or alternative medicine, are applied on their own as a form of CAM treatment.
Hundreds of vegetable drugs are used in Ayurvedic medicine—including cardamom and cinnamon. Ayurveda stresses the use of vegetable drugs. Fats are used both for consumption and for external use. Hundreds of vegetable drugs are employed, including cardamom and cinnamon. Some animal products may also be used, for example milk, bones, and gallstones. Minerals, including sulfur, arsenic, lead, copper sulfate and gold are also consumed as prescribed. This practice of adding minerals to herbal medicine is known as Rasa Shastra. Different oils may be used in a number of ways including regular consumption as a part of food, anointing, smearing, head massage, and prescribed application to infected areas.
The Ayurvedic Healer
A Novel by Joy J. Kaimaparamban
Set in the intriguing atmosphere of India in the early 20th century, full of mysticism, love, compassion, and political drama, The Ayurvedic Healer tells the story of Madhavan Namboodiri, a physician practicing an ancient medicalscience, and his enduring love for Rosilie. By healing the underprivileged, regardless of their civilian and religious status, touching the untouchables, he follows his beliefs and disobeys the rules of his society. His life story is set in the background of India’s struggle for freedom, the communist revolt in the Southern State of Kerala, social advancement, and the emergence of new societies. The Ayurvedic Healer sweeps the reader into an exotic place and time, rendering an intimate experience through sharing Madhavan Namboodiri’s life and love.
For more information on Joy J. Kaimaparamban and his novel, The Ayurvedic Healer, log on to his website at kaimaparamban.com.
