Ayurveda
Ayurveda is a holistic healing practice, where ‘ayur’ means life and ‘veda’ means knowledge or science–collectively called the science of life. According to Dr Manikantan Menon, the Founder Director of Sri Sri Ayurveda, this age-old practice is about maintaining harmony of the mind, body and spirit. He says, “When a patient opts for Ayurveda, we not only treat the ailment but also look into wellness of these three factors. Sometimes diseases are psychosomatic, so we need to treat the mind too.”
This practice lays emphasis on the five elements of nature–earth, water, fire, air and ether–called the Panchamahabhuta. These elements collectively constitute the three doshas (energies)–vata, pita and kapha. A prolonged imbalance in these doshas can lead to a disease.
Even the Mayans of Central America believed that balance was the secret to good health. They claimed that diseases were manifestations of imbalances, and to maintain balance between the body and soul, they used herbs, plants and massages.
What conventional medicine tells us?
As opposed to holistic healing which goes to the root of the ailment, conventional medicine mainly focuses on giving symptomatic relief. Ushaa puts it interestingly when she explains that holistic healing surpasses the ‘fix-it solution’ of allopathic approach. Instead, it looks into the root of the illness and the treatment given is psychosomatic. It is not a one-time solution, but an ongoing process of living healthier and better. For instance, if you visit a holistic healer for indigestion, they will first treat the organ where the problem originated i.e. the stomach. If the condition persists then they will treat the solar plexus–which is a network of nerves in the abdomen. If there is no change in the situation, they will move on to other holistic techniques.
Why holistic healing?
We live in times when we are constantly plagued by diseases owing to changing weather conditions, pesticides, processed foods, allergies, genetic mutations and global warming. Erratic work schedules and a sedentary lifestyle also contribute to the alarming spike in diseases. The gradual increase in healthcare costs, surge in hospital bills, fear of surgeries and the aftermath, and the emotional upheaval that a patient undergoes is urging people to opt for alternative healing practices. The objective of a patient has gradually shifted from ‘being cured’ to ‘being healed’. Ushaa says holistic healing, like allopathy, doesn’t promise a cure but it certainly makes a positive difference to your life. “One thing patients should understand is that healing doesn’t happen overnight. For some patients, it may take just one sitting while for others it might take ten,” she warns.
Holistic healers believe that everyone’s body composition is unique, so are the health problems. Ergo, the same ailments have to be dealt with differently in different people. If you have been suffering and all your efforts–visiting hospitals and meeting specialists–have gone in vain, holistic healing might just be your guardian angel.