Abstract Ayurveda is a holistic medical science that was developed both within and by the Vedic culture beginning almost 7000 years ago. The objective of this paper is to compare and contrast Ayurveda and Western holistic systems and to further analyze what is unique to Ayurveda and how it works harmoniously with other holistic approaches.
Outline:
Objective
Introduction
Ayurveda - Uniqueness Identified
Educating the Ayurvedic Practitioner
Ayurvedic Medicine: Three Types of Illness
History of Ayurveda Western Holistic Systems and Ayurveda: The Difference
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "Ayurveda "recognizes that every individual has a unique constitution; a set of conditions, characteristics, and life circumstances. Therefore, Ayurvedic treatment must properly address this unique constitution to maximize the benefits of treatment in the prevention or cure of disease. Ayurveda holds that an individual is healthy only if the mind, body, emotions and soul of the individual are perfectly aligned with the universe or the cosmic intelligence. This view of a unique construction is parallel to the modern science concept of DNA. (Lim, 2006) Techniques of breathing are for nurturing the life-force and ethics while mantra and mediation are used toward balancing the mind. "
Abstract Ayurveda is a form of holistic medicine that originated in India thousands of years ago. The central tenet to Ayurvedic treatment is a focus on preventative health, similar to most concepts of holistic medicine. This paper examines its use as an alternative medicine and how the benefits of Ayurveda are simple, preventative maintenance of the body, mind and spirit, as one unit will prevent serious malfunction in the long run.
From the Paper "The pros of ayurveda are vast in their benefit to the individual and to the macrocosm surrounding the individual. Ayurvedic principles could be the solution toward world peace. Anger, tension and stress are all symptoms of a body, mind, spirit that is out of balance. Individuals may find less vehemence and more tranquility if they simply made an effort to define their own destiny through an inside out approach. Most men of transgression seek success through very external avenues. Where the ayurvedic brings success in the loss of an imbalance the depraved westerner finds joy in taking the belongings of another. The ultimate benefit of Ayurveda is not general good health it is a genuine sense of happiness."
A thorough examination of the origins of Hindu practice, including various disciplines of yoga, ayurvedic medicine, the concept and meaning of chakras and the caste system.
Abstract This paper offers a history of the origins and practices of Hinduism from a sympathetic, yet still scholarly perspective. It explores the philosophical underpinnings of the belief system and its development through various disciplines of yoga and the practice of ayurvedic medicine. Explication of the concept of chakras and their relevance to yoga and ayurveda is also provided. The paper also offers insight into broader Indian perspectives of Hindu beliefs in general and the caste system in particular.
From the Paper "It is perhaps this suspension of Western societal or moral judgement that makes cross-cultural study such a challenging and difficult endeavor for students and scholars outside India. If we are to grow as a global community however, we must make every effort to bridge these intellectual and philosophical gaps in order to learn and appreciate wisdom that does not always speak in our tongue. Likewise, because not all of any one social construct or philosophy, Eastern or Western, offers nothing but truth and beauty, we must also maintain a wide range of knowledge regarding the errors of other ways, in order to best assess the efficacy of the paths that we might choose."
Tags: eastern, hindism, india, philosophy, religion
Abstract This paper explains that Energy Medicine is based on the concept that there is an energy system operating within the human body, and the manipulation of this energy system can assist in maintaining physical health. The author says that there is a correlation between quantum physics and energy medicine: the belief that matter and energy are the same thing and because of this whatever is good or bad for one part of the body is equally good or bad for any other part of the body. The paper presents in detail the various modalities of Energy Medicine. The author includes writings of experts such as Gary Zucav.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Defining Quantum Theory
Quantum Physics? relation to Energy Medicine
What is Energy Medicine
Types of Energy Medicine
Ayurvedic Medicine
Magnetic Therapy
Bioenergetic Fields (Acupuncture)
Auras and Discharges
Quantum Mechanics
The Assemblage Point
Advantages and Disadvantages of Energy Medicine
Which Mind-Body-Spirit Modalities Best Relate to Harmonizing Total Well-Being
Conclusion
From the Paper "Energy Medicine is based on the concept that there is an energy system that operates within the human body. It is believed that the manipulation of this energy system can assist in the area of physical health. Supporters of energy medicine hold that energy and matter is the same thing; and if energy and matter are the same thing than every part of the body is connected to the other parts of the body. Energy medicine dictates that the mind, body and spirit are interconnected and thus if one part is effected all the parts are effected. This is very different from traditional medicine, which believes that the body is a collection of parts and that the mind and body are separate. "
From the Paper "When people think of health care in the United States, they often think of the traditional practices of the American Medical Association (AMA). Since its inception in the mid-nineteenth century, the AMA has been known for the use of hospitals, doctors, prescription drugs and surgery in the treatment of illnesses. However, in recent years, there have been increasing numbers of people turning to the use of alternative treatments, such as acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy, herbalism and mental healing. According to Altman (1990), since the 1970s, the United States has seen a "a ground swell of interest in alternative forms of health care" (p. 1). A study by the Harvard Medical School found that Americans made 425 millions visits to..."
This paper is a compilation of detailed information in a format easily utilized by a graduate student studying alternative medicine, a literature review, and a discussion of recommendations.
Abstract This paper explains that there is nothing inherent in many alternative medical therapies that specifically distinguishes them from the way contemporary drugs and surgery are employed because these are simply tools in the hands of a practitioner. The author makes a clear and compelling case for the establishment of a national clearinghouse for alternative health care system information for the general public and health care practitioners alike. The paper points out that regulatory constraints may keep important information about the potential benefits of alternative treatment modalities from consumers.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Background and Overview
Research Design
Seven Fields of Practice and Their Features
Mind Body Interventions
Definition
Underlying Theory/Philosophy
Major Features
Common Areas
Unique Features
Primary Applications
Evidence of Effects of Practice
Cost Effectiveness
Controversial Issues
Bioelectromagnetics Applications
Definition
Underlying Theory/Philosophy
Major Features
Practice Modalities (Specific Therapies)
Common Areas
Unique Features
Primary Applications
Evidence of Effects of Practice
Cost Effectiveness
Controversial Issues
Alternative Systems
Definition
Underlying Theory/Philosophy
Major Features
Practice Modalities (Specific Therapies)
Unique Features
Primary Applications
Evidence of Effects of Practice
Cost Effectiveness
Controversial Issues
Manual Healing Systems
Definition
Underlying Theory/Philosophy
Major Features
Practice Modalities (Specific Therapies)
Common Areas
Unique Features
Primary Applications
Evidence of Effects of Practice
Cost Effectiveness
Controversial Issues
Pharmacological & Biological Treatments
Definition
Underlying Theory/Philosophy
Major Features
Practice Modalities (Specific Therapies)
Common Areas
Unique Features
Primary Applications
Evidence of Effects of Practice
Cost Effectiveness
Controversial Issues
Herbal Medicine
Definition
Underlying Theory/Philosophy
Major Features
Practice Modalities (Specific Therapies)
Common Areas
Unique Features
Primary Applications
Evidence of Effects of Practice
Cost Effectiveness
Controversial Issues
Diet & Nutrition
Definition
Underlying Theory/Philosophy
Major Features
Practice Modalities (Specific Therapies)
Common Areas
Unique Features
Primary Applications
Evidence of Effects of Practice
Cost Effectiveness
Controversial Issues
Literature Review
Critique of Research
Data analysis, including statistical procedures used
Conclusions and Recommendations
Replicability
From the Paper "The comparative efficacy of acupuncture and electroacupuncture can be measured using a sample of rats. Though unable to self-report pain, rats have still been shown to respond to acupuncture treatments versus control groups. This study was able to induce a hypoglycaemic effect in rats when applied to abdominal acupoints. However, this and other studies provide a basis for further research and should not influence the decision for treatment of human diabetes by acupuncture. However, this research does suggest that electroacupuncture is not a placebo effect, as rats do not respond to such effects."
Abstract This essay explores the methods employed in traditional Sri Lankan ayurvedic medicine, including natural plant remedies and ritualistic behaviour. A comparison between the benefits of these traditional techniques and modern western medicine is drawn, concluding that much reliance can still be placed on ayurveda and ritual healing.
From the Paper "Sri Lanka is a unique nation in that the gap between old and new is being closed. This gap-bridging is especially evident with regards to health and medical procedures. For centuries, the inhabitants of Sri Lanka have placed their faith in ayurvedic medicine such as homeopathy, home remedies using various plants and minerals, and numerous ritualistic practices. However, in recent years the tiny island-nation has seen the adoption of more modern Western techniques. This does not mean that people are abandoning traditional beliefs. In many instances, individuals will only turn to Western medicine if all other means fail. Particularly in rural areas, it is clear that "Western medicine is kept separate" (Baker 1998:65) in people's minds. The combination of these different practices has led to an interesting and well-rounded health system."
Abstract This paper explains that the more common personal health care style is a collective health care process, called alternative medicine or complementary medicine, which includes elements of allopathic practice, non-natural medicine and surgery and of natural medicine. The author points out the idea that natural medicine is actually traditional medicine and should be looked at as such, with benefits and drawbacks, just as allopathic medicine is consider by many people. As an example of the presented natural health therapies; the paper relates that the Alexander technique, both a natural health practice and a restorative natural medical treatment, is a technique used to reduce repetitive motion injury by retraining the body to move in a different, more natural way.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Natural Health
Hydrotherapy
Herbalism
Eclectic Medicine
Natural Hygiene
Natural Philosophy
Natural Healing
Natural Medicine
Fingernail and Tongue Analysis
Iridology
Hair Analysis
Live Blood Analysis (Darkfield Microscopy) and Dry Blood Analysis
Antibody (IgE, IgG) Test for Food Allergies
Acid-Alkaline Balance (Ph Testing)
Alternative Therapies
Acupuncture
Acupressure
Air Supply Personal Air Purifier
Alexander Technique.
Aromatherapy
Astropulse
Ayurveda Bathing Therapy
Biomagnetics (Magnetic Field Energy Therapy)
Electro-Dermal Screening
Chelation Therapy
Chi Lel
Chiropractic Treatment
Colloidal Silver Therapy
Colonic Therapy (Colon Lavage, Colon Hydrotherapy)
Color Therapy (Chromotherapy)
Crystal Healing
Dental Amalgam Mercury Removal
Detoxification Therapy
Reflexology
Shiatsu
Rolfing
Fasting
Feng Shui Balance
Flower Essence Therapy
Food Detoxification
Flotation Tank
Glandular Therapy
Prayer
Guided Imagery (Visualization)
Herbal Medicine
Homeopathy
Hydrotherapy
Hypnotherapy
Hydrogen Peroxide Therapy
Juicing
Kinesiology
Laughter (Play) Therapy
Light Beam Generator Therapy
Light Therapy (Solar Therapy)
Lymphatic Therapy
Macrobiotics Diet
Massage Therapy
Moxibustion
Music and Sound Therapy
Naturopathy
Osteopathy
Oxygen Therapy
Radionics (Radiesthesia Dowsing), Reflexology
Reiki (Therapeutic Touch)
Infrared Heat Therapy
Vitamin C Therapy
Yoga
Holistic Nutrition
Food Safety
Exercise
Conventional Medicine
Maintaining Health
From the Paper "In the time surrounding the Revolutionary War (1775-1783), in America, medicine was often seen as a part-time practice, conducted by laywomen and men who had a vocation for the healing arts or who inherited the knowledge from ancestral teachers. These healers who took care of their friends and families illnesses, injuries and births performed most medicine, outside the major centers of population. "Of course, these natural healing practices varied from locality to locality with major cities, like Boston, Philadelphia, and New York City having hospitals and other medical practices approaching those found in Europe.""
