Ayurveda is Indian holistic medicine. In the Western world, Ayurveda is considered alternative or complementary medicine, meant to replace and/or supplement contemporary medical care, depending on the circumstances.
Believing that the mind and body are inextricably connected, Ayurveda uses entirely natural cleansing treatments to create a healthier, more well-rounded way of life. Ayurveda is wholly embraced and regulated by the government of India. It is also highly respected in the Western world.
Use the sources below to begin your journey into the exciting world of Ayurveda, which will enrich your life while introducing you to many of the practices and natural products of Indian culture.
A Beginner's Guide to Ayurveda
This guide is by Deepak Chopra, one of the leading Indian figures in alternative medicine.
The University of Minnesota outlines the tenets of Ayurveda and provides definitions of a variety of Ayurvedic concepts.
Guide to Cultivating an Ayurvedic Lifestyle
Banyan Botanicals is a company dedicated to sustainable farming and harvesting of herbs for use in Ayurveda. This guide includes a quiz you can use to discover your Ayurvedic profile, which will help you begin to incorporate Ayurveda into your daily life. They have many products available to help you begin your Ayurvedic journey and many resources as well, such as a free downloadable guide.
The Indian government has an official organization for managing medicinal plants called the National Medicinal Plants Board. Their database contains the botanical names of thousands of plants used in Ayurveda treatments that both novice and skilled practitioners can use as an entry into research.
WebMD offers professional medical advice for seeking Ayurvedic treatments here.
International Society for Ayurveda and Health
This is an academic society dedicated to providing accurate information about Ayurveda. This page includes a list of texts one can explore to learn more about this ancient practice and also highlights Ayurvedic treatment specialties. You can sign up as a member of the organization as well, which includes access to a journal and sponsored events featuring Ayurveda.
Established in 1984 in New Mexico, The Ayurvedic Institute provides extensive Ayurveda training and treatment. This page explains the panchakarma approach of Ayurveda, which cleanses and rejuvenates the body and mind. The website contains multiple resources about Ayurveda, including a guide to nutrition and several recipes.
Q&A With Ayurveda Expert Dr. Vasant Lad
Dr. Vasant Lad highlights many ways to incorporate Ayurveda into your daily life. He addresses common medical controversies such as the treatment of ADHD and explains how Ayurveda can help with these issues.
The Significance of Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants
This scientific article explains the history of Ayurvedic medicine. It includes a chart of plants and their specific medicinal uses, along with multiple photos.
Ayurvedic Plants in Brain Disorders
This scientific article details how Ayurvedic medicine can be used in the treatment of brain disorders. It includes a chart of plants and their specific medicinal uses.