Overview

Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine that originated in India. It commonly involves yoga, meditation, massage or bodywork, diet, and herbs.

Ayurveda means "the science of life." Ayurveda teaches that vital energy ("prana") is the basis of all life and healing. Prana is thought to be governed by the five elements: earth, air, fire, water, and ether. Ayurveda parallels traditional Chinese medicine in many ways. The focus of treatment is on the whole person, and balancing or harmonizing body, mind, and spirit.

Ayurveda uses a wide variety of methods to diagnose and treat many different medical conditions. The evidence supporting its use varies for each treatment and condition.

Like traditional Chinese medicine herbal products, Ayurvedic herbal products have suffered from poor quality. Some Ayurvedic products have been contaminated with prescription drugs including corticosteroids and NSAIDs. Other products have been contaminated with high concentrations of heavy metals including mercury, arsenic, and lead.



Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Ayurveda overview.

Side Effects



Special Precautions and Warnings



Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine that uses a variety of treatments including herbs, specific combinations of herbal ingredients, meditation, yoga, and bodywork. Some of these are safe while others may not be. See specific therapies for safety information.

Interactions

We currently have no information for Ayurveda overview.

Dosing

In Ayurveda there are three bodily "humors" (doshas) that regulate bodily function. Practitioners of Ayurveda believe disease occurs when there is imbalance in the doshas - kapha, pitta, and vata. Kapha governs structure, cohesion, and lubrication. Pitta governs energy. Vata governs movement and mind.

Like traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda uses herbs or specific combinations of herbal ingredients to help balance bodily processes. Many of the herbs commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine are used in Ayurveda. Ayurveda also uses diet, yoga, exercise, lifestyle changes, and bodywork to treat illness.
View References
Show More Show Less

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
Licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Copyright © 1995-2025 by Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. All Rights Reserved.