Many people use Ayurveda to improve their quality of life and to reduce stress. Ayurvedic medicine can be used to alleviate specific symptoms or as a relaxant and claims to have methods to help with many types of disease, disorders, allergies and pain relief.

Many people continue to use Ayurveda after their condition has been treated as way to promote good health and prevent further problems.

Ayurvedic medicine, also know as Ayurveda, is an ancient holistic health care system native to India and over 2,000 years old.  Ayurveda in English means "science of life" and its philosophy comes from ancient Hindu texts suggesting that a harmony exists between the environment and the individual and the actions of one influence the other.

Two medical texts from the schools of physicians Chakra and Sushruta (c300 BC) form the basis of Ayurvedic medicine.  These ancient texts cover topics such as pathology, anatomy, diagnosis, treatment, surgery, lifestyle and pharmacy.  Chakra was the first physician to reference the body's immune, digestion and metabolic systems.

Ayurvedic medicine practitioners use a variety of methods for diagnosis and treatment.  Ayurveda methods today comprise of touch, observation, physical therapies, herbal remedies and health advice.

Depending on your course of treatment you should expect different things. Panchakarma, known as PK, involves the removal of toxins from the body through special diets, fasting, herbal remedies or medicated enemas. You will need to have prepared for PK and your practitioner will provide details of what to do and what to expect.

Massage therapy techniques for Ayurveda are called abhyanga and can be used on the head and face, neck and shoulders, limbs, back, chest, abdomen or as a full body massage.  Pressure and movements will be applied using the therapist's fingers, hands, knuckles, elbows, knees and sometimes feet.  Some methods may be a little uncomfortable but the therapist will not go beyond your comfort zone.

To relieve stress and reduce the symptoms of certain ailments your Ayurvedic practitioner may utilise Yoga and breathing techniques.  Yoga postures strengthen, stretch and compress different parts of your body.  This will help realign your body's structure and improve its physical function.  Postures also enhance circulation and flush out toxins that may have built up.  Breathing exercises will calm your mind by increasing oxygen levels to the brain while improving lung capacity and energy levels.

Your Ayurveda treatment may involve special diets and herbal remedies to improve digestion or essential natural oils that can aid headaches or ease chest complaints.  Your practitioner will explain the herbs and oils used in Ayurvedic medicine and advise you on how and when to use them.

The various methods applied in Ayurvedic medicine give different sensations and experiences.  Detoxification from PK, massage and Yoga will renew and refresh your body but be aware that it can cause physical and mental reactions.  Side-effects of Ayurveda, however disruptive to your usual state, are a sign of the body responding to the treatment.  If you have any concerns discuss them with your practitioner.