The Ayurveda Bible: The definitive guide to Ayurvedic healing

by Anne McIntyre

Once available only in India, the country in which it originated, Ayurveda is a healing method that is rapidly growing in popularity in North America. Training is available across the United States and treatments and lifestyle counseling are offered in spas everywhere. The Ayurveda Bible is a comprehensive guide that explores the Indian healing system of Ayurveda, from its origins in ancient Vedic scriptures to Ayurveda as practiced today. The book covers the three prime qualities of Ayurveda and how to assess a person's Ayurvedic constitution -- doshas and dhatus. It describes the relationship between food and a person's constitution and the role of preventative health in Ayurveda. A full chapter is dedicated to Ayurvedic diagnosis and treatment. It covers the causes and stages of disease, the principles of Ayurvedic treatment, detoxification, treatment of the doshas and dhatus, and Ayurveda and the mind. The Ayurveda Bible also contains a comprehensive and practical directory of Ayurvedic herbs, traditional preparations and formulas. Indispensable for the practitioner and ideal for the novice, The Ayurveda Bible is a valuable addition to the library of anyone interested in the ancient healing practice.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Herbs, Reference, Spirituality

400 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Michael Blackmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice overview/introduction of Ayurveda aimed at the average person. It's makes for a great place to start and a pretty good reference to refer back to as you explore it more.

The one thing that nagged at me was the pictures. Almost entirely pretty young white women. Not that I horrendously offended by that as much as a greater variety in the people shown would have been more than welcome. None of that is the author' fault (she wrote a great text), but I suspect is the same narrow marketing mindset that brings us the more annoying aspects of magazines like Yoga Journal.

Certainly not a reason to avoid the book. Pick it up and read it as a good introduction to Ayurveda. You won't regret it.

[Katerina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5

This was a comprehensive guide to Ayurveda that had sufficient information and terms to keep me continuously learning throughout the whole reading process. There was a plethora of amazing information, a table quiz to help you determine your dosha, and how to apply each dosha to a specific lifestyle whether it be food, exercise, and or using herbs/ essential oils. As well as how the Dosha's interact with each other and can cause mental unrest or physical unrest.

However, with that being said this book was all over the place. There were areas where I had to re-read six times or more just to understand what is being said. While this is a comprehensive guide this definitely did not feel beginner friendly.

There were a lot of terms and half the time I turned to the glossary - the terms did not even exist. So I spent a fair amount of time using 'Google'. Another issue I found was that this book's audience focused a lot on Ayurvedic doctors/healers and not on the general audience. Due to that the information was not very helpful in applying Ayurveda in my everyday life...which was the whole point of picking up the book in the first place.

I definitely think this is a good place to start with the general history and application of Ayurveda when it comes to learning. However, if you are looking for a book to apply Ayurveda to your life or get a beginners guide, well this book might not be the one exactly. Still a good read though.

[Pia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a lot of really good information...but to a beginner like myself, who knows absolutely nothing about Ayurveda, it was soooo confusing. I could barely keep up with all the terms, and even after reading the entire book, I still don't understand how to apply Ayurveda to my life. I really am interested in learning about it, so I am going to get more books. This is a good book for terminology, but I thought it was confusing.

[Anjanaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing and funny how it's mostly someone from the west who has to spread the word about ancient Indian practices to the world! End of the day I am happy it is being spread as there is so much holistic goodness. Majority of everything written in the book was not new to me as these were the norms at my household. I've known about vatta, pitta, kapha doshas since I learnt to speak, but a good refresher about several herbs and their goodness. We Indians add most of these good ingredients by default in everything we cook - but sometimes it helps to be intentional as to why we are adding them to consume! I borrowed this book from the library but now planning to buy a copy to add it to my collection! Everyone must read this book, especially those people who have conditioned their minds to pick medicines from the pharmacy for every little thing opening the gates to a plethora of side effects!
Everything is connected, everything needs to be holistic. Acne is not equal to applying topical lotion. Tooth issues are not going to be cured by dentists. High time the world steps out of this conditioned rut!

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.8/5

A comprehensive guide on Ayurveda basics which is sufficient for me. I really liked that the book was in colour with illustrations on most pages. Why should such books be boring in black & white with no photos?

[Alysha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was really hard to follow, I appreciate the overview and all the terms but it because overwhelming to the point I was skimming over a lot as it was just too much.

[Tamzen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great overview for Ayurveda! Lots of definitions, which could get a little overwhelming at times.

[Chraeloos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very clear and comprehensive guide. The only thing I didn't like was it seemed choppy, and if you weren't immediately familiar with there terms it was kind of hard to keep up. Great for an introduction to the practice of Ayurveda.

[Keisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book provide a good overview of Ayurveda.

[Dayna Cunningham · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not the best guide to Ayurveda that I've read.

[Hajra · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was difficult to understand especially the Hindu meanings