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Ayurveda: The Ancient Indian Healing Art
This remarkable book is a stunning contribution to our understanding of natural approaches to disease treatment and prevention. The reader will learn how to tailor therapies to his or her own specific constitution. Written by a professor of Ayurvedic medicine in a very accessible style with no wasted words, this volume has become a much valued and sought after gem.
- GenresHealthNonfiction
115 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1993
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 6, 2022
So I read this yesterday and forgotten to add it to my list of books.. I must say I was NOT impressed by this book at all.
If I would actually follow the advice in this book I would be so incredibly sick and suffering it would not be funny. At all. It would destroy my gut (from grains and gluten - as it says on page 84 that Vata people should eat wheat, oats, rice, rye and I react to all of those - I even get hives from just contact with rice). And I can't eat dairy for the same reason. Many celiacs cannot drink milk or eat dairy. But it's telling me to eat dairy! And as for meat, well, it says I should eat only chicken or turkey. I react to both of those horribly!! The only meat I actually do very well on is grass fed beef and lamb but the book doesn't mention those at all...apparently according to this list I should not eat them. But eating the food this book says to eat would have me SO sick and in pain and losing weight at an incredible speed!
Hmmm....
And why in the world is it recommending one eat vegetable oils and sugar?? Really? I am free of both for years! I think whoever wrote this doesn't actually know anything about good health or how to be healthy.
So another section of this book mentions the Prakriti. It asks these multiple choice questions with 3 possible answers. I often found these questions clumsy and confusing. Maybe it's my autism because sometimes questions like these DO confuse me because I need clarification. Like take the question about your skin. My skin is thin and I can see many blue blood vessels through it on different parts of my body...so that is V for Vata. But I also have super smooth skin so that is K for Kapha. So which do I choose? I have no idea. And Vata is supposed to be DRY skin but my skin is not dry. The same goes for my frame: I have a thin frame so that is V for Vata (but V also says under-developed which I am not) but then I also have a lot of muscles (my calves are pure muscle and half the size of my waist) so that is either P or K. So which do I pick??
Also just above these multiple choice questions it says you should not rely on these questions but you should go see an official provider of the Ayurveda! So I believe that pretty much makes the book useless. Also I am left confused as to what these Prakriti actually mean or do or how you use it. Luckily I was just looking at this book out of curiosity, mainly because I do yoga and I saw this one so I decided to check it out.
Towards the back there is a list of simple cures. Like for constipation or other simple things. Well I would find that list useless too. I know for a fact the times my gut slows down and I get "constipated" - although its not a true constipation but slow bowels - its from not enough potassium in my diet. I don't see how taking something like licorice root is going to fix that. And is licorice root high in oxalates? It certainly could be. I have problems with oxalates.
So I pretty much found this book useless and full of the most awful advice possible.
If I would actually follow the advice in this book I would be so incredibly sick and suffering it would not be funny. At all. It would destroy my gut (from grains and gluten - as it says on page 84 that Vata people should eat wheat, oats, rice, rye and I react to all of those - I even get hives from just contact with rice). And I can't eat dairy for the same reason. Many celiacs cannot drink milk or eat dairy. But it's telling me to eat dairy! And as for meat, well, it says I should eat only chicken or turkey. I react to both of those horribly!! The only meat I actually do very well on is grass fed beef and lamb but the book doesn't mention those at all...apparently according to this list I should not eat them. But eating the food this book says to eat would have me SO sick and in pain and losing weight at an incredible speed!
Hmmm....
And why in the world is it recommending one eat vegetable oils and sugar?? Really? I am free of both for years! I think whoever wrote this doesn't actually know anything about good health or how to be healthy.
So another section of this book mentions the Prakriti. It asks these multiple choice questions with 3 possible answers. I often found these questions clumsy and confusing. Maybe it's my autism because sometimes questions like these DO confuse me because I need clarification. Like take the question about your skin. My skin is thin and I can see many blue blood vessels through it on different parts of my body...so that is V for Vata. But I also have super smooth skin so that is K for Kapha. So which do I choose? I have no idea. And Vata is supposed to be DRY skin but my skin is not dry. The same goes for my frame: I have a thin frame so that is V for Vata (but V also says under-developed which I am not) but then I also have a lot of muscles (my calves are pure muscle and half the size of my waist) so that is either P or K. So which do I pick??
Also just above these multiple choice questions it says you should not rely on these questions but you should go see an official provider of the Ayurveda! So I believe that pretty much makes the book useless. Also I am left confused as to what these Prakriti actually mean or do or how you use it. Luckily I was just looking at this book out of curiosity, mainly because I do yoga and I saw this one so I decided to check it out.
Towards the back there is a list of simple cures. Like for constipation or other simple things. Well I would find that list useless too. I know for a fact the times my gut slows down and I get "constipated" - although its not a true constipation but slow bowels - its from not enough potassium in my diet. I don't see how taking something like licorice root is going to fix that. And is licorice root high in oxalates? It certainly could be. I have problems with oxalates.
So I pretty much found this book useless and full of the most awful advice possible.
May 23, 2024
A HELPFUL INTRODUCTION TO THIS INDIAN MIND-BODY MEDICINE
Author Scott Gerson write on the Preface to this 1993 book, “In the human being, the mind-body is the aspect which is subject to decay and disease. The pain and anxiety of its fragmentation and disorder are countered with love and attention in the hope of restoring cohesion and wholeness. The art of restoring and preserving wholeness is central to Ayurvedic medicine. The ancient ‘rishis’ (seers) and ‘sadhus’ (saints) understood that for healthy mind-bodies to manifest we must remember and nurture the subtler aspects of our nature. We must align our lives, our thoughts, our behaviors with the interior, ageless omniscience Self and then by his grace physical and mental health may ensure. The idea that the well-being of the manifest perceivable body depends for its existence on the unmanifest, unperceivable Self is foreign to the average modern mind… This small book will introduce the reader to many practical means of attaining a life of health, peace and prosperity. Used with reason and patience all of these therapeutic measures will inevitably lead to greater well-being.”
He explains in the first chapter, “Ayurveda is a system of healing which evolved on the Indian subcontinent some 3000-5000 years ago… Ayurveda has both a spiritual and a practical basis, the spiritual perspective engendering the practical. According to Ayurveda, humans consist of three bodies or aspects: the physical, the subtle and the causal. Iin modern Western language these could be referred to as body, mind and spirit. The Ayurvedic system of health care emphasizes that health is a harmonious functioning of all three parts of this trinity.” (Pg. 3)
He continues, “‘Ayurveda’ is a Sanskrit word which … means daily living or life cycle… It is a medical system which emphasizes that all beings come out of nature; that we are an integral part of a whole universe and therefore have a responsibility to our source… Ayurveda is often referred to as the ‘science of life,’ a system of achieving and maintaining health. Health, however, if not the ultimate goal but rather a necessary condition for spiritual growth. The goal of life is not merely to live, but to realize the true significance of life.” (Pg. 4-5)
He explains, “The body of Hindu literature pertaining to medicine and health is called ‘Ayurveda’: the science of long life. It has been suggested that Ayurveda is actually a minor Veda, a supporting or supplementary limb, especially of the Atharva Veda; other scholars dispute this view. But whatever their literary niche, these writings are counted as sacred.” (Pg. 11)
He states, “All matter is composed of the five elements which are the building blocks of existence, but only living matter has the three ‘doshas,’ or ‘tridosha,’ the three forces which govern all biological processes. The term ‘dosha’ means ‘that which darkens or causes thins to decay,’ reflecting the fact that when out of balance, the doshas are the causative forces in the disease process. The names of the three doshas are ‘vata,’ ‘pitta,’ and ‘kapha.’ The doshas arise out of the five mahabhutas and can be regarded as the three primary energetic principles which regulate every physiological and psychological process in the living organism. From the most basic cellular process to the most complex aspects of biological functioning, the doshas regulate everything that occurs.” (Pg. 15)
He continues, “Vata stems from a Sanskrit word meaning ‘that which moves things’; it is sometimes translated as ‘wind.’ It is the moving force behind the other two doshas, which are considered to be incapable of movement without it. It is responsible for all the body’s activities and sensations. It is what channels perceptions through the appropriate sensory organs, convert them into psychological events and directs the appropriate response via the organs of action… Pitta means ‘that which digests things.’ It is responsible for all chemical and metabolic transformation in the body, as well as for heat production. It also governs our ability to digest ideas and impressions and to perceive the true nature of reality… Kapha provides support and substance to the body. It comes from a word that means ‘that which holds things together.’ It structures everything from an individual cell to the Musculo-skeletal frame. It gives strength and stability… Together the three doshas govern all the activities of life: catabolism (vata) metabolism (pitta) and anabolism (kapha).” (Pg. 16-17)
He notes, “It should be remembered that Ayurveda is not limited by any materialistic or dualistic paradigm of thought and that it fully embraces the mystical and spiritual aspects of all substances in creation. The systems which are elucidated in this book… are meant to be guides for our understanding, not fixed laws. Therefore, one aspect of prabhava is the ability of certain plant product to affect the mind and powers of perception, sometimes giving rise to a more direct connection with reality.” (Pg. 60)
He says, “the Ayurvedic physician looks at the complete individual, with a view of the entire body, the mind, the spirit and the environment. All information from these four realms is deemed relevant, along with the overt symptoms. This information is gathered and interwoven along with the person’s other natural characteristics until it forms what is known in Ayurveda as ‘prakriti,’ the individual’s unique constitutional type.” (Pg. 63)
He explains, “Centuries ago it was understood that the nature of reality if all-embracing---consisting of God, man, and the universe all intimately connected… Man is a living reflection of the whole of reality; in man is contained the whole… This knowledge that the individual is nothing less than a microcosm of the entire universe is essential to an understanding of the Ayurvedic treatment of disease.” (Pg. 77)
He concludes, “Our purpose here is to point out that Ayurvedic medicine incorporates the third limb, the asanas, to develop the strength and flexibility of the physical body as well as to promote the unimpeded flow of energies throughout the mind-body. Various postures also help to release and move stagnant energies and impurities which have accumulated in the marma points and chakras. When allowed to remain stagnant these energies often give rise to physical and psychological disorders. There are also specific asanas which are most suitable for individuals of each constitutional type. These should be prescribed individually by an Ayurvedic practitioner completely familiar … with the medical condition of the patient.” (Pg. 106)
This book will interest those seeking an overview of Ayurveda for Westerners.
Author Scott Gerson write on the Preface to this 1993 book, “In the human being, the mind-body is the aspect which is subject to decay and disease. The pain and anxiety of its fragmentation and disorder are countered with love and attention in the hope of restoring cohesion and wholeness. The art of restoring and preserving wholeness is central to Ayurvedic medicine. The ancient ‘rishis’ (seers) and ‘sadhus’ (saints) understood that for healthy mind-bodies to manifest we must remember and nurture the subtler aspects of our nature. We must align our lives, our thoughts, our behaviors with the interior, ageless omniscience Self and then by his grace physical and mental health may ensure. The idea that the well-being of the manifest perceivable body depends for its existence on the unmanifest, unperceivable Self is foreign to the average modern mind… This small book will introduce the reader to many practical means of attaining a life of health, peace and prosperity. Used with reason and patience all of these therapeutic measures will inevitably lead to greater well-being.”
He explains in the first chapter, “Ayurveda is a system of healing which evolved on the Indian subcontinent some 3000-5000 years ago… Ayurveda has both a spiritual and a practical basis, the spiritual perspective engendering the practical. According to Ayurveda, humans consist of three bodies or aspects: the physical, the subtle and the causal. Iin modern Western language these could be referred to as body, mind and spirit. The Ayurvedic system of health care emphasizes that health is a harmonious functioning of all three parts of this trinity.” (Pg. 3)
He continues, “‘Ayurveda’ is a Sanskrit word which … means daily living or life cycle… It is a medical system which emphasizes that all beings come out of nature; that we are an integral part of a whole universe and therefore have a responsibility to our source… Ayurveda is often referred to as the ‘science of life,’ a system of achieving and maintaining health. Health, however, if not the ultimate goal but rather a necessary condition for spiritual growth. The goal of life is not merely to live, but to realize the true significance of life.” (Pg. 4-5)
He explains, “The body of Hindu literature pertaining to medicine and health is called ‘Ayurveda’: the science of long life. It has been suggested that Ayurveda is actually a minor Veda, a supporting or supplementary limb, especially of the Atharva Veda; other scholars dispute this view. But whatever their literary niche, these writings are counted as sacred.” (Pg. 11)
He states, “All matter is composed of the five elements which are the building blocks of existence, but only living matter has the three ‘doshas,’ or ‘tridosha,’ the three forces which govern all biological processes. The term ‘dosha’ means ‘that which darkens or causes thins to decay,’ reflecting the fact that when out of balance, the doshas are the causative forces in the disease process. The names of the three doshas are ‘vata,’ ‘pitta,’ and ‘kapha.’ The doshas arise out of the five mahabhutas and can be regarded as the three primary energetic principles which regulate every physiological and psychological process in the living organism. From the most basic cellular process to the most complex aspects of biological functioning, the doshas regulate everything that occurs.” (Pg. 15)
He continues, “Vata stems from a Sanskrit word meaning ‘that which moves things’; it is sometimes translated as ‘wind.’ It is the moving force behind the other two doshas, which are considered to be incapable of movement without it. It is responsible for all the body’s activities and sensations. It is what channels perceptions through the appropriate sensory organs, convert them into psychological events and directs the appropriate response via the organs of action… Pitta means ‘that which digests things.’ It is responsible for all chemical and metabolic transformation in the body, as well as for heat production. It also governs our ability to digest ideas and impressions and to perceive the true nature of reality… Kapha provides support and substance to the body. It comes from a word that means ‘that which holds things together.’ It structures everything from an individual cell to the Musculo-skeletal frame. It gives strength and stability… Together the three doshas govern all the activities of life: catabolism (vata) metabolism (pitta) and anabolism (kapha).” (Pg. 16-17)
He notes, “It should be remembered that Ayurveda is not limited by any materialistic or dualistic paradigm of thought and that it fully embraces the mystical and spiritual aspects of all substances in creation. The systems which are elucidated in this book… are meant to be guides for our understanding, not fixed laws. Therefore, one aspect of prabhava is the ability of certain plant product to affect the mind and powers of perception, sometimes giving rise to a more direct connection with reality.” (Pg. 60)
He says, “the Ayurvedic physician looks at the complete individual, with a view of the entire body, the mind, the spirit and the environment. All information from these four realms is deemed relevant, along with the overt symptoms. This information is gathered and interwoven along with the person’s other natural characteristics until it forms what is known in Ayurveda as ‘prakriti,’ the individual’s unique constitutional type.” (Pg. 63)
He explains, “Centuries ago it was understood that the nature of reality if all-embracing---consisting of God, man, and the universe all intimately connected… Man is a living reflection of the whole of reality; in man is contained the whole… This knowledge that the individual is nothing less than a microcosm of the entire universe is essential to an understanding of the Ayurvedic treatment of disease.” (Pg. 77)
He concludes, “Our purpose here is to point out that Ayurvedic medicine incorporates the third limb, the asanas, to develop the strength and flexibility of the physical body as well as to promote the unimpeded flow of energies throughout the mind-body. Various postures also help to release and move stagnant energies and impurities which have accumulated in the marma points and chakras. When allowed to remain stagnant these energies often give rise to physical and psychological disorders. There are also specific asanas which are most suitable for individuals of each constitutional type. These should be prescribed individually by an Ayurvedic practitioner completely familiar … with the medical condition of the patient.” (Pg. 106)
This book will interest those seeking an overview of Ayurveda for Westerners.
October 4, 2020
Ayurvedayla ilgili yoğun kısa kısa bir çok bilgi içermekte.. Benim hoşuma gitti güzel bir anlatımı var. Konuya ilgisi olan okuyabilir.
June 23, 2020
Ayurveda konusunda okuduğum ilk kitap. Yeni başlayanlara pek uygun olmadığını düşünüyorum.
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