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阿育吠陀原理：自我修復的科學
暢銷全球30年，阿育吠陀醫界權威──維桑特．賴德，奠基之作
全面介紹阿育吠陀的原理、診斷方式，
以及可應用於日常生活的養生法。
每個人都具備自我療癒的能力，
透過改變飲食和生活方式，創造人體內部能量的平衡，
就可以對抗外部環境的變化，
身體退化和疾病產生的情況將會顯著減少。
阿育吠陀是在印度廣泛應用並實踐了五千多年的完整醫學體系，最初記載於世界上現存的最古老著作《吠陀經》之中。
本書以簡明扼要的方式，搭配精美插圖及圖表，向讀者介紹這門實用的生命科學，包括：阿育吠陀的歷史與哲學觀、五大元素與人體的關係、人體體質的三大分類（風能、火能、水能）、疾病的發展過程；阿育吠陀的診斷方式，如脈診、舌診、臉部診斷、唇診、指甲診斷、眼睛診斷；各種治療方法，如帕奇卡瑪排毒療法的催吐療法、催瀉療法、灌腸療法、鼻腔給藥療法、血液淨化療法，還有情感釋放、緩解療法；三大基本體質的飲食指南；六種基本味道（甜、酸、鹹、辣、苦和澀）的冷熱效應和消化後效應；生活起居原則、時間與人體能量的關係；延長壽命的養生法，如瑜伽體位法、調息法；阿育吠陀藥理學的應用法，如廚房裡的香料和香草特質，金屬、礦石和色彩療法等。同時附有多種ཉ
全面介紹阿育吠陀的原理、診斷方式，
以及可應用於日常生活的養生法。
每個人都具備自我療癒的能力，
透過改變飲食和生活方式，創造人體內部能量的平衡，
就可以對抗外部環境的變化，
身體退化和疾病產生的情況將會顯著減少。
阿育吠陀是在印度廣泛應用並實踐了五千多年的完整醫學體系，最初記載於世界上現存的最古老著作《吠陀經》之中。
本書以簡明扼要的方式，搭配精美插圖及圖表，向讀者介紹這門實用的生命科學，包括：阿育吠陀的歷史與哲學觀、五大元素與人體的關係、人體體質的三大分類（風能、火能、水能）、疾病的發展過程；阿育吠陀的診斷方式，如脈診、舌診、臉部診斷、唇診、指甲診斷、眼睛診斷；各種治療方法，如帕奇卡瑪排毒療法的催吐療法、催瀉療法、灌腸療法、鼻腔給藥療法、血液淨化療法，還有情感釋放、緩解療法；三大基本體質的飲食指南；六種基本味道（甜、酸、鹹、辣、苦和澀）的冷熱效應和消化後效應；生活起居原則、時間與人體能量的關係；延長壽命的養生法，如瑜伽體位法、調息法；阿育吠陀藥理學的應用法，如廚房裡的香料和香草特質，金屬、礦石和色彩療法等。同時附有多種ཉ
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1984
About the author
Vasant Dattatray Lad
61 books142 followersAn Indo-American Ayurvedic Physician, Vasant Lad brought a wealth of classroom and practical experience in Ayurveda to the United States. A native of India, he served for three years as Medical Director of the Ayurveda Hospital in Pune, India. He was Professor of Clinical Medicine at the Pune University College of Ayurvedic Medicine for 15 years. He holds a Bachelor’s of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAM&S) degree from the University of Pune and a Master’s of Ayurvedic Science (MASc) degree from Tilak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya. Vasant Lad’s academic and practical training include the study of Allopathy (Western medicine) and surgery as well as traditional Ayurveda.
Beginning in 1979, he has traveled throughout the United States sharing his knowledge of Ayurveda. In 1984 he came to Albuquerque as Director, principal instructor and founder of the Ayurvedic Institute. Vasant Lad is the author of numerous books and respected throughout the world for his knowledge of Ayurveda. Vasant Lad is the author of 11 books on Ayurveda as well as hundreds of articles and other writings. With almost 500,000 copies of his books in print in the US, his work has been translated into more than 20 languages.
Beginning in 1979, he has traveled throughout the United States sharing his knowledge of Ayurveda. In 1984 he came to Albuquerque as Director, principal instructor and founder of the Ayurvedic Institute. Vasant Lad is the author of numerous books and respected throughout the world for his knowledge of Ayurveda. Vasant Lad is the author of 11 books on Ayurveda as well as hundreds of articles and other writings. With almost 500,000 copies of his books in print in the US, his work has been translated into more than 20 languages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
January 27, 2013
I would recommend this text only after gaining some introductory knowledge or experience with Ayurveda.
A few months back, after consulting with an Ayurvedic doctor in my city for dietary advice to combat seasonal affective disorder, I read Eat-Taste-Heal: An Ayurvedic Cookbook for Modern Living by Thomas Yarema, Daniel Rhoda, and Johnny Brannigan. That book, combined with information provided by the doctor, helped set the stage for getting the most out of this text and moving my understanding of Ayurveda forward.
It's not that The Science of Self-Healing is an advanced-level medical book, but for those of us only familiar with western-style medicine, some of the concepts and practices may seem alien, confusing, and vague. However, it's worth the effort to work through the material and develop an understanding as this 4,000 year old science can provide great assistance in preserving your physical health and quality of life.
One note: if you are truly interested in incorporating Ayurveda practices into your diet and lifestyle, it is essential (IMO) that you consult with an experienced and credentialed Ayurveda doctor to properly determine your dosha. Answering questionnaires on-line or in books isn't very accurate - and in my experience was 100% incorrect! By consulting with an experienced doctor who investigates beyond what your physical body currently looks like and general personality traits, you will gain a greater understanding of what you need to sustain well-being through your dietary choices.
A few months back, after consulting with an Ayurvedic doctor in my city for dietary advice to combat seasonal affective disorder, I read Eat-Taste-Heal: An Ayurvedic Cookbook for Modern Living by Thomas Yarema, Daniel Rhoda, and Johnny Brannigan. That book, combined with information provided by the doctor, helped set the stage for getting the most out of this text and moving my understanding of Ayurveda forward.
It's not that The Science of Self-Healing is an advanced-level medical book, but for those of us only familiar with western-style medicine, some of the concepts and practices may seem alien, confusing, and vague. However, it's worth the effort to work through the material and develop an understanding as this 4,000 year old science can provide great assistance in preserving your physical health and quality of life.
One note: if you are truly interested in incorporating Ayurveda practices into your diet and lifestyle, it is essential (IMO) that you consult with an experienced and credentialed Ayurveda doctor to properly determine your dosha. Answering questionnaires on-line or in books isn't very accurate - and in my experience was 100% incorrect! By consulting with an experienced doctor who investigates beyond what your physical body currently looks like and general personality traits, you will gain a greater understanding of what you need to sustain well-being through your dietary choices.
April 27, 2018
It's tempting to just write "hogwash" and be done with it, but I don't want to be that disrespectful either to another culture or to someone who based on his acknowledgments seems like a really nice guy.
That being said, I started having concerns early on with the different body types when there seemed to be so much preference given to one type. Usually they all have their strengths and weaknesses, but this felt lop-sided and maybe a little racist. Other things didn't sit right, but then the next big alarm was therapeutic vomiting.
After that, when I questions onions alleviating severe epileptic seizures, zodiac influence on organs, and the curative properties of gemstones, then it didn't mean that much anymore - I was already checked out. I was never going to support something that encourages a life free of attachment anyway.
That being said, I was amused to read that garlic is sexually stimulating and should be avoided by celibate people. Perhaps that is what gives Italians their reputation.
That being said, I started having concerns early on with the different body types when there seemed to be so much preference given to one type. Usually they all have their strengths and weaknesses, but this felt lop-sided and maybe a little racist. Other things didn't sit right, but then the next big alarm was therapeutic vomiting.
After that, when I questions onions alleviating severe epileptic seizures, zodiac influence on organs, and the curative properties of gemstones, then it didn't mean that much anymore - I was already checked out. I was never going to support something that encourages a life free of attachment anyway.
That being said, I was amused to read that garlic is sexually stimulating and should be avoided by celibate people. Perhaps that is what gives Italians their reputation.
November 20, 2014
Ayurveda illuminates the basic laws governing life on earth. To understand it is to understand the forces that engender our well-being. It is an ancient system of wisdom that encompasses the vast horizon where human consciousness merges into Cosmic Consciousness. This brief introductory book attempts to introduce readers to the life science in an understandable manner. However, with many raised questions still unanswered I hope for a more comprehensive book. (Any recommendations would be appreciated!)
Read
February 14, 2008This was such a quick and enaging book that gives an overview of ayurveda and practical tips for improving health and consciousness. It has wonderful charts and clear explanations of ayurvedic health techniques, like nasal massage, diet recommendations, finding your own constitution, and simple yoga postures. All of this with a basic explanation of the philosophy behind ayurveda ("The Science of Daily Life").
If you are at all curious to BEGIN learning about ayurveda I found this to be so enriching, at 175 pages (many being charts and pictures) how could you turn it down?
If you are at all curious to BEGIN learning about ayurveda I found this to be so enriching, at 175 pages (many being charts and pictures) how could you turn it down?
February 28, 2010
This is a great introduction in case you want to learn about ayurveda without prior experience. It is a concise read that outlines the major concepts and principles of vedic science. When i get sick, have some kind of health issue or am looking for advice on lifestyle more generally i like to search the index and table of contents and start from there. I always find this book very insightful and have it at hand.
April 12, 2014
The primer for basic principles of ayurveda.
Read
November 23, 2020TW//Eating Disorders
I'm not rating this because I never rate Non-Fiction books but I cannot express how much you should not read this book if you have TW: any kind of eating disorder. I had to read this for class and as someone who decided to go into the nutrition field to help others who struggle with eating disorders in the same way I do (among many other reasons but for the sake of this review)
I'm sure this book has its merits but I simply cannot look past the idea of "Therapeutic Vomiting" as well as the laxative therapies that go along side it. I want to give this text the benefit of the doubt and assume I am just looking at this from a very Westernized point of view but my opinion and stance still stand. Suffering from eating disorders is not healthy point blank but its very, very real, I feel like perpetuating the idea that vomiting can be a form of therapy rubs me in entirely the wrong way.
So, with that being said, if you are able to read about things like forced vomiting and bowel movements, I think this text is super interesting and it's always nice to learn how people in other cultures do things, then I would say go for it and give this book a read. but, if you're in recovery please just skip this one, and to every one, please for the love of god, do your research before starting anything any text tells you to do, don't just jump right into it because one book told you to.
I'm not rating this because I never rate Non-Fiction books but I cannot express how much you should not read this book if you have TW: any kind of eating disorder. I had to read this for class and as someone who decided to go into the nutrition field to help others who struggle with eating disorders in the same way I do (among many other reasons but for the sake of this review)
I'm sure this book has its merits but I simply cannot look past the idea of "Therapeutic Vomiting" as well as the laxative therapies that go along side it. I want to give this text the benefit of the doubt and assume I am just looking at this from a very Westernized point of view but my opinion and stance still stand. Suffering from eating disorders is not healthy point blank but its very, very real, I feel like perpetuating the idea that vomiting can be a form of therapy rubs me in entirely the wrong way.
So, with that being said, if you are able to read about things like forced vomiting and bowel movements, I think this text is super interesting and it's always nice to learn how people in other cultures do things, then I would say go for it and give this book a read. but, if you're in recovery please just skip this one, and to every one, please for the love of god, do your research before starting anything any text tells you to do, don't just jump right into it because one book told you to.
Read
May 25, 2023Every ideology has its deniers, it’s retainers, and those willfully ignorant of it entirely. However, for an ideology to be believed in by any population size, i think there must be something sustaining and essential—human— in it. Ayurveda has been around for 4000+ years!! so it’s essentialism is certainly worth investigating.
Throughout this overview, I was astounded by how many prescient insights were made millennia ago. Now certainly some tenets resonated with me much more than others. The psychosocial diagnoses/framings of the world were far richer than the prescriptive biological treatments. But at its core, Ayurvedic principles provide a complex, nuanced, and loving approach to self inquiry and perception.
The idea of the doshas functioning as poles, with the universal and personal entities the glue between is compelling. Arguably more compelling is the way Dr. Lad breaks down balance/imbalance between these doshas and provides daily practices to bring awareness to the manifestations of them (in power, relationships, movement, fear, joy, sex, diet, etc). In sum, this somewhat cursory overview is all about the capital S Self and constant change, but in a palatable way :)
The reach this ideology has had over time is expansive because it’s practical, fascinating, and at times extremely enlightening. There’s a lot more here, some of which i’m sure i’ll be moved by and others im not sure yet. Either way, I find inquiry like this critical and would encourage anyone to invest the time
Throughout this overview, I was astounded by how many prescient insights were made millennia ago. Now certainly some tenets resonated with me much more than others. The psychosocial diagnoses/framings of the world were far richer than the prescriptive biological treatments. But at its core, Ayurvedic principles provide a complex, nuanced, and loving approach to self inquiry and perception.
The idea of the doshas functioning as poles, with the universal and personal entities the glue between is compelling. Arguably more compelling is the way Dr. Lad breaks down balance/imbalance between these doshas and provides daily practices to bring awareness to the manifestations of them (in power, relationships, movement, fear, joy, sex, diet, etc). In sum, this somewhat cursory overview is all about the capital S Self and constant change, but in a palatable way :)
The reach this ideology has had over time is expansive because it’s practical, fascinating, and at times extremely enlightening. There’s a lot more here, some of which i’m sure i’ll be moved by and others im not sure yet. Either way, I find inquiry like this critical and would encourage anyone to invest the time
January 31, 2017
I've been practicing yoga's sister ayurveda for a few months now and am absolutely loving it! Finding out that I'm kapha dominant has made a massive difference to my energy levels, digestion, yoga. It's been great to know that many of the things I've learned to do intuitively has already been laid out in ayurveda, and it's as if someone's already understood and done the rest of my homework for me! I've been learning through sharing articles and guidance by friends. Read this book this week, it was a great introduction. Easy read and great to have handy for easy reference.
November 29, 2019
Dr. Vasant Lad has clearly explained the Ayurveda concepts of doshas - vatha, pitta, kapha, and how it affects the person. Moreover, the author has touched the basic of everything form the ayurvedic side. Ayurveda is a plant science found my rishi Dhanwantari which dates prehistory.
I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning about Ayruveda, doshas, panchakarma, meditation etc.
I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning about Ayruveda, doshas, panchakarma, meditation etc.
December 13, 2020
I’ve been enjoying this book for years for so many reasons. Ayurveda is probably the oldest complete holistic system of health on the planet. When I say complete I mean that it starts with a cosmology and then ties in health factors based on this cosmology. In fact if all one focused on from this book was the beginning in which Lad delves into the cosmology, it would be immensely enriching.
It is a very deep book that will not be absorbed in one listen but, if you like deep reads, listening again and again over years will give great understanding of how things work in our bodies and on the planet. The only thing less than great about the reading ( I actually listened to the audio version) of this book may be Lads accent which may take some getting used to. I had no problem with it but some may.
I can’t say enough good things about this book. Just get it.
It is a very deep book that will not be absorbed in one listen but, if you like deep reads, listening again and again over years will give great understanding of how things work in our bodies and on the planet. The only thing less than great about the reading ( I actually listened to the audio version) of this book may be Lads accent which may take some getting used to. I had no problem with it but some may.
I can’t say enough good things about this book. Just get it.
January 8, 2013
For me it was a quick read. i gobbled up all the information and I'm looking forward to knowing more. i think the author did a great job outlining the major parts of Ayurveda medicine. His methods of delivery was very clear. i think this is a great beginner book.
August 22, 2013
I definitely recommend it to someone that's looking for an introduction of Ayurveda. It was really interesting to me. Very complete.
November 30, 2024
A straightforward and accessible introduction. Not a deep dive, but covers essentials to start building a foundation and diving deeper.
December 12, 2021
Lucidly covers the concepts of ayurveda, disease and healing. The language is succinct and with plenty of examples of self examination. However, it is not detailed.
It’s not an introductory book but of an intermediate level. Delve in only after you have a preliminary idea of the subject.
It’s not an introductory book but of an intermediate level. Delve in only after you have a preliminary idea of the subject.
October 12, 2020
Сильно загально.
January 26, 2013
This is the first I've read on Ayurveda and the topic/field is very interesting. However, I felt like this book 'dumped' a bunch of terms and I was left floundering trying to put all the information together in a logical way. If you're just getting started in this area, I would try to find another book that takes the time to go into some of the history and details.
June 10, 2008
Excellent, goes well beyond the simple lists of balancing foods for each dosha, but explains the theory behind them. Branches out into appropriate asanas, waking practices, eating patterns and delves somewhat into more advanced learning. (gunas, etc.)
August 5, 2008
Informative intro to the subject. Esp liked the section that addresses understanding from a western perspective. Gave me lots of ideas of practical stuff to incorporate into my daily life.
February 6, 2011
Good text, but I like Lad's other book (Complete Home Remedies) more. Still, one can never have too many Ayruvedic texts :)
April 24, 2012
A very simple Ayurvedic book- too simple in my opinion, but it gives a very good understanding about the meridians and diagnostics such as urine, tongue and pulse diagnosis.
April 3, 2014
More thorough then other Ayurveda books. That being said, Ayurveda's compartmentalization of people seems more like an internet survey than science to me. very little on pranayama no pranavayu
April 16, 2019
Am I a doctor now? That’s how this book made me feel. Enjoyed learning about my pulse being like a swan.
February 26, 2021
This has become my go-to book for all ailments.
August 31, 2021
Perfect guide for starters. Extremely enlightening..
September 11, 2022
Short and to the point, Dr. Vasant Lad gives a detailed yet enticing overview of Ayurveda, ultimately giving what feels as the secret to a good life. While some concepts are difficult to make sense out of, some others click immediately and are not even worthy of questioning; after all, he does claim Ayurveda is the science of truth as expressed in life.
Lad takes us through a journey of basic concepts, techniques of diagnosis and treatment, and suggestions for a happier, healthier, and more fulfilled life. His writing is perfect for Western minds trying to learn about this Eastern philosophy, even explaining how astrology and crystals are indeed connected to our actions and emotions.
It did have several typos, but from what I've seen this tends to happen when doctors publish books.
Favorite quotes:
- Order is inherent in disorder, thus a return to health is possible
- Do not repress the natural urges of the body
- Everything in existence is endowed with the energy of universal consciousness
- Worry weakens the heart
Lad takes us through a journey of basic concepts, techniques of diagnosis and treatment, and suggestions for a happier, healthier, and more fulfilled life. His writing is perfect for Western minds trying to learn about this Eastern philosophy, even explaining how astrology and crystals are indeed connected to our actions and emotions.
It did have several typos, but from what I've seen this tends to happen when doctors publish books.
Favorite quotes:
- Order is inherent in disorder, thus a return to health is possible
- Do not repress the natural urges of the body
- Everything in existence is endowed with the energy of universal consciousness
- Worry weakens the heart
September 28, 2024
Headway summary
Interesting to finally understand the concept of Ayurveda, meaning the science of life. Although quite complex!
The 5 elements (air, space, water, fire and earth) are energies that are present in everything, including the human body (air= lungs, sense of touch; space= sinuses, mouth, intestines, sense of hearing; water= secretions, mucus, sense of taste; fire= metabolism, digestion, thinking, sense of seeing; earth= bones, hair, nails, skin, muscles, sense of smell).
Ayurveda techniques help maintain balance.
There are 3 different types of body constitution based on energy pattern (or dosha):
- vata
- pitta
- kapha
People are a mixture of the 3, but usually have 1 or 2 prominent.
My dosha profile is vatta, and pitta.
Daily self check techniques: taking pulse using 3 fingers under the wrist bone, and checking the tongue.
To maintain balance, ayurveda uses cleansing methods, yoga, meditation and breathing (pranayama), and uses different types of diets for different types of constitution.
Interesting to finally understand the concept of Ayurveda, meaning the science of life. Although quite complex!
The 5 elements (air, space, water, fire and earth) are energies that are present in everything, including the human body (air= lungs, sense of touch; space= sinuses, mouth, intestines, sense of hearing; water= secretions, mucus, sense of taste; fire= metabolism, digestion, thinking, sense of seeing; earth= bones, hair, nails, skin, muscles, sense of smell).
Ayurveda techniques help maintain balance.
There are 3 different types of body constitution based on energy pattern (or dosha):
- vata
- pitta
- kapha
People are a mixture of the 3, but usually have 1 or 2 prominent.
My dosha profile is vatta, and pitta.
Daily self check techniques: taking pulse using 3 fingers under the wrist bone, and checking the tongue.
To maintain balance, ayurveda uses cleansing methods, yoga, meditation and breathing (pranayama), and uses different types of diets for different types of constitution.
February 4, 2018
This book conveys what I see as a very classical version of the Ayurvedic science. While I am sure that the practices outlined in the book have been helpful to people over the centuries, I think some of them would be hard to transfer to the lives of most Americans. There is definitely some wisdom to the Ayurvedic system, but our fast paced American life and the practices of our culture would make it hard to faithfully adhere to the Ayurvedic practices. It would mean a complete shift in lifestyle. I think the overall message is “Pay close attention to your own body and learn from it. We are all different and therefore a generalized prescription of how to take care our YOUR body may not be effective.” That being said, I did find so many of the characteristics attributed to my dosha eerily accurate. It is almost like reading my horoscope and saying “Yes, yes, that IS me.”
July 2, 2024
A great first read to be introduced to Ayurveda. The content it exposed well and in detail.
I'm not sure about the other Ayurveda books and how content is presented there. Maybe my expectations were a bit off. I expected a bit more concreteness about diet and "way of life". However the author's opinion is very nondeterministic and doesn't provide advice. He's just presenting in shortness the otherwise large body of this holistic science. And maybe that's how it has to be.
What I'm trying to say - don't expect any particular details about stuff. It's a very generic presentation of Ayurveda in all its aspects - doshas, elements, health, relationships, procreation. It's a really good intro, in that regard. Definitely would recommend it to anyone that's looking to get a first broader view of Ayurveda.
I'm not sure about the other Ayurveda books and how content is presented there. Maybe my expectations were a bit off. I expected a bit more concreteness about diet and "way of life". However the author's opinion is very nondeterministic and doesn't provide advice. He's just presenting in shortness the otherwise large body of this holistic science. And maybe that's how it has to be.
What I'm trying to say - don't expect any particular details about stuff. It's a very generic presentation of Ayurveda in all its aspects - doshas, elements, health, relationships, procreation. It's a really good intro, in that regard. Definitely would recommend it to anyone that's looking to get a first broader view of Ayurveda.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews