Ayurveda: A Comprehensive Guide to Traditional Indian Medicine for the West

by Frank John Ninivaggi

Ayurveda, a Sanskrit word, denotes the Traditional Medicine of India. Translated as the science of life, the term more accurately implies the wisdom in living. Several thousand years old, its ancient roots produced an integrated body of enduring knowledge and practice incorporating medicine, psychology, aesthetics, philosophy, the humanities, and spirituality. Yet, it goes beyond only immediate care of health symptoms and illnesses by suggesting principles and practices for overall self-development and good health.

This book offers the reader a concise yet detailed overview of thousands of years of deep thought and clinical work aimed at improving the human condition. Concentrating on healing and prevention, the practice is intended to restore balance and instill better health through consciousness and the connection between body, mind, and spirit. Through Ayurveda, Dr. Ninivaggi offers guidelines toward achieving a better quality of life and health in all areas of one's life.

Genres: Nonfiction

390 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

VERY advanced, very thorough.

[Casey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book certainly lives up to its subtitle. I wouldn't recommend this as an introduction (the author has another intro Ayurveda book published), and this certainly isn't a how to practice Ayurveda. Instead, it is a wide view on the history of Ayurveda and an exploration of its different parts.

Ninivaggi takes time to compare Ayurveda to modern science and medicine, as well as Buddhism, yoga, Chinese medicine, to name a few. He doesn't attempt to create a correlation between modern medicine and Ayurveda, but brings up parallels when they occur.

I enjoyed the wealth of knowledge in this book. This would be good as a supplement to other Ayurveda materials. The style of the writing is somewhat scholarly, which may turn some people off. Overall, I would say Ninivaggi explains Ayurveda in a matter-of-fact way.

[HadiDee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a text book rather than the overview/introduction I was looking for (the clue is in the word 'comprehensive' in the title!)

[Synthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure what I was expecting but it is a good guide.