From skin disease to sleep disorder: How Ayurveda treats different health conditions

Ayurveda, a comprehensive system of natural healthcare that originated in the ancient Vedic times of India, addresses all aspects of life, including the mind, physiology, behavior and the environment.

According to Dr. Gibsy Sanjeevi, a resident Ayurvedic doctor at Shanti Ayurveda Philippines, it is a complete medical system embedded in and developed from nature.

“Ayurveda is the ‘science of life.’ It embodies not only the physical, psychological, philosophical, ethical and moral aspects, but also the individual and universal health aspects of life,” Dr. Sanjeevi explained during the fourth and final session of the “Ayurveda for Nutrition” webinar hosted by the Embassy of India.

Health in every manner

Dr. Sanjeevi said that to be mentally and physically healthy, the “seven dhatus (body tissues)”—rasa (plasma), rakta (muscle), mamsa (fat), meda (bone), asthi, majja (bone marrow) and sukhra (reproductive fluid)—must be properly nourished.

“To stay healthy, you have to make sure that the doshas—the vata (air), pitta (fire), and kapha (based on earth and water), including our digestive fire, which is responsible for our body’s metabolism—are balanced,” explained Dr. Sanjeevi. “And these should all be at ‘normal’ levels.’”

The Panchakarma Treatment, which is believed to be the most effective healing and preventive modality in Ayurveda, is a Sanskrit word meaning “five actions” or “five treatments.” This promotes detoxification and rejuvenation. It also thoroughly cleanses the body from harmful substances caused by stress, diseases, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and unhealthy lifestyle choices.

All-around treatment

Dr. Sanjeevi also shared different Ayurveda treatments for different health conditions like skin diseases, bone diseases, and even sleep disorder.

For sleep, the Ayurvedic doctor shared that the abhyanga is one of the major treatments done to improve one’s quality of sleep or treating insomnia in general. It is performed by two skilled therapists using synchronized, rythmic, and flowing strokes designed to penetrate the deepest layers of the tissues in the body. The treatment is done in seven positions.

Abhyanga detoxifies and deeply relaxes the mind and body. It’s called the “Mother of All Massages” because the treatment lasts for 40 minutes to one hour.

“Ayurveda is a simple and cost-effective healthcare solution that benefits humanity in all aspects of life,” Dr. Sanjeevi added.