Food supplements in Ayurveda
Some call them herbal pills, others spice powders, healing schnapps or medicines. No matter what name we want to assign to Ayurvedic products, one thing is certain: no health system in the world has a variety of herbal products and formulations comparable to Ayurveda. The science behind these products is called „Dravyagunavijnana“, which translates as the „science of substances and their properties“. The basis [...]
Examination methods in Ayurveda: 6. reading the eyes and face
It only takes 100 milliseconds: the first, decisive impression. We look into the eyes and face of the person opposite us and immediately make an intuitive judgement about trustworthiness, likeability, attractiveness and approachability. We also utilise the psychology of first impressions in Ayurvedic diagnostics. The more experienced the diagnostician, the more accurate the first impression. Even after a [...]
Turmeric in Ayurveda: the yellow gold
Curcuma has been used as a spice and medicinal plant in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for over 5000 years. Over 3,000 scientific studies prove that curcuma is one of the three most important medicinal plants on our planet with a dizzying array of possible uses. However, there are a few rules to follow in order to maximise the health benefits: Curcuma is not just curcumin, the spice powder [...]
Therapeutic fasting in Ayurveda - Things to know about Ayurvedic fasting cures
„Fasting is as old as the peoples of the world“, wrote Otto Buchinger in 1935 in his book „Therapeutic Fasting“, taking into account the three dimensions of the human being (medical, psychosocial and spiritual). Buchinger fasting using special fasting drinks (water, tea, vegetable broth, fruit or vegetable juices and honey) is one of the most frequently used fasting methods today. In the guidelines for [...]
Self-massage in Ayurveda
For many followers of Ayurveda, the daily self-massage with selected oils or dry as a stimulating „rubdown“ is part of the morning routine. Others, on the other hand, find it extremely annoying and unrealistic to quickly oil themselves in the morning before work and then remove the intense odours and sticky colour residues in the shower. Does the classic [...]
Day-night rhythm in Ayurveda: sleep and wake times in check
„Go to bed before 10 p.m. and get up before 6 a.m.“ - this is a common recommendation from Ayurvedic doctors and therapists. This is well-intentioned and will help you achieve a deeper sleep and get out of bed more energised in the morning. But can this recommendation be applied equally all year round and is it really [...]?