Definitions of Therapies

Following are the high level definitions of therapies. These definitions are not exhaustive but meant for introductory purpose only. Some of the definitions covered are Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Acupuncture, Oriental Medicine and yoga.

• Ayurveda : Ayurveda aims to create harmony and balance between the body, mind, and spirit (thus, viewed by some as "holistic") Ayurvedic perspective, human constitution is composed of three forces in unique combinations; namely Vata(which is represented by Air), Pitta (represented by Fire) and Kapha (represented by water). Based on unique individual constitution, various factors like foods, spices, emotions, climates, colors, herbal medicines and activities, etc., leads to a balanced or imbalanced state of an individual and these factors also play an important role in improving or worsening the illness in an individual. Ayurvedic practices and medications aim to cleanse the body of substances that can cause disease help reestablish harmony and balance.
• Homeopathy : Homeopathic remedies (also called homeopathics) are a system of medicine based on three principles:
• Like cures like For example, if the symptoms of your cold are similar to poisoning by mercury, then mercury would be your homeopathic remedy.
• Minimal Dose The remedy is taken in an extremely dilute form; normally one part of the remedy to around 1,000,000,000,000 parts of water.
• The Single Remedy No matter how many symptoms are experienced, only one remedy is taken, and that remedy will be aimed at all those symptoms.
• Acupuncture: The goal of Acupuncture is to promote health and alleviate pain and suffering. The perspective from which an acupuncturist views health and sickness hinges on concepts of "vital energy," "energetic balance" and "energetic imbalance." The acupuncturist assesses the flow and distribution of this "vital energy" within its pathways, known as "meridians and channels". The acupuncturist is able to influence health and sickness by stimulating certain areas along these "meridians". Traditionally these areas or "acupoints" were stimulated by fine, slender needles. Today, many additional forms of stimulation are incorporated, including herbs, electricity, magnets and lasers. Still, the aim remains the same - adjust the "vital energy" so the proper amount reaches the proper place at the proper time. This helps your body heal itself.
• Oriental medicine : Oriental Medicine includes herbology, physical therapy, dietetics and special exercises (such as Tai Chi and Qi Gong), and is a complete medical system unto itself. Acupuncture evolved from principles and philosophies unique to Oriental thinking and Oriental Medicine, and is most effectively applied when done in accordance with those principles.
• Yoga: Yoga is an ancient Indian body of knowledge that dates back more than 5000 years ago. The word "Yoga" originates from Sanskrit word "yuj" which means "to unite or integrate." The union or integration between the mind, body and spirit. Yoga exercises improve circulation, stimulate the abdominal organs, and put pressure on the glandular system of the body, which can generally result to better health. Pranayama or the breathing techniques were developed based on the concept that breath is the source of life. Following are different branches of Yoga:
  • Hatha Yoga is Yoga of Postures.
  • Bhakti Yoga is Yoga of Devotion.
  • Raja Yoga is Yoga of Self-Control.
  • Jnana Yoga is Yoga of the Mind.
  • Karma Yoga is Yoga of Service.
  • Tantra Yoga is Yoga of Rituals.