What is ayurvedic medicine?

The word "Ayurveda" is made up of two Sanskrit words meaning "the knowledge of life."

Ayurvedic medicine originated within the ancient spiritual traditions of India. It treats and nurtures the mind, body, senses and soul. It attempts to strengthen the immune system using personalized routines for meditation, spiritualism and nutrition. Ayurveda employs a system of herbalism similar to traditional Chinese medicine.

Ayurvedic practitioners enhance well-being and prevent disease by nurturing the deeper connections between mind and body. They believe that true health means more than the absence of disease. True health is a state of "total health," where the patient’s vital forces are well-energized and in balance.

Why do people with hiv use ayurvedic medicine?
People with HIV often consult with Ayurvedic practitioners to help improve their overall health and energy level. According to Ayurveda, HIV relates to issues with loss of energy.

Ayurvedic medicine does not cure HIV infection. Many people, however, believe that it has helped them improve their overall energy levels, improve their immune system, help fight off other infections, or deal with the side effects of antiretroviral medications.

How is ayurvedic medicine practiceD?
Ayurvedics believe that the body uses three doshas or types of energy:

• vata, the energy of movement
• pitta, the energy of digestion and metabolism, and
• kapha, the energy of lubrication.