Dr. Alka Vijayan

An Ayurvedic doctor, also known as an Ayurvedic practitioner or vaidya, is a healthcare professional who is trained in the principles and practices of Ayurveda.

• They use herbal remedies, diet and lifestyle changes, yoga, and other natural therapies to treat a wide range of conditions including chronic pain, allergies, digestive issues, and stress-related disorders.
• It's worth noting that Ayurvedic medicine is not recognized as a formal system of medicine in some countries, and Ayurvedic practitioners may not have the same level of training and regulation as conventional medical doctors.
• It's important to check for the credentials of the practitioner and the facility where they practice before seeking treatment.
• Ayurvedic doctors use a holistic approach to health and wellness, taking into account a patient's physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

The word "Ayurveda" comes from the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit and it can be translated to mean "the science of life" or "the knowledge of longevity."

• Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine that emphasizes the use of natural remedies, such as herbal medicine, massage, yoga, and diet, to promote balance and harmony in the body, mind, and spirit.
• It aims to treat the whole person, rather than just the symptoms of a particular illness or condition.
• Ayurvedic principles are based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the three "doshas" or fundamental energies that govern the body: vata, pitta, and kapha.
• When these doshas are in balance, health and well-being are maintained, but when they become imbalanced, illness and disease can occur.
• Ayurveda also recognizes the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether) that make up the universe and how they are related to the human body and mind.

Ayurvedic practitioners use these principles to create personalized treatment plans for each individual patient, taking into account the patient's unique "dosha" type and overall health status.

Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine from India, generally prioritizes non-invasive treatments such as herbal remedies, diet and lifestyle changes, and massage therapy over surgery.

• However, some Ayurvedic texts do mention surgical procedures and the use of surgical instruments.
• In modern times, Ayurvedic practitioners may refer patients to surgeons when necessary.
• There are two branches of surgery in Ayurveda — Shalya Tantra, which refers to general surgery, and Shalakya Tantra which pertains to surgeries related to the eyes, ears, nose, throat, and teeth.