When one thinks of alternative medicine, one of the first branches that comes to mind is Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurvedic medicine originated in India and is one of the world’s oldest medicine systems. Oswald’s is now home to a surplus of Ayurvedic therapies and we look forward to further educating our customers on Ayurveda and all that it has to offer as a source of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).

What is Ayurvedic Medicine and what does it mean?

Ayurveda (aye-your-VAY-duh) is composed of the Sanskrit words ayur, meaning life, and veda, meaning science or knowledge. Dating back roughly 5,000 years, the Ayurvedic system aims to achieve health through balancing mind, body, and spirit.

Rather than the prescriptions, pills, and procedures that we commonly see in Western medicine, Ayurveda focuses on a balanced lifestyle as the secret to good health. Ayurveda can be seen as complementary to Western medicine, as Ayurveda focuses more on preventative measures, whereas Western practices are more reactive.

There are two main principles in Ayurvedic medicine. The first principle emphasizes the preservation of health and the second principle focuses on how to regain a healthy balance in a sick or unhealthy person.

What are the eight branches of Ayurveda?

The eight branches of Ayurveda are called Ashtang Ayurveda. Ashtang means “eight” and this classification is similar to the eight branches of yoga (Ayurveda’s sister practice). Ayurveda’s eight branches are as follows:

• Kaya Chkitsa (internal medicine)
  • Identifying the connection between illness and the mind, body, and soul
• Urdhvaanga Chikitsa (Otolaryngology)
  • Specifically emphasizes the head and neck
• Damstra Chikitsa (toxicology)
  • Focuses on toxins in the air, water, animals, minerals, and vegetables
• Shalya Chikitsa (surgery)
  • Ayurveda does practice surgery but it is used far less than Ayurveda’s everyday diet and lifestyle
• Bala Chikitsa (pediatrics)
  • Similar to Western medicine, pediatrics focuses on childhood health. However, Bala Chikitsa also includes pre- and postnatal care of mothers and newborns.
• Graha Chikitsa (psychiatry)
  • In Ayurveda, mental well being is critical to overall health. This branch incorporates meditation, yoga and breathing techniques to combat common imbalances.
• Jara Chikitsa (gerontology)
  • Aside from focusing on aging and healthcare concerns specific to the elderly, this branch also focuses on longevity and promoting longer lifespans
• Vrishya Chikitsa (aphrodisiac therapy)
  • Focuses on fertility issues and sexual dysfunctions, as well as the importance of overall sexual health.

Is Ayurveda safe?

Although Ayurveda is trusted and millennia-old, there are still safety measures to keep in mind. First, always consult your healthcare provider before incorporating any Ayurvedic practices into your healthcare routine. Regardless of what school of medicine your healthcare routine comes from, it’s important to understand the full scope of any medicines you are taking and how they may affect you.

What type of Ayurvedic products can I find at Oswald’s Pharmacy?

Oswald’s is continuously growing our Ayurvedic and alternative medicine offerings. Our largest selection of Ayurvedic products can be found by our other vitamin and homeopathic supplements. Two brands that offer Ayurvedic remedies are Herb Pharm and Nature’s Answer. These brands produce extracts of certain herbs that are very common in the Ayurvedic community, including Ashwagandha, Licorice, Turmeric, and Boswellia.

Oil massages and self-oil massages are also popular Ayurvedic practices. We carry jojoba oil and other oils that can be used during oil massages.

We also have Dr. Tung’s Oil Pulling Concentration. Oil pulling is a popular Ayurvedic practice to promote a healthy mouth and remove toxins from the body. This particular concentrate can be used alone, or mixed with oil, and swished around in the mouth for 5-15 minutes.

Our selection of Ayurvedic offerings is always evolving, so be sure to stop by the store and take a look! If there are any questions you have or anything specific you are looking for, please feel free to contact us or email us at info@oswaldspharmacy.com.