In Ayurveda, diseases are believed to be caused by blockages in organs and other parts of the body, and it is thought that clearing these blockages will cure the diseases. This is an extremely clear theory that aligns with our company Ichiban Life's modern scientific theory of aging and rejuvenation.
This time, we will explain in detail the various Ayurvedic treatments for health and beauty, as effects obtained by practicing Ayurveda.
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is the science of longevity.
Achieving healthy longevity requires a holistic balance, symmetrical conduct, and lifestyle. A diet and lifestyle that lead to an improved constitution, as well as character reform and emotional control, are also beneficial.
The maximum lifespan of an animal species is largely genetically determined, but that applies within specific living environments and is greatly influenced by fluctuations in internal and external environments. In reality, predicting animal lifespans is difficult due to the significant impact of acquired factors.
Even for humans, environmental factors have a far greater impact than genetic elements. Historically, yogis, Taoist ascetics, and practitioners of Buddhist medicine have lived well over 100 years, some even up to about 200 years.
Their characteristics include a simple diet centered on vegetables, mental care through concentration such as meditation, and regular moderate exercise. Like long-lived animals, they live a life that does not accumulate waste products and internal toxins, which are the causes of aging and disease.
In ancient India,
- Dharma (social norms)
- Artha (wealth)
- Kama (sensual pleasure)
were considered the three main goals of life, and it was considered ideal to maintain a family life while fulfilling these, and to leave behind good descendants. Liberation from worldly desires, which was the highest goal for Indian philosophers and religious figures, required strict precepts and ascetic practices, and was irrelevant to the common people.
The foundation of a happy life is healthy longevity. Therefore, Ayurveda can be said to be a manual for living a happy life.
For common people, healthy longevity, wealth, family prosperity, and improved aesthetic appearance are the main elements of a happy life. The ascetic ideas and behaviors considered ideal in Indian society are not necessary.
However, a lifestyle appropriate to one's age (the four stages of life) is also beneficial for healthy longevity. In Indian society, where peace, friendship, and pleasure are respected, attractive appearance and manners are important factors.
From the perspective of holistic medicine, healthy longevity and aesthetic appearance are two sides of the same coin. Therefore, Ayurveda offers various herbal preparations and treatments in the field of beauty as well.
Ayurvedic Treatments
Ayurveda is a comprehensive health science that offers various treatments for both disease prevention and treatment.
Ayurveda has utilized "herbal preparations" in diverse treatments since its inception, and their importance has grown over time.
The primary purpose of herbal preparations is internal purification rather than treating the affected area. In Ayurveda, the main cause of aging and disease is believed to be the accumulation of waste products and biological toxins that block the body's channels (srotas). Therefore, diseases are called Amaya (meaning originating from ama).
Western medicines aim for symptomatic treatment of the affected area, which does not lead to a fundamental cure.
The active ingredients of herbs regulate biological reactions and improve their balance. They also have powerful internal cleansing and lubricating properties, promoting the elimination of waste products and biological toxins.
Through these actions, herbal preparations remove the causes of disease and assist in fundamental healing through the body's natural healing power.
Ayurveda aims for holistic health management. Promoting healthy longevity and beauty comes from physical and mental health, and the two are closely related. Therefore, treatments for promoting beauty and treating diseases overlap, and internal cleansing is emphasized in both.
Without Western medicine, which has not recognized the effectiveness of biological purification, true beauty, health, and longevity cannot be achieved. For example, it is considered impossible to achieve beauty, health, and longevity merely by using simple chemical substances.
A characteristic of Ayurvedic treatments is the widespread adoption of internal purification methods based on extensive experience and deep insight. The basics of internal purification methods are Panchakarma (nasal administration, emesis, purgation, enema, bloodletting). This involves injecting medicinal oils, etc., into the body to directly eliminate internal toxins from the body.
Indirect purification methods include permeating medicinal herbal oils, herbal pastes, and herbal decoctions into the body through the skin in various ways, and then expelling internal toxins through blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. In summary, over 25 types of treatments are used for improving beauty and health.
Effects of Ayurveda: Health Edition
Ayurveda is a holistic medicine that treats disease prevention and treatment, health maintenance, and beauty improvement and enhancement all equally. It does not particularly distinguish between health and beauty, so many treatments are effective for both.
In Ayurveda, external beauty is considered a reflection of the internal organs' health. With the advent of an aging society, healthy longevity has become a major concern.
Beneficial treatments for healthy longevity include internal purification methods and the intake of herbal preparations. Herbal preparations activate the cells of tissues and organs, aiding in the improvement of biological functions and the appropriate balancing of the body.
It also improves the balance of doshas. The core of internal purification methods is oil massage. Here, we will introduce representative herbal preparations and purification methods aimed at healthy longevity.
Effect ①: Healthy Longevity
The ultimate goal of Ayurvedic treatments is healthy longevity. It is no exaggeration to say that all treatments exist for this purpose.
While internal purification methods such as Panchakarma and oil massage are preliminary treatments, the core lies in herbal preparations for healthy longevity. These achieve anti-aging and rejuvenation through detoxification, constitutional improvement, and activation of biological functions.
Many longevity recipes have been devised, but we have selected the following three Rasayana (rejuvenation) preparations and offer improved products for the Japanese market:
- Chyawanprash
- Sanjeevani Rasayana
- Triphala
All of these are traditional recipes known since ancient times, and various research results estimate a healthy lifespan of 120 years. Classical medical texts describe recipes that can enable several hundred years, but the data supporting this is still insufficient.
Effect ②: Internal Purification
Many Ayurvedic treatments are detoxification methods for internal toxins, showing a wide range of effects for disease treatment, health, and beauty.
Medicinal oils, decoctions, medicinal pastes, or medicinal powders are applied to the entire body or parts of it, and the remedies are absorbed into the body through various treatments. The active ingredients of the herbs then dissolve internal toxins from the local area, and the dissolved toxins are expelled from the body through blood vessels and lymphatic vessels.
Full-scale treatment methods include the following:
- Abhyanga (full-body oil massage)
- Kashaya Basti (decoction enema)
- Sneha Basti (medicinal oil enema)
- Nasya (nasal administration)
- Basti (enema)
- Vamana (emesis)
- Virechana (purgation)
Effect ③: Pain Relief
Pain is a warning of illness or injury.
If the body experiences a problem, it triggers an inflammatory response. The inflammatory response is the initial healing response to a disease and also a defense mechanism against pathogens.
Furthermore, pain inhibits normal activities and interferes with daily life. Therefore, Ayurveda offers various pain relief methods.
Typical examples include the following:
- Abhyanga (full-body oil massage)
- Kizhi (herbal poultice)
- Kati Basti (back purification)
- Kashaya Basti (decoction enema)
- Janu Basti (knee joint purification)
- Sneha Basti (medicinal oil enema)
Effect ④: Improvement of Mental Health
Purification of the head and body is effective in improving mental health (stress, depression/anxiety, insomnia, dementia).
These conditions arise particularly due to the accumulation of impurities and toxins in the head. Representative treatments include the following:
- Kashayadhara (herbal liquid pouring)
- Ksheeradhara (medicated milk pouring)
- Shirodhara (oil pouring on the forehead)
- Takradhara (buttermilk pouring)
- Thalapothichil (head paste massage)
- Nasya (nasal administration)
- Padabhyanga (foot oil massage)
- Pizhichil (warm oil cloth compress)
Effect ⑤: Paralysis Improvement
Paralysis is a sequela of nerve damage or dysfunction resulting from an injury.
While it is a sequela of illnesses that disrupt daily life, Western medicine offers no appropriate treatment. There are also cases of lower body paralysis and hemiplegia of unknown cause, and Ayurvedic treatments are effective for such intractable diseases.
Typical examples include the following:
- Abhyanga (full-body oil massage)
- Udvartana (upward medicinal oil massage)
- Kashaya Basti (decoction enema)
- Kizhi (herbal poultice)
- Sneha Basti (medicinal oil enema)
- Nasya (nasal administration)
- Padabhyanga (foot oil massage)
- Pizhichil (warm oil cloth compress)
Effect ⑥: Improvement and Enhancement of Immune Function
One of the effects of Ayurvedic treatments is the improvement or enhancement of immune function. This is because it balances overall bodily functions and is beneficial for maintaining homeostasis.
Most treatments are beneficial for normalizing immune function, but the following are considered particularly beneficial:
- Abhyanga (full-body oil massage)
- Shirodhara (oil pouring on the forehead)
- Takradhara (buttermilk pouring)
- Nasya (nasal administration)
- Pizhichil (warm oil cloth compress)
Effect ⑦: Improvement of Organ Diseases
Ayurveda offers effective herbal preparations for various organ diseases.
Herbal preparations have the effect of symptomatic treatment, improving the dysfunction of the affected area. In addition to these herbal preparations, purification therapy is equally effective. This is because organ diseases occur when ama (internal toxins and undigested matter) block the body's circulatory pathways.
For head disorders:
- Shiroabhyanga (head massage)
- Nasya (nasal administration)
- Netra Tarpana (eye nourishment)
For digestive disorders:
- Kashaya Basti (decoction enema)
- Sneha Basti (medicinal oil enema)
- Padabhyanga (foot oil massage)
- Vamana (emesis)
- Virechana (purgation)
For lumbar spine disorders:
- Kati Basti (back purification)
- Kizhi (herbal poultice)
- Spine Basti (spinal purification)
For neck disorders:
- Greeva Basti (neck purification)
For knee joints:
- Kizhi (herbal poultice)
- Janu Basti (knee joint purification)
For respiratory disorders:
- Nasya (nasal administration)
- Padabhyanga (foot oil massage)
are beneficial respectively.
Effect ⑧: Inhibition of Cancer Cell Proliferation and Induction of Cell Death
Cancer treatment has been a concern in Ayurveda since ancient times.
Over 100 anti-cancer herbs, including Ashwagandha, have had their efficacy registered through clinical trials. Herbal preparations combining anti-cancer herbs are also known.
Purification therapy is effective for cancer treatment because it enhances immune function and natural healing power. However, the most important function of herbal preparations is to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells and induce cell death.
Research into the detailed mechanisms of action of anti-cancer herbs has just begun. We are rushing to develop herbal recipes that have no side effects and kill all cancer cells, utilizing knowledge from modern cancer biology.
Effects of Ayurveda: Beauty Edition
Even in an aging society, maintaining beauty remains a concern for middle-aged and elderly men and women.
Ayurveda is holistic beauty and also overlaps with healthy longevity methods. This is because beauty reflects the health of internal tissues and organs, especially the liver.
Purification methods from the body's surface directly affect the skin, so the cosmetic effect on the skin is particularly strong. Here, we will introduce how Ayurvedic purification methods exhibit unexpected beauty effects.
Effect ①: Beautiful Skin (Wrinkles, Spots, Radiance)
Ayurvedic purification methods include injecting remedies into the body and permeating them from the body's surface. Purification methods from the body's surface directly act on the skin, so their effect on the entire skin is strongest. They have effects such as skin purification, nourishment, moisturization, and cell activation, all of which are beneficial for regenerating beautiful skin.
Ayurvedic purification treatments are the most reliable way to regenerate beautiful skin, including reducing spots and wrinkles, and improving whitening and radiance. Typical examples include the following:
- Abhyanga (full-body oil massage)
- Udvartana (upward medicinal oil massage)
- Ubtan (herbal powder application)
- Kashayadhara (herbal liquid pouring)
- Saundarya (full-body oil massage & nourishing paste application)
- Shringara (full-body oil massage & polishing with paste)
- Thalapothichil (head paste massage)
- Mukha Lepa (facial pack)
Effect ②: Beautiful Hair & Hair Growth
When it comes to hair care, many people probably think of hair growth products. However, the effects of commercially available hair growth products (medicines & quasi-drugs) are insufficient. This is because hair loss and thinning hair are signs of scalp aging, and hair regeneration requires rejuvenation of the scalp and hair follicles.
Focusing on the aging of scalp and hair follicle cells, our company developed Ayucelra™-SC after 20 years of research.
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Hair formation is also influenced by body constitution and the scalp environment of the hair roots (scalp temperature, blood circulation, nutrient supply, etc.). Therefore, Ayurvedic purification treatments promote hair formation.
Effective methods include the following:
- Kashayadhara (herbal liquid pouring)
- Ksheeradhara (medicated milk pouring)
- Shiroabhyanga (head massage)
- Shirodhara (oil pouring on the forehead)
- Takradhara (buttermilk pouring)
- Thalapothichil (head paste massage)
Effect ③: Eye Care
※While improving or enhancing eye diseases and vision falls under the health category, eye power is also related to appearance, so it has been included in the beauty category.
Improvement and enhancement of eyesight are areas that Western medicine cannot address. In fact, visual impairment is often due to optic nerve damage in addition to eyeball structure.
Head purification is ideal for strengthening and improving nerve function. Therefore, head purification treatments are beneficial for improving eyesight. Typical examples include the following:
- Shiroabhyanga (head massage)
- Nasya (nasal administration)
- Netra Tarpana (eye nourishment)
- Padabhyanga (foot oil massage)
Effect ④: Weight Loss
Generally, excessive obesity is considered a hotbed for lifestyle diseases and detrimental to beauty. Weight management through proper diet is best.
Ayurveda encourages moderate fasting (e.g., once a week) to promote internal purification. Many people wish to maintain their physique while enjoying delicious food. Purification treatments are effective in eliminating internal toxins and excess body fat, and are also beneficial for weight loss.
Typical examples include the following:
- Abhyanga (full-body oil massage)
- Udvartana (upward medicinal oil massage)
- Kashaya Basti (decoction enema)
- Kizhi (herbal poultice)
Effect ⑤: Body Shape Maintenance/Improvement
The most important element in beauty is a youthful figure. No matter how much effort is put into makeup and clothing, if the basic body shape is compromised, the effect is halved. Conversely, if one has a good figure, any outfit will look good.
The optimal method for body shape maintenance or improvement is internal purification. Typical examples include the following:
- Abhyanga (full-body oil massage)
- Kashaya Basti (decoction enema)
- Sneha Basti (medicinal oil enema)
- Basti (enema)
- Vamana (emesis)
- Virechana (purgation)
Yoga, considered a branch of Ayurveda, is also effective. In recent years, several methods aimed at beauty and health have been developed. Incorporating yoga into daily life is beneficial for overall beauty, health, and longevity.
Why can Ayurveda be expected to have effects?
Next, let's consider why Ayurveda can be expected to have solid effects on beauty, health, and longevity. The main reason is that Ayurveda originated in the advanced ancient Indian civilization.
Ancient Indian civilization, centered on Samkhya philosophy, is considered to have been far more advanced than modern scientific civilization. Advanced scientific technologies in fields such as astronomy, physical chemistry, industry, and medicine are being unearthed.
Ayurvedic disease theory and treatment are believed to have inherited this legacy, and this scientific approach dramatically advanced the study of herbs. Tens of thousands of herbs were investigated, and over 1,000 medicinal herbs were registered. This was supported by India's rich vegetation, a long period of time, immense patience, and extensive clinical trials.
Ayurveda is the science that pursues a happy life.
- A holistic view of life
- Analytical approach to matter and life
- Rigorous evaluation of effects
- Attitude that abhors side effects
- Deep insights unique to Indian culture
These created effective disease theories and treatments over a long historical process.
The essence of these is the method of improving and maintaining biological function balance and internal purification. The purification treatments introduced here are exclusive to Ayurveda. The cause of disease is considered to be blockages in organs, etc., and it is believed that clearing these blockages will cure the disease. This is an extremely clear theory.
Our research also demonstrates that the main causes of aging and adult diseases are the accumulation of waste products and internal toxins. This perfectly aligns with Ayurveda's theory of blockages.
Much of Ayurveda's valuable literature and medical texts have been lost, with only a small portion remaining. Like the vast Buddhist scriptures, India has many diverse historical records. However, during the British colonial period, Ayurveda suffered undue persecution, and most of it was destroyed.
After gaining independence from the British Empire, both the Indian and Bangladeshi governments established specialized universities and have been working to revive and restore Ayurveda. On the other hand, while modern Western medicine has its origins in Ayurveda transmitted to Greece, the inherited legacy consists only of simple disease theories.
Modern medicine only has about 80 years of history since the discovery of penicillin. Since then, only medicine using simple chemical substances has emerged.
In recent years, surgical technology has dramatically advanced thanks to rapid progress in science and technology. Currently, integrated medicine that combines the advantages of Ayurveda and modern medicine is desired.
Summary
In India, the three main objectives of life are "social norms," "wealth," and "sensual pleasure." The foundation for these is healthy longevity, and Ayurveda is a manual for living a happy life.
On the other hand, religious figures and wise people seek an ascetic life, detached from "gourmet food," "pleasure," and "wealth," to achieve liberation from worldly desires. Ayurveda seems to encourage a balanced way of life in these four aspects in pursuit of a happy life.
Most people seek healthy longevity, which is a natural instinct of living beings. And beauty is a part of that.
Practicing Ayurveda and living a fulfilling life, both mentally and physically, is nothing less than self-realization and contribution to society. We hope that the content introduced here will help you correctly understand the theory and practice of Ayurveda.
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