Ayurveda is a system of medicine originating in ancient India that seeks to treat the body, mind, and spirit as a whole. It is based on the belief that health and wellbeing are determined by a balance of the three doshas, or energies, in the body. Ayurveda practitioners use a variety of techniques, including diet, lifestyle changes, and massages, to restore balance and improve health. TCM, or Traditional Chinese Medicine, is another system of medicine with ancient roots. It is based on the belief that health is determined by the balance of yin and yang energies in the body. TCM practitioners use a variety of techniques, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and massage, to restore balance and improve health.
There are several key differences between Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine from India that dates back over 5,000 years. TCM is a similar system of medicine from China that has been practiced for over 5,000 years. One key difference between the two systems is that Ayurveda focuses on the mind-body connection, while TCM focuses more on the physical body. Ayurveda also emphasizes the importance of balance in one’s life, while TCM focuses more on the use of herbs and acupuncture to restore balance. Ayurveda emphasizes preventative care, while TCM focuses more on treating existing conditions. Ayurveda’s three doshas are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each dosha is made of a combination of two of the five elements. Vata is made of space and air and governs movement and change. Pitta is made of fire and water and governs metabolism, digestion, and transformation. Kapha is made of water and earth and governs structure and stability. Our bodies are made of the same five elements that make up the universe. Ayurvedic practitioners believe that when our bodies are out of balance, it’s because we have too much or too little of one of the elements. Ayurveda aims to bring the body back into balance by using dietary and lifestyle changes, as well as herbal remedies.
Both TCM and contemporary drug are practised in mainland China and China, and most Chinese-Americans are comfortable being both medical thought schemes. Nevertheless, certain fields of care are seen as better suited for contemporary drug, e.g., emergency aid and identifiable illnesses , e.g., cancer, stroke, surgery and diabetes. Some degenerative illnesses, e.g., arthritis or digestive subjects, may remain mostly treated with TCM. Some Chinese people would have TCM first to present a symptom or illness before seeing the doctor. Because TCM emphasises that each part of the structure is related with others, it should be required that some Chinese-Americans can incorporate components of TCM into the attention they have, including end-of-life care. People may create their own therapy, for instance altering their fast, frequently seeking help from practitioners, who may or may not be certified]
There is a significant body of evidence that suggests that Ayurveda and TCM can be effective in the treatment of a wide range of conditions. In particular, these modalities may be helpful in the management of chronic conditions such as pain, fatigue, and arthritis. Additionally, Ayurveda and TCM may also be beneficial in the treatment of mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
About the author: Dr. Faith Whitehead; is a licensed veterinarian and researcher.