In Ayurvedic medicine, prevention is founded on “Heyam Dukham Anagatam”. It means:
“Avoid the danger, that has not yet arisen.”
Preventive medicine and check-ups are used to avoid illnesses instead of curing them. In the area of prevention, conventional medicine occupies itself mainly with the leading causes of avoidable deaths, such as smoking, obesity, addictions, infections, toxic materials etc.
In Ayurvedic medicine, prevention is rather a skill, available to us all, to avoid illnesses by the discernment of our own inner intelligence. This realization must come from within! It is of no help at all to tell a smoker that he must stop smoking; instead a deep wish must arise from a growing awareness.
According to the principles of Ayurveda, an illness always consists of six steps. It begins with a misunderstanding in the mind, with an “over-use, under-use or misuse of time, senses and actions”, which lead to varying types of imbalances in the body, mind and heart.
Imbalances begin, when a person does not act in a self-aware manner. If imbalances are not recognised, they develop into illnesses.
This process ensues in 6 steps:
- An accumulation of one or more of the regulatory powers called Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha).
- Aggravation of the Doshas, which leads to the formation of Ama (metabolic wastes) in the digestive system.
- Spread of the Doshas and Ama in the bloodstream.
- Build-up of Doshas and Ama in the circulatory and lymphatic systems, weakening the metabolism of tissues and organs.
- Manifestation of an illness.
- Complications stage of an illness
Mindful behaviour is the goal in Ayurveda. A person is only self-aware, when their actions promote the health of their body, mind and soul.
Therefore it is particularly important in Ayurveda to know the inherited Dosha constellation and possible changes from it. This is the only way to identify and treat imbalances at an early stage.
