Alternative Treatment Methods in Ayurvedic
This post is a continuation of our alternative treatment methods series: view articles onmeditation and yoga.
Because drug and alcohol addiction usually takes the form of social, physical and physiological problems—each of these areas need to be treated during treatment.
A comprehensive approach to drug treatment often includes Ayurveda.
The wisdom of life
Ayurveda, also called “The Wisdom of Life,” is an ancient form of traditional Hindu medicine. Native to our country, Ayurveda views each individual as a unique expression of the five elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Sky—that make up the human body and the universe.
The treatment method uses simple, natural and practical ideas to help rejuvenate and heal the hurting body of an addict. Similar to yoga, Ayurveda helps in an addict’s long term recovery by changing their lifestyle rather than simply giving them a pill to swallow.
Ayurvedic therapy is generally accomplished through a careful diet, herbal medicines, exercises, massage therapy, personal counseling, and forms of meditation.
Ayurveda: De-Addiction treatment as nature intended it
Ayurveda is a method of treatment using mostly what is already available in nature.
Diet:
Recovering drug and alcohol addicts generally don’t have a good diet upon entering rehab. The money usually spent on food is spent on their addiction, and as a result an addict’s diet is one of the first things that needs to change during rehab.
§ Ayurveda begins to rejuvenate the body by placing addicts on a diet that includes foods like almonds, pine nuts, ghee (clarified butter) and sesame seeds.
§ Cold and iced drinks are usually removed from the diet and replaced with herbal teas mixed with household spices.
Herbal Medicines:
There are a number of herbs used in Ayurveda that treat different aspects and types of addiction.
§ The gotu kola herb is used to help clease hallucinogenic drugs from the liver and brain.
§ Consuming the Ashwagnadha herb helps to rebuild the nervous system.
§ Shatavari , a species of asparagus common in India helping to restore emotional sensitivity and balance to an addict [ref]http://theida.com/blog-entry/yoga-and-ayurveda-to-support-recovery-from-drug-and-alcohol-addiction[/ref].
§ Herbal substitutes to reduce the dependency and craving for drugs include: turmeric, barberry and dry ginger.[ref]http://www.prokerala.com/health/ayurveda/alcohol-drug-de-addiction.htm[/ref]
