Wellness Billionaire's Blog

The origins of the ancient healing science known as “Ayurveda” are often debated, as with anything supposedly millions or even billions of years old. But the principles and teachings of the Dhanvantari or “God of Ayurvedic medicine” are well documented and accepted widely by Ayurveda followers past and present.

The concept of Ayurveda encompasses so many things, it is almost impossible to label it or define it simply with words. That said, Ayurveda is a system of traditional medicine native to the India subcontinent that’s been around for what seems like forever. Today, it’s considered a form of complementary and alternative medicine to the western world where things like yoga, herbs, massage and other forms of relaxation are practiced with Ayurveda in mind.

Ayurveda has both Hindu and Buddhist influences where “balance” and “measure” are recurring dominant themes. Ayurveda defines health as an absolute perfect state of health in “all areas of life…mental, physical, spiritual and social well-being”. Earth, water, fire, air, and space or “ether” together make up the 5 Elements that, according to Ayurvedic principles, make up not only the human body but the Universe as well.

Everywhere you turn these days it seems like an ever-growing onslaught of marketers and would-be wellness experts are hawking tapes, books, lotions, oils, videos, yoga mats, seminar tickets, Ayurveda treatments, Ayurveda medicines, Ayurveda spas, doshas and everything you could imagine with a supposed authentic connection to the “Ayurveda” buzz word. It’s become a generic brand in a way and that creates an environment ripe for abuse when it comes to making health claims.

Question: How can you separate the genuine Ayurvedic products from the slick salesmen and saleswomen simply trying to line their pockets with the Ayurveda gravy train?

Many of them have no clue as to the authentic ties their products have to the true essence of Ayurveda or whether or not they actually work. They don’t care.

Today, many contemporary wellness companies are cashing in on the Ayurveda namesake and its attraction. According to Zrii, they are “the only company that combines the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda with the latest scientific research to create groundbreaking, life-altering formulations.” The company even named one of its flagship products Nutri-“veda”. The Ayurvedic Institute offers a wide range of products including oils, herbs, incense, foods. and fragrances.

I’m not saying these companies are irresponsible or misleading in any way, but there are literally thousands of Ayurvedic “Internet stores” out there touting the words “cure” and “prevention of disease” in their marketing. Who says these products are the real thing?

By the way, in case you were wondering, not only is claiming that your supplement or herb “cures” or “prevents” disease illegal,  it’s immoral and amounts to taking advantage of people’s faith and fears to simply make a buck. Just be careful as a consumer and be aware of the reasons you’re purchasing an Ayurveda-based product. If you’re after a cure-all, chances are you’ll be easily taken advantage of by a clever marketer who isn’t following the rules.

Our advice? Do your due diligence, review what you want to buy before you part with your money, and have realistic expectations. Ayurveda is a belief and a practice that incorporates many different principles and techniques to create the balanced, healthy life. One product alone is not going to bring you any closer to complete inner peace or wellness, but a life founded in wellness technologies, science, and common sense will take you far.

There are many great products out there associated with the “Ayurveda” name, but just because a product uses the word, that alone doesn’t make the product tested, effective or endorsed by anyone in particular. Buyer beware.

Follow @wellnessbill on Twitter Subscribe to Wellness Billionaire via RSS