East Vs West

East vs West- What are the differences when it comes to medicine?

East vs West

I try and spread the good word on Ayurveda authentically, yet as American-friendly as possible. It’s funny, because people will come to me and say:

“I’m congested! What should I do?”

And I might say,

“Are you eating yogurt? It’s a no-good channel clogger which can increase sinus congestion and mucus goo in your chest. ”

They might say,

“But yogurt is so GOOD for you with all the probiotics and everything…”

And then I say,

“Well, that’s what ‘they’ say but they are not Ayurvedic and Ayurveda is different.”

Then very quickly they get confused as to why something in Ayurveda can completely contradict what we have been told or sold (don’t forget about marketing, you guys! It makes companies a lot of money…) in the western world. But that’s just the point. If someone is seeking Ayurvedic advice, it’s going to differ from what their MD has told them or from what they see on TV…because it’s different!!

Ayurveda takes time and definitely requires a willingness to try something new. If our old habits (and prescriptions) had worked, we wouldn’t be on the search to try something else.

So my dear friends, if you seek something different, expect something different. The philosophies of East vs West, or Ayurveda vs. Western medicine are very different and therefore, so are the treatments. I’m not saying one is good or bad because both have their place. But, please keep them in different buckets because they don’t overlap much.

Below I’ve created a little chart on how they differ and I hope this helps.

And for the record:

Ghee is NOT butter

Buttermilk (churned yogurt or lassi) is NOT yogurt

Their properties differ making them almost opposites and in Ayurveda the first is healthier than the latter (for most folks). Please o’ please just believe me. xoxoxo.

East Vs West

east_vs_west_chart

 

 

 

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Monica Bloom is an Ayurvedic practitioner who studied Ayurvedic Sciences from Kerala Ayurveda Academy. She also studied in Kerala, India where she gained certification in Panchakarma (cleansing therapies). She actively shares Ayurvedic wisdom through her blog, heymonicab.com. Her new book 'In Your Elements: A Blooming Ayurvedic Guide to Creating Your Best Life' is a delightful and contemporary take on how to incorporate ancient Ayurvedic practices into your everyday life.

One comment

  1. vibrheal9@yahoo.com.au'

    I recently tried GHEE and find it GREAT!! I am telling my family about AYURVEDA as I believe it is so good. I have a very SLUGGISH and SENSITIVE digestive system. I am 72 years young !! and look 55 I’m told often.. but my big HURDLE is my digestive system. I inherited my mum’s problem of gall bladder troubles and had mine removed aprox 18 years ago as the doctors said it had passed the “use by date” !! I have to eat VERY CAREFULLY. Have deleted most dairy and wheat from my diet. Any suggestions would be most welcome
    THANKS
    Robyn

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