Maharishi Vedic Approach to Health recognises that every individual is different and therefore even people with the same disorder will have their own version of it, and need to be treated accordingly. That is why there are so many techniques around and why a special diet or exercise program may do wonders for some but may leave you feeling tired and deprived. In Maharishi Ayurveda, the physiology is assessed by Pulse reading. This allows the physician to feel what the nature or basic constitution is like and to assess the degree of health or imbalance in the physiology. Pulse reading detects imbalance at a subtle level. Therefore imbalances can be treated before they manifest into disease. The individual is then given dietary and lifestyle recommendations tailored to their unique needs.
The physiology has an amazing ability to self-repair and maintain balance. However, too often we ignore its needs. We eat when we are not hungry and skip meals when we are; we work when we are tired or sick and generally suppress the body's needs. Then we wonder why we get sick, or why life appears to be such a struggle. By becoming more intune to what your body needs and using the cycles of nature, it is possible to prevent imbalance and disease. Once you understand the governing principles operating throughout the universe you can begin to apply them to everything in your life. You intuitively know it anyway. For example when someone is anxious and insecure you give them a big hug. You balance the spacey, empty feelings of Vata with the solidity and sweetness of Kapha.
Life really is not so complicated after all. You don't have to make that pilgrimage to India or read a hundred books before you can get a grip on holistic health.
Why do we need any approaches to health if this is the case? Well, while we are still in a state of semi ignorance we could do with a guide to direct us on our path. Ultimately, the knowledge comes from within. Start clearing the stresses and tensions from your physiology and your perception will become clearer, your awareness more expanded. However some guidelines in how to do this are useful. Transcendental Meditation, Maharishi Ayurveda, Maharishi Sthapatya Veda (Vedic architecture), Maharishi Jyotish (Vedic astrology) to name a few, provide universal knowledge but also educate and raise the consciousness of the individual.
Maharishi's Vedic approaches aim to liberate you from the New Age circus of alternative approaches and re-establish you as your own physician, architect, astrologer and teacher. Maharishi Vedic approach to Health is not about competing with other modalities, it is about placing them in the overall context of wholeness. Holistic Health includes absolutely everything from the unmanifest field of pure consciousness to the far reaches of the galaxy. Anything less is not wholeness but full of holes.
