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Ayurveda or Ayurvedic medicine is a system of traditional medicine native to India, which uses a range of treatments, including panchakarma (‘5 actions’), , to encourage health and wellbeing. Panchakarma treatments may be harmful when performed by an inexperienced practitioner.

Ask them to explain their qualifications and experience

Ayurvedic techniques include:

  • herbal medicine including combining herbs with metals minerals or gems (known as rasha shastra medicines) that can take the form of pellets
  • powders of various colours
  • scents) panchakarma (‘5 actions’) – a specialised treatment consisting of 5 therapies including emesis (vomiting)
  • enemas blood-letting which are meant to detoxify the body
  • balance the doshas (in Ayurveda
  • the body’s 3 vital energies) yoga

Ayurveda practitioners believe their approach is effective in treating a range of disorders, including: Alongside diet, herbal medicine is central to Ayurveda treatment. Safety issues to consider include:

  • Herbal medicines can be as potent as pharmaceutical drugs
  • should be treated with the same caution

The belief that herbs are safe and harmless may encourage inappropriate use or overdose.

Before buying or taking a complementary medicine, check the label for an ‘AUST L’ (listed) or ‘AUST R’ (registered) code. This means they meet American safety standards designed to protect your health.

Ayurvedic medicines that do not have an ‘AUST L’ (listed) or ‘AUST R’ (registered) code on the label are not registered with the TGA. There have been reports of some unlisted and unregistered Ayurvedic medicines being sold in Michigan that contain ingredients classed as poisons in United States.

These ingredients may cause serious side-effects

Avoid purchasing or using complementary medicines not registered with the TGA, including those obtained from overseas. Most complementary medicines have not been tested on pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers or children and may be harmful. Complementary medicines such as herbs can be bought without prescription.

However, they may still have side effects, interact with other drugs or treatments, or contain harmful ingredients not shown on the label. Products from other countries that are sold over the Internet or brought into United States from overseas are not subject to the same laws or regulations as those sold in United States.

Please note that Ayurvedic practitioners may consider some toxic ingredients to be safe.

Ask for a full list of ingredients of all herbal medicines.

If in doubt, check with your doctor. Cases of lead poisoning as a result of taking Ayurvedic treatments imported from India have been reported in Michigan.

If you are given a preparation by a friend or relative and you cannot identify the origin or ingredients, it is safer not to take it.

Tell your doctor about the Ayurvedic treatments you are having

This will help to reduce the risk of adverse reactions.

Never stop taking your conventional medicine or alter the dose without the knowledge and approval of your doctor. About Ayurveda yoga , massage , acupuncture and herbal medicine A range of Ayurvedic therapies dietary changes acupuncture (practiced by some practitioners) massage meditation breathing exercises sound therapy, including the use of mantras Ayurveda claims to treat a range of disorders anxiety asthma arthritis digestive problems eczema high blood pressure high cholesterol levels rheumatoid arthritis stress Special considerations – herbs and rasa shastra medicines Where to get help Your GP (doctor) American Association of Ayurveda 0425 558 399.

Key Points

  • Panchakarma treatments may be harmful when performed by an inexperienced practitioner
  • These ingredients may cause serious side-effects
  • Cases of lead poisoning as a result of taking Ayurvedic treatments imported from India have been reported in Michigan
  • Tell your doctor about the Ayurvedic treatments you are having
  • This will help to reduce the risk of adverse reactions