EP 324: The Modern Healer’s Missing Instruction Manual with Dr. Atousa Mahdavi

Prakruti & Vikruti

Ayurveda offers a unique perspective on health through the concepts of Prakruti and Vikruti. Atousa Mahdavi explains that Prakruti represents one's inborn constitution, which remains constant throughout life, while Vikruti reflects the current state of imbalance or doshas influenced by various factors 1. These elements are determined through detailed assessments, including physiological and psychological evaluations, as well as tongue and pulse analysis 2. Mahdavi emphasizes the importance of understanding these concepts for accurate health diagnostics:

In Ayurveda, the three structural, physiological, psychological, and tongue analysis and pulse analysis determine the prakruti.

--- Atousa Mahdavi

This approach contrasts with conventional medicine, offering a more personalized understanding of health 3.

   

Tongue Analysis

Tongue diagnostics in Ayurveda provide profound insights into one's health by examining the tongue's color, texture, and coating. Atousa Mahdavi describes how trained Ayurvedic practitioners look beyond the obvious white coating to identify various colors like yellow, brown, and purple, each indicating different health issues 4. This analysis helps identify toxicity, known as "ama," and digestive imbalances, which are key areas for intervention 5. Mahdavi elaborates:

When we do ayurvedic tongue analysis, trained ayurvedic eyes don't see only white coating.

--- Atousa Mahdavi

Such detailed diagnostics allow for targeted detoxification and dietary adjustments to restore balance 6.

   

Ayurvedic Insights

Ayurvedic medicine integrates ancient wisdom with modern health practices, offering a personalized approach to wellness. Atousa Mahdavi highlights how Ayurveda's focus on individual bioelemental constitutions, or doshas, provides a deeper layer of understanding beyond the conventional "one-size-fits-all" medical model 7. This approach considers the unique interplay of elements within each person, allowing for tailored treatments 8. Mahdavi shares her journey of discovering Ayurveda:

I had this big aha moment. I'm like, that's the piece. That's the missing link.

--- Atousa Mahdavi

Her insights reveal how Ayurveda can complement modern medicine by addressing the root causes of health issues 9.