Being Alive; February 1992
Siri Sat Nam

For the Ayurvedic healer, the particular constitution of the patient is vitally important, since this determines not only which medicinal drugs, foods and herbs should be eaten, but also those to be avoided. Unfortunately, allopathic practitioners do not take the unique constitution of the patient into consideration, as shown by the fact that the same medicine is prescribed for all.

Within the Ayurvedic system, it is understood that drugs, though medicinal in nature, will have a different impact upon individual constitutions. Indeed, penicillin can heal one person and set off an allergic reaction in another. Some individuals can take AZT for years, while others can tolerate the drug for only a short time.

To determine the strengthening or weakining effect of not only medicinal drugs, but also foods and herbs, Touch for Health muscle testing (applied kinesiology to ascertain the impact of substances within the energy field), as applied by some licensed acupuncturists, can be utilized. This technique can obviously be most instrumental in conjunction with doctor's prescriptions to ensure healing.

One ancient practice to enhance health is hydrotherapy: the use of cold water to stimulate circulation and cleanse the blood. Undoubtedly, this sounds very severe, but a few seconds of standing under cold water while simultaneously rubbing the body will give the skin a luster, increase energy flow, and build the immune system.

Perhaps the primary healing tool within Ayurveda is nutritional food. Will we ever understand that everything we put into the body will have an impact? Celery juice for the nerves, beets for the liver, onions for the blood. Knowing the impact of what we eat is the essence of scientific living.

The correct technique, along with medicine, is not enough to heal. There must be a true change of mind as the real sickness lies within the consciousness. So it is that one must develop not so much a positive mind as a neutral one, for the latter encompasses the healing space - timeless and nonjudgmental.

With the growth of modern medicine, which continues to make formidable progress, has come the omiscient doctor. With Ayurveda, however, doctors do not hold all of the power. Even so, allow us to ever be respectful of the professional diagnosis, always remembering that food and herbs heal, while only God cures.

PWAs and those infected with HIV must become more responsible for their lives by learning as much as possible about health. After all, life, our most precious possession, is ours and ours alone.

Tune in to the body. Be open. Listen to the higher self. Know what it is that you must do to heal. Everyday one has the human privilege to perform a miracle. The power is within us all.

(Siri Sat Nam studied with an Ayurvedic healer for 17 years before pursuing a master's degree in counseling. He is currently in private practice and facilitates a weekly HIV+ support group. He can be reached at 213.243.5351.)
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