Healing Revolution: Defeat 100 Ailments with Ayurveda, Yoga and Lifestyle
By Ram K. Sharma
Rupa Books, 272 pages, Rs 395

Ayurveda has been woven into the daily life in many families. Avoid eating this and prefer that in case you have this ailment; do this and don’t do that in this season and so on. Homely remedies too are usually based on the wisdom of Ayurveda. But, there are often two views about a remedy. ‘Healing Revolution’ is an authoritative yet reader-friendly guide for healing and preventing 100 common ailments. Moreover, it combines Ayurveda with another ancient science of life, Yoga, apart from time-tested principles of mindful living.

The author, Ram K. Sharma, draws on his experiences as the custodian of Baidyanath, one of the leading and most trusted manufacturers of Ayurvedic formulations and products since 1917. He offers practical solutions to correct the imbalances in mind, body and spirit. From digestive issues and stress to skin disorders and chronic fatigue, each ailment is addressed with specific dietary advice, herbal remedies, yoga practices and daily routines that not only alleviate the physical symptoms but also promote long-term well-being.

In his introduction, the author presents the basics of Ayurveda – the tridosha theory of Vata, Pitta and Kapha. There is a helpful chart of the mail ailments associated with each of the three doshas. This is followed by a listing of 100 common ailments – from anaemia to whooping cough, including chapters on general debility, immunity disorders, memory loss, premature baldness and “women and obesity”. Each chapter briefly introduces the ailment, lists its symptoms, and then there is a chart of “healing options”, which include tips and pointers about home remedies, ayurvedic supplements, diet, lifestyles and yoga.

While ‘Healing Revolution’ is not intended to be an in-depth ayurvedic treatise, it is ready reckoner that will be useful round the year.