How is a 5,000-year old science pertinent in the U.S.?

     Change sometimes happens by mistake. Change sometimes happens as a result of innovation, technological advances or discovery. And many times, change happens because it is necessary. I believe we are, in the U.S., at a point in which change in our healthcare is, without a doubt, necessary.

     I don't follow politics closely enough to make an argument about healthcare from a political point of view, but from a medical and commonsense point of view my argument lies below.

     While we, as Westerners, benefit from longevity and modern medical technology, we as a people are growing sicker and sicker with each passing year. It seems almost absurd that the richest nation in the world, in funds and resources, has a population who cannot combat the most basic human need of physical, mental and psychological health. And it is said that this generation of American children, for the first time in recent history, will have a shorter life span than their parents due to the outbreak of childhood obesity and the related diseases. Absurd may not even be the appropriate word here. Better words that come to mind are troubling or worrisome.

     Yes, change is necessary if we want to survive as a people and if we care to live full lives.

Part of that change does come from legislation and making sure the American population has affordable health insurance. The other part comes from each and every one of us. The onus is on us to take responsibility for our own health.

     As Americans, we haven't been terribly successful in knowing exactly how to do this. Sure, we have gym memberships, go jogging in parks and follow the latest dietary fads. But because of the strong solidarity between doctors, pharmaceutical companies, and insurance companies, we have been told throughout the years to give responsibility of our own health over to someone else. And when this "someone else" has no solution for why we are feeling ill, we are supposed to just go home and suck it up.

     Taking responsibility for our own health may seem like an enormous burden but I look at it as liberation. We can stop giving the destiny of our health and well being over to another "professional" and learn how to actually take care of ourselves.

     That being said, I am completely for the medical community for certain ailments and if it weren't for doctors and pharmaceutical companies, I may not be alive today but allopathic medicine is only a portion of the complete picture.

     And this is where Ayurveda steps in.

     The practice of an Ayurvedic lifestyle helps to complete the picture and gives us practical and scientifically proven ways to regain control over our health.

     As I post, I will share my journey that led me to an Ayurvedic practice as well as shedding light on what it means to incorporate an Ayurvedic lifestyle into a crazy, hectic American life.

Wishing you peace, harmony, laughter and love,
Michelle

Michelle Fondin is the author of The Wheel of Healing with Ayurveda: An Easy Guide to a Healthy Lifestyle  and Help! I Think My Loved One Is an Alcoholic: A Survival Guide for Lovers, Family, & Friends.