Chapter 1: A Personal Encounter with Traditional Medicine

Sitting in the dentist's chair, I felt overwhelmed and distressed.

"Perhaps we will need to extract those teeth," the dentist said, observing my reaction.

"Let’s hold off on that for now. We’ll clean your teeth and see how things are during your next appointment," he added.

I simply nodded, feeling a wave of frustration. The dentist advised, "Remember, taking medication is a way to care for yourself—do it for your own well-being!"

I wanted that conversation to end. No way was I going to resort to medication or lose my front teeth before hitting 40!

To me, my body was signaling something important. It was urging me to pay attention and work towards healing. Merely masking the symptoms wouldn’t address the underlying issues.

In my quest for answers, I dove into research on Google and YouTube. That's where I discovered Dr. Vivek, who shared my views on health.

His approach?

"Ayurveda—defined on WebMD as a comprehensive healing system that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. It rests on the principle that the universe is interconnected and that true health arises from harmony among the mind, body, and spirit."

With no health insurance for several years, I had to navigate my own path to wellness—affordably, of course. Exploring the emotional and spiritual roots of my ailments has led to significant self-healing.

However, the thought of losing my teeth, along with other irritating symptoms, pushed me to seek solutions that resonated with my beliefs.

After my father's near-death experiences due to medical malpractice and ongoing pain from medications, I viewed conventional routes as a last resort. Many relatives received costly and contradictory medical advice, each insisting they were right, which often resulted in harmful consequences.

Given my financial constraints, consulting a doctor without insurance is a last resort. Therefore, I make sure to get the basics right first.

Illness and discomfort often stem from emotions, stress, poor nutrition, inadequate sleep, lack of exercise, toxic environmental factors, or imbalances. Once I realign these elements, my symptoms typically diminish.

Recently, I delved deeper into Ayurveda, which has captivated my interest. You can research almost any ailment to identify the root cause before addressing the symptoms. Interestingly, many symptoms can trace back to the same underlying issue, meaning treating the core problem can alleviate multiple symptoms at once.

For instance, poor digestion due to candida overgrowth can lead to tongue swelling, a white coating on the tongue, acne, rosacea, and cold sores, among others.

The remedies are often straightforward, utilizing herbs and plants.

Apple cider vinegar can aid digestion, while burned eggplant peels can serve as a natural tooth powder.

As someone who prefers natural remedies, I am embracing the Ayurvedic lifestyle. I firmly believe in the power of plants; a friend of mine, who faced dire health issues with a heart functioning at just 12%, managed to restore her health through a whole foods plant-based diet.

If you’re on the lookout for alternatives, exploring Ayurveda is worthwhile. While I am not a doctor, my experiences have compelled me to take on that role. Financial constraints and the desire to avoid potentially lethal treatments have shaped my journey.

Currently, I am addressing the emotional aspects linked to my dental health—learning to set boundaries and resist the urge to please everyone. Alongside improving my dental hygiene, I have begun oil pulling and focusing on gut health.

I thrive on challenges and anticipate the journey to rejuvenate my gums and preserve my teeth. My hope is that my dentist might one day inquire, as my friend's doctor did, "How did you achieve this?" The answer will be simple: plants.

Take charge of your health. Pose questions, conduct thorough research. Most crucially, listen to your body; it may reveal insights if you approach it with an open heart and a genuine desire to understand. ❤️

The first video, "Introduction to Ayurveda: The Science of Life," provides a comprehensive overview of Ayurveda, emphasizing its holistic approach to health and wellness.

The second video, "Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Ayurvedic Medicine," explores the principles and practices of Ayurvedic medicine, shedding light on its benefits and applications.