other forms that allow free and creative expres-
sion. The underlying philosophy of art therapy is
that the processes of creativity are also pathways
of insight and understanding. With focused explo-
ration of the art a person creates, he or she can
gain new perspectives and learn to solve problems
or reconcile situations that cause stress, anxiety,
orDEPRESSION.
Art therapists typically have either a graduate
degree in art therapy or dual graduate degrees in
art and psychology (or related fields). A registered
art therapist meets the education and experience
requirements of the Art Therapy Credentials
Board. In the United States, each state regulates
the licensing requirements for art therapists. Art
therapists may work in hospitals, health-care clin-
ics, rehabilitation centers, and private practice.
See also COGNITIVE THERAPY; GENERALIZED ANXIETY
DISORDER(GAD); MIND–BODY INTERACTIONS.
Ayurveda A philosophy of HEALING based in
ancient Hinduism that dates perhaps to 4500 B.C.E.
or earlier. Ayurveda considers all of existence in
the context of energy, including human beings.
Each person represents the essential elements of
universal energy (fire, air, water, earth, and
ether), which manifest in three states of physical
existence called doshas: vata, pitta, and kapha.
Health exists when there is balance among the
doshas,and illness (or ailment) represents imbal-
ance. The dosha’s association indicates the general
nature of the ailment. BACK PAIN, for example, rep-
resents a vataimbalance (movement) and indiges-
tion is a kaphaimbalance (structure).
Ayurvedic Diagnosis and TreatmentKey to the Ayurvedic diagnostic process is careful
assessment of the tongue and the six pulses of
each arm, three superficial and three deep. The
pulses provide information about the balances and
imbalances in the doshas. The Ayurvedic practi-
tioner asks many questions about the individual’s
health, health concerns, family, lifestyle, and life
in general. Ayurvedic therapies attempt to restore
dosha balance through herbal remedies, YOGA
poses, dietary changes, and lifestyle measures.AYURVEDIC DOSHAS
Dosha Elemental Energy Association
vata ether (space) and air movement
pitta fire transformation
kapha earth and water structureAyurvedic Practitioners
In India, Ayurvedic practitioners train for five to six
years before going into practice on their own. A US-
trained Ayurvedic practitioner completes a one-
year program of study and then can practice. There
are no licensing education or requirements for
Ayurvedic practitioners in the United States. Some
alternative health practitioners such as naturo-
pathic physicians or chiropractors may complete
additional training to practice Ayurvedic methods.Benefits and Risks of Ayurveda
Ayurveda represents a lifestyle orientation to
health and health care. All aspects of an individ-
ual’s life and circumstances influence health and
illness, and Ayurvedic therapies target bringing all
back into balance. Some herbal remedies may
interact with other substances including prescrip-
tion medications. A conventional doctor should
provide clinical oversight for people who have
health conditions that require conventional treat-
ment, such as DIABETES, CANCER, and CARDIOVASCU-
LAR DISEASE(CVD).
See also MEDICINAL HERBS AND BOTANICALS; NATIVE
AMERICAN HEALING; TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE
(TCM).Ayurveda 59