Ayurveda: The Ancient Indian Healing Art (The "Health Essentials" Series)

Rating:
Summary: Extremely useful text on Ayurveda
Review: If I could have only one book on Ayurveda this would be it. Ayurveda: The Ancient Indian Healing Art is comprehensive, clearly written, and well-organized; you simply absorb an understanding from it. Dr. Gerson is the only western medical doctor to have genuinely earned advanced degrees in Ayurveda from Indian universities and this gives a real value to his books. Unlike most other books on Ayurveda which are mere paraphrases of each other, Dr. Gerson is obviously conversant with the original Sanskrit texts and--more importantly--has been in clinical practice for many years. I would say this is a book for all levels of Ayurvedic students, from the beginner interested in creating more personal balance to the experienced vaidya seeking a lucid exposition of this venerable healing tradition. I particularly like the sections on the treatment of disease. I continually derive more information fromthis gem of a book than from all the other Ayurveda books on my shelf.

Rating:
Summary: not bad
Review: Not bad. Not that great, either.

What I liked about the book was the detail. A lot of books don't really address srotas (channels), dhatus (tissues), and the dosha's aspects, seats, and signs of imbalance in the same detail which this book has.

I also like the solid factual basis of the book. The truth is that a lot of Ayurveda books dwell on really abstract "absolute consciousness" philosophy and then lay out treatments the authors invented themselves. So for an honest and down-to-earth discussion of Ayurveda, this book also deserves recognition.

The down side is that this book is dry. Unless you're really, really interested, you may struggle. The doctor does not have a very imaginative style.

Rating:
Summary: Ayurveda: The Ancient Indian Art by Scott Gerson
Review: With Ayurveda: the Ancient Indian Art, Scott Gerson clearly and meticulously interprets the beautiful practice of Ayurveda, making it accessible to the 21st Century American. Dr. Gerson takes you through its history and basic tenents in language that any one could understand without ever "talking down" to his readers, and best of all, he doesn't skimp on details. I especially find the guidelings for lifestyle very useful.
This book is a must for all who are curious about Ayurveda or for those who are truly serious about learning this ancient art and science.