Hari Sharma, MD, DABIHM
Ayurveda is a Sanskrit term that means "Science of Life." It originated in the ancient Vedic times of India and is the oldest and most complete system of natural health care in the world. Ayurveda has ancient roots, yet is modern in its systematic and scientific approach. Ayurveda provides an integrated approach to both the prevention and treatment of disease through comprehensive lifestyle interventions and natural therapies. It treats disease at its source rather than merely pacifying symptoms. Ayurveda is health care that restores the essential role of consciousness in creating and sustaining health - wholeness of body, mind and spirit. It is ideal for those seeking to maintain good health, prevent disorders and diseases, and manage chronic physical and mental problems. Ayurvedic modalities include:
- Diet and digestion
- A healthy lifestyle and daily routine
- Stress management, including meditation
- Herbs and dietary supplements
- Detoxification
- Breathing exercises (Pranayama)
- Rejuvenation therapy (Rasayana)
- Self-massage (Abhyanga)
- Yoga postures
What are the benefits of Ayurveda?
Ayurveda’s purpose is to prevent disease, maintain optimal health and manage chronic disorders to restore a healthy balance.
Frequently asked questions
At your appointment, you will fill out questionnaires to help determine your constitution (your physical and psychological tendencies and the way your body works to stay healthy), system imbalances, and toxin build-up. The doctor will examine you, do pulse diagnosis and then give you a personalized management plan that may include one or more Ayurvedic approaches.
In Ayurveda, dietary recommendations are personalized to your individual constitution and any imbalances in your system.
Prana is the vital life force and Pranayama is the process by which this life force is balanced and increased. Pranayama helps your health and all aspects of life by enhancing your vital force. Hari Sharma, MD, teaches Pranayama (Breathing exercises) at the Ohio State Center for Integrative Health.
Hari Sharma, MD, teaches Spontaneous Meditation at the Ohio State Center for Integrative Health. Spontaneous Meditation helps you get in touch with your inner Self. You do not need to change your behavior, diet, religion or belief system to practice Spontaneous Meditation, which aims to strengthen and support both the mind and body to enhance health and well-being. In this program you will also learn a breathing exercise.
Learn more about Spontaneous Meditation Instruction and Free Talks (pdf)
Ayurveda is extremely safe when provided and supervised by an experienced practitioner.
Ayurveda is generally not covered by insurance. However, a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) may be utilized for Ayurveda. For example, Dr. Sharma's services are covered by the OSU FSA. An FSA is an account that you put money into and spend as needed on self-pay health care expenses, tax-free. If you are interested in signing up for an FSA, consult your insurance provider or employer. Additionally, some employers offer an HRA for their employees. This is an employer-funded, tax-free health benefit that reimburses employees for expenses not covered by insurance.
Why choose Ayurveda services at Ohio State?
It’s rare to find a doctor in the West who practices Ayurveda and even rarer to find those services offered side by side with medical doctors and other health professionals in a multi-practice, comprehensive and convenient setting. On staff at Ohio State Integrative Health is Hari Sharma, MD, DABIHM, one of the nation’s foremost Ayurvedic doctors. He also teaches Spontaneous Meditation and Pranayama (Breathing exercises). Dr. Sharma has been published extensively in respected medical journals and textbooks, and has written six books in the area of Ayurveda, including Ayurvedic Healing and Dynamic DNA.
Our Ayurveda Practitioner
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