Concept and origin

Ayurveda is a long-established system of medicine which came into existence thousands of years ago in the Indian sub-continent. ‘Ayurveda’ is a Sanskrit word, which means the ‘Science of Life’. The use of natural herbs for treatment of various diseases is what makes Ayurveda unique.

The philosophy of Ayurveda is based on one principle that all matter is composed of five basic elements: (i) Earth (ii) Water (iii) Fire (iv) Wind (v) Space. Ayurveda holds that the human body is a composition of derivatives of these five basic elements and these exist in a human body in the form of dohas, tissues and waste products.

Ayurveda has its roots in the Vedic period of Indian history. It is known that before the wisdom of Ayurveda was recorded in textual form, it was taught orally by teachers (gurus) to their disciples. Later on, Veda Vyasa, a highly revered teacher and writer, compiled the knowledge of Ayurveda in writing which was known as Vedic literature.

Composition and approach to treatment

Ayurveda is a traditional system of treatment which uses natural herbs for making medicines and treating the ailment. Ayurveda follows a holistic approach whereby the disease is diagnosed by symptoms as well as by examining the mental and spiritual health of the patient. Though Ayurveda and Allopathy are two methodologies truly different from each other they are still not in complete contrast. This is because Allopathy also uses some plant products in their natural or synthetic form for making medicines, for example:

1. Aspirin or Acetyl Salicylic Acid was originally discovered in the bark of the white willow tree (Salix Alba). The chemical was later synthesized.
2. The chemicals Digoxin and Digitoxin are extracted from the plant Digitalis. This is used in the treatment of Arrhythmia.
3. Alkaloids like Reserpine from the plant Rauwolfia Serpentina are used in hypertensive drugs.

The holistic approach that Ayurveda adopts for treatment of a disease also encompasses the eradication of the root cause of the problem, which in turn eliminates the problem itself. The approach also recommends lifestyle changes and long term view of the composition of all elements active in a patient’s life. This approach has its benefits in terms of basic changes to the ailment causing issues, a newly acquired freshness to the constitution and system, mind and body both and in general, a feeling of wellness and health.

Method of treatment – Achieving wellness

1. Ayurveda uses an assortment of methods to cleanse the body, mind and spirit. Impurities are eliminated through the use of enemas, fasting, therapeutic vomiting, massage and special diets to remove undigested food from the body. This process cleans the digestive system and prevents disruptions that cause the disease. Herbal tonics made from plants, and often mixed with honey, are used as medicine to treat certain conditions, increase the appetite and improve digestion. Ayurvedic doctors often recommend complete dietary changes or use of specific foods. Exercise, stretching, meditation and yoga are recommended to relieve symptoms.
2. Ayurveda has a cure for number of chronic diseases. Though the speed of recovery through Ayurveda is slow as compared to Allopathy it is often seen that Ayurveda has much better and longer lasting results. Ayurveda has been found to successfully treat diseases like Hepatitis, Multiple Sclerosis, any type of Arthritis, many cancerous diseases like Breast Cancer, Prostrate Cancer and also many cases of tumour and cysts, metastatic conditions and almost all the other common diseases.
3. Instances of serious side effects of Ayurvedic medicines have not been recorded. However, during Ayurvedic detoxification programs, some people report fatigue, muscle soreness, and general sickness. Also in the process of releasing mental stresses and psychological problems from the patient through Ayurveda, some people can experience mental disturbances and depression.
4. It’s also noticed that if the dose is high some discomfort may be felt. Ayurvedic medicines are not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding by traditional physicians due to the use of the herb turmeric.

Ayurveda and Swine Flu

Whilst it is true that all branches of the practice of medicines are being used and tapped to treat Swine Flu, only a certain success has been achieved to restrict the impact of the H1N1 virus and that too by using Allopathic drugs like Tamiflu which have to be given at the earliest to the patients.

Ayurveda has thus far not been able to find a proper and comprehensive treatment for Swine Flu. There have been instances of doctors treating the initial and milder symptoms like cold, cough and mild fever. However, the Ayurvedic practice has been following the ‘referral to designated hospital’ for more serious cases of Swine Flu.

Acknowledgements: Dr. Mandar Ranade – NIMA & various other Ayurvedic practitioners