WHY AYURVEDA?
WHAT IS AYURVEDA?
Ayu means life and veda means science, Ayurveda is science of life. Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of
medicine. Ayurveda is practiced in
ROLE OF AYURVEDA IN MODERN TIMES
In order to understand the importance of ayurvedic concepts and their application today, we should look at the present scenario in the medical field. There are many ailments for which, let alone complete cure, but even palliative treatment is very limited. To name a few are degenerative disease like osteoarthritis, heart diseases, cancer, etc. Exact nature of these diseases is not fully understood. There are many theories which are put forth, but each theory explains only a part of the problem and the complete disease process still remains obscure.
Today, advancement in modern surgery has made our lives much easier, e.g., a block in coronary artery can be overcome by stenting. A diseased artery can be replaced by another artery or vein, as it is done in bypass surgery. Even a diseased heart can be replaced with another one. If kidneys are not working, the patient is put on artificial kidneys, i.e., dialysis. But, all this development is not an answer to the basic question why all these pathological changes occur in our body. Why the arteries of only some people become hard to lead to heart disease. Why the cells in our body change their nature, become cancerous, and reproduce themselves so drastically that they destroy our own body. Why the bones decay to the point that there may occur a pathological fracture. Different theories have been put forth, and according to the recent trend, many of these diseases are linked to the genetic cause.
Ayurveda, with its background of vedic philosophy, has provided us with valuable guidance regarding prevention and cure of diseases in order to lead a healthy and fruitful life.
Ayurveda believes that analytical approach of research can never explain the whole thing. This is where concept of holistic approach comes into picture. We must consider about human life as a whole. We cannot forget its connection with the nature. We cannot separate our body from our mind just like one cannot separate one part of body from the other.
Nature of human body is so mysterious that its riddles cannot be solved only with biochemical approach. Ayurveda tries to answer these questions with holistic approach.
Ayurveda says that human being is a tiny version of universe itself. Human body consists of all those five principles which are there in the universe. Ancient Indian sciences have categorized all existing matter in five basic elements. Prithvi, aap, tej, vayu, and akash and these can be compared with, earth, water, heat, wind, and space, respectively. These elements are represented in human body in the form of Tridosha, i.e., three basic principles of Kapha (prithvi and aap), Pitta (tej), and Vata (Vayu and Akash). These Tridoshas are three basic patterns of energy that is vital for human existence. Then, there is ‘saptadhatu theory.’ There are seven basic “building materials” of human body, i.e., Sptadhatu (rasa, rakta, mamsa, meda, asthi, majja, and shukra).
Proper balance of all these body factors is health; imbalance is disease. Many factors, both internal and external, act upon us to disturb this balance and are reflected as a change in one’s constitution from the balanced state.
Just as everyone has a unique fingerprint, each person has a particular pattern of energy. A unique combination of physical, mental and emotional characteristics, which comprises their own constitution, i.e, prakruti. This constitution is determined at conception and remains the same throughout one’s life.
Human body reacts to the changes in season. There are many changes occurring in our body during summer, winter, and rainy seasons. Metabolism changes according to daytime or nighttime. Human body is affected by age (childhood, adolescence, young age, and old age).
Our ancient sages had the ‘real’ vision to see the changes that occur in us during these circumstances, and this is explained in detail in ancient Ayurvedic texts like Charak samhita. Apart from above-mentioned theories, many other principles are described in these texts. Additionally, vast database of practical treatment modalities is also present in these texts.
PREVENTION AND CURE WITH AYURVEDA:
We can apply this knowledge in day-to-day life very effectively. Ayurveda is very much a practical science. There are guidelines about how one should proceed from the beginning of the day until he/she goes to sleep. This is called Dinacharya. Dietary and behavioral guidelines during seasonal changes are called ritucharya. There are certain rules which one should observe throughout his life. This all is described in svasthavritta. Dietary restrictions are called as Pathyapathya.
Ayurveda has placed great emphasis on prevention of diseases through close attention to ‘balance’ in one’s life. Correct thinking, diet, lifestyle and the use of herbs.
It is indeed true that many people have benefited by following the Ayurvedic lifestyle. It has been observed that chronic diseases which are very difficult to treat (eg. arthritis, stroke, heart disease, colitis, etc.) can be successfully treated with the help of Ayurvedic treatment. We will discuss that in future.
Chandrashekhar M. Thite, M.D. (Ayurved), Chinchwad.
Phone – 9822032584