Ayurveda is a system of traditional medicine that focuses on fighting disease by enhancing the immune power of the human body. Ayurvedic therapy, which has a rich history of over five thousand years, has stood the test of time and is heavily used by people for holistic wellness.
Most Ayurvedic medicines and therapies are based on the theory that “prevention is better than cure”. Prevention is possible only by increasing the immunity of the body. Healthy health can only be achieved through physical and mental well-being. By analyzing Ayurvedic texts and practices, it is clear that it gives a prominent place to overall well-being.
Ayurveda is probably the only medical system that clearly notes the ‘dinacharyas’ (the activities a person does in a day) and the ‘rithucharyas’ (a year is divided into 6 rithus and the habits one should follow in each rithu) which is essential for general well-being and overall health.
In the past, Ayurvedic treatment mainly consisted of consuming medicinal concoctions prepared according to the instructions of the practitioners. The medicinal leaves were picked, cleaned and made into medicine by the patients themselves. However, as technology developed, the production of drugs became easier. This has proven to be a benefit for both physicians and patients. These modern changes have inspired many people to try this ancient system of medicine.
The power of Ayurveda to preserve society
Modern medicine has been divided into specialties and super specialties to meet specific health needs and emergencies. Yet these specialties have existed in Ayurveda for ages.
Kaya treatment or general medicine, pediatrics, griha treatment or psychological treatment, oordwanka or ENT/Eye treatment, shalya or surgery, damshtra treatment or poison antidotes, jera treatment or geriatrics, vrisha treatment or aphrodisiac are some of the specialties of the Ayurveda.
Studies and research in each of these specialties are carried out in various universities and institutes in the country.
As diseases and infections become rampant in modern society, people have started to realize the importance of palliative care and Ayurveda. It would be a great boon to society if the government and the private sector realize that Ayurveda includes supportive care, medical care, terminal care and rehabilitation which are the different categories of palliative care.
Combined treatment
Combining Ayurvedic treatment with modern medicine to treat pandemics and serious diseases like cancer would increase efficiency while reducing side effects. Medical practitioners should avoid professional enmity and adopt a cooperative attitude to make the treatment of diseases like cancer more effective.
Why is Ayurveda popular?
More than a medical system, Ayurveda is a way of life. Ayurveda has been shown to be effective in controlling lifestyle diseases and treating both acute and chronic illnesses. Also, proper Ayurvedic treatment has no side effects and focuses on geriatric treatment and palliative care. All of these factors play a pivotal role in making Ayurveda incredibly popular in the international wellness industry.
The author is Director and Chief Physician of Kottayam Vayaskarakunnu Narayaneeyam Arya Ayurveda Hospital.
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