Cure With Care

Fact : This is a common notion among the present generation. Ayurveda is the science of life. It is the traditional form of medicine for more than 5000 years. It was very well documented when civilization had not even started in the western countries. The human anatomy was well known and the knowledge about human body was obtained by dissection of dead bodies. There were researches and clinical trials that kept on increasing the knowledge gained. Diagnosis of each and every disease, description and use of each herb, mineral and facts about food were recovered and systematically documented. “Charaka Samhita” and “Sushruta Samhita” are the two ancient treatises on Ayurveda that have stood the test of time. Even surgery was known to the Ancient People and Sushurta is considered The as Father of Surgery. Research in traditional medicines has confirmed the efficacy of most of the natural substances used by Ayurveda Doctors. The beauty of Ayurveda is that it can, not only treat persons who are ill but also those who are not sick but need preventive care, so that every one can enjoy a life of balance.

To practice Ayurvedic medicine in India, 6 years of intense, disciplined studies in the eight different branches of Ayurveda is required. These are – Surgery (Shalya-chikitsa), Treatment of diseases above the Shoulder (Salakyam), Internal medicine (Kaaya-chikitsa), Psychaitry (Bhuta vidya), Paediatrics (Kaumarabhrtyam), Toxicology (Agadatantram), Immunity (Rasayanam), Aphrodisiacs (Vajikaranam); in total eight branches called the Ashtanga Ayurveda. On successful completion of the course, the students undertake Post graduation courses to become specialist in each branch, as in modern medicine.

Fact: Ayurveda believes that a disease results from the increase or decrease in the level of ‘Tri doshas’, i.e.- the Vatha, Pitha and Kapha. These are present throughout the body and responsible for functions like – motility, power, oxygen transport, digestion, development of body, metabolism etc. These are one of the best ways to map the human body. Several Allopathic practitioners also believe the same.

Fact: It is this myth that keeps people away from seeking the help of ayurveda therapies most of the times. There are fast curing medicines in ayurveda too. The aspect of slow cure is because of the curing Principle of ayurveda is different from allopathic or modern medicines. Modern medicines usually treat the symptoms not the disease. Ayurveda diagnoses the root causes of the disease and tries to uproot them perpetually. This curing process is time-consuming. There are certain serious diseases like cancer, cirrhosis of the liver, Parkinson’s disease etc which can be cured, by any system of medicine, only when detected early. Unfortunately, majority of patients come to Ayurvedic doctors only after trying other systems medicine especially after allopathy. When the disease is in advanced stage, it will take longer time for an Ayurvedic doctor to eradicate it

Fact : It is not just about using herbs but the use of milk, ghee, butter, honey, molasses, oils, rock salts, minerals, ashes and self-fermented alcohol are common in Ayurveda; also these are essential ingredients of several medicinal preparations. Ayurveda uses all natural ingredients available, as medicine.

Fact : Ayurvedic medicines taken in wrong doses or in combination with other Medicines may cause adverse effects. For e.g. “Guggulu” (l: commiphora mukul) based medications may trigger acidity especially when taken on empty stomach. Hence it is advisable to take such preparations after food, with milk. Like any other medicine, Ayurvedic drugs should be taken under supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic doctor only.

Fact :.It is true that heavy metals like mercury, lead etc are added to certain Ayurvedic proportions. If the medicines are correctly prepared as laid down in the texts, these metals will not cause any harm. The Ayurvedic “Gurus” of ancient India were aware of the toxic effects of heavy metals. But certain life-saving drugs need addition of these metals. In these preparations, the toxins of the metals are removed by the procedure “shodhan”(detoxification) and these metals are converted to their colloidal state by the process “Maran”(purification), thus avoiding the metals being deposited on the organs. These two processes are very well described in Ayurvedic texts. May be a few pharmaceutical companies are not adopting good manufacturing practices. In allopathy high potency antibiotics and steroids that have harmful side effects are prescribed to save lives because the advantages are better than the disadvantages. Ayurvedic drugs with heavy metal content are far less harmful than anti biotics and steroids.

Fact: People treat ayurveda medicines as harmless and always self determine and use the medicines. This is a wrong practice; and improper use of ayurveda medicines can bring in serious harm. Many of the herbs used in ayurveda contain several harmful toxins and molecules. Only the proper mixture of the right ingredients gives the medicinal effect. Just as the allopathic medicines, ayurveda medicines also should be used with the prescription of a qualified practitioner, after the proper diagnosis of the disease.

Fact: Ayurvedic Massage cannot cure all diseases. It is effective only in certain ailments. Ayurvedic massages require specialized practitioners.

Fact: Even after the drastic increase in the number of people preferring ayurveda treatments, people believe that Panchakarma means body massages of different kinds. But, in fact, massage is one of treatment method in ayurveda scriptures. It is also to be kept in mind that many of the ayurveda massages are not suitable for many body types & diseases.

Fact: Ayurveda is in use since thousands of years. The medicinal preparations have already got perfected due to keen observation and experience during their long extensive use. All Ayurvedic preparations undergo even more extensive trials. Ayurvedic Medicine is regulated through Drugs & Cosmetic act, 1940, under which pharmacopoeia standards including Standard Operating Procedures and Good Manufacturing Practices are mandatory to be followed.

Fact : It can not be certainly said when and where Ayurveda Originated. It is a medical science that has been in existence since time immemorial. Probably it started in North India because the great physician’s charka and sushrutha were from the North. Also abundant herbs are available in the Himalayan foot hills. It was propagated to all parts of India by the traveling physician. But the foreign invaders eliminated physicians and destroyed the ancient texts. As south was relatively less attacked by foreigners, Ayurveda found its abode in southern most part of India, i.e. Kerala.