Prof. Gurdip Singh
Professor and Head of Kayachikitsa Department
Introduction
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine bestowed on humanity by the
great Rishis (sages) of India. It is a priceless gift and the heritage of each
and everyone. Ayurveda is the oldest system of medicine, which has influenced
all the other systems of medicine either directly or indirectly. It may be
described as the mother of all medicine.
For long, it has lain dormant mainly due to political suppression but it
is again emerging with unstoppable force and there is a growing awareness of its
value in the modern world.
It is not only a system of medicine but also indeed a science of life as
its name Ayurveda implies. For this reason, it is of particular importance and
value. It aims not only to rid the body of disease but also to preserve and
maintain health. It contains within its core teachings the fundamentals of
healthy living for each individual to follow.
The starting point of Ayurveda is not disease but health. It contains a
detailed definition of health, which includes dimensions of body, senses, mind
and spirit. Because it addresses health in a whole and integral way, it is first
and foremost, a holistic system of medicine, which contrasts with the
increasingly super specialized and fragmented approach of Modern Medicine.
Ayurveda is not based on a shifting ground of knowledge, which is
constantly being replaced as fresh studies disprove earlier findings. Its
foundation is a solid one of timeless and universal principles. It is upon these
fundamental principles that the edifice of this system of medicine is built. The
principles themselves are drawn from the very elements from which our universe
and we are composed. In this way, the human is seen as an integral part of this
universe and in dynamic relationship with it.
The principles represent a timeless wisdom and can be applied at any
time, in any place and to any condition. Treatment strategies are logically
devised according with these principles and so can be applied to all conditions
known and unknown.
Ayurveda is essentially a qualitative science, which is based on the
systematic observation of qualities and assessment of qualitative change. Its
principles are supported by thousands of years of empirical evidence. Many of
its treatments have also been subjected to scrutiny using modern research
methods. However, to examine only an element of a treatment package in isolation
is not to do justice to the system of Ayurveda, which does not depend on one
active principle to achieve its effects but on a complex package of treatment
that works systemically and at different levels in the body. An essential
component of this package is corrective advice on diet and life style.
Western medicine is without doubt technologically very advanced and
impressive, but despite this, there remain many limitations in the understanding
of disease and in the treatments offered particularly in chronic conditions,
lifestyle diseases and stress related disorders. Ayurveda by comparison appears
very simple but is able to make sense of these disorders in terms of etiological
factors and pathogenic processes and offer some hope of relief in many
conditions.
Treatment of Ayurveda is not directed at the level of symptoms but at the
root cause. Each disorder is understood in the context of its etiological
factors and these are addressed in the treatment package. Ayurveda has an
internal coherence and logic which provides an integral knowledge not just of
the part but of the organic whole as a system of inter-related and inter
dependent parts. The knowledge of the specific cells, tissue and organs is not
as minutely detailed as in modern Medicine but it has overarching principles and
a deeper knowledge of the subtle energies governing bodily and mental
process.
Ayurveda lays great emphasis on the concept of health and this is one of
its strengths. It is able to advise in great detail on healthy diet regimen and
conduct. Not does it generalize in its advice or treatment but takes into
consideration that individuals differ in their constitutions and therefore in
their predisposition and susceptibility to disease. In this way it is more
individual in its approach than Modern Medicine. It takes into consideration the
differences also in individual strength and immunity as well as influencing
factors such as season, time of day, place and so on.
Ayurveda has formulated clear concepts of pathogenesis and the staging of
disease and the treatment is based on this understanding. Ayurveda does not
claim to be able to cure all diseases but has clearly categorized conditions in
term of their curability on a number of criteria.
Another strength of Ayurveda is that it gives great importance to the
field or host rather than the external agent. It is more interested in enhancing
the host’s immunity to enable it to prevent and combat disease along with help
through the medicine. Modern medicine has many powerful drugs effective in
symptomatic relief but unfortunately the effect on the host’s defenses may also
be overpowering. Ayurveda medicine is a gentler medicine, which therefore takes
time to bring about its results but in the process reinforces the individual’s
immunity.
Nor does Ayurveda neglect the area of human conduct and behavior and its
impact on mental and physical health. The inter-relationship of mind and body
has always been known in Ayurveda and is considered a reciprocal one. The
inappropriate use of senses and intellect are considered important etiological
factors of disease. This demonstrates a very advanced understanding of the role
of mind. Not only was the power of reasoning very advanced but the power and
accuracy of observations was extraordinary.
Interest in Ayurveda will continue to flourish as more discover its
invaluable treasure, which offers the key to living a more healthy and
harmonious life. Its knowledge will inevitably spread and create an increasing
awareness of health and how this can be maintained,
Ayurveda and Modern Medicine are both essential and have different but
complementary strengths. They need to work hand in hand for the benefit of
humanity.
