Ayurveda is a traditional medicine system that focuses on fighting diseases by boosting the immunity 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 relied upon by people for holistic wellness.
Most Ayurvedic medications and therapies are based on the theory that ‘prevention is better than cure'. Prevention is possible only by increasing the immunity of the body. Wholesome health could be achieved only through physical and mental well-being. By analysing the ayurvedic texts and practises, it is quite clear that it gives prominence to overall wellness.
Ayurveda is probably the only medical system that clearly notes the ‘dinacharyas’ (the activities that a person does in a day) and the ‘rithucharyas’ (a year is divided into 6 rithus and the habits that one needs to follow in each rithu) that is essential for the general wellbeing and overall health.
In the olden times, ayurvedic treatment was mostly about consuming medicinal concoctions that were prepared as per the instructions of the practitioners. The medicinal leaves were plucked, cleaned and turned into medicines by the patients themselves. However, as technology grew, the production of medicines became easier. This proved to be an advantage for both medical practitioners and patients. These modern changes have inspired many to try this ancient medicine system.
The power of Ayurveda to preserving the society
Modern medicine has been divided into specialities and super specialities to address specific health requirements and emergencies. However, these specialities have existed in Ayurveda since ages.
Kaya treatment or general medicine, paediatrics, griha treatment or psychological treatment, oordwanka treatment or ENT / Eye, shalya or surgery, damshtra treatment or poison antidotes, jera treatment or geriatrics, vrisha treatment or aphrodisiac are some of the specialties in Ayurveda.
Studies and research in each of these specialties are held at various universities and institutes in the country.
As diseases and infections are becoming rampant in modern society, people have begun realising the significance of palliative care and Ayurveda. It would be a great boon to society if the government and the private sector realise that Ayurveda comprises of supportive care, medical care, terminal care and rehabilitation which are the various categories of palliative care.
Combined treatment
Combining Ayurvedic treatment with modern medicine to treat pandemics and severe diseases like cancer would increase the effectiveness while reducing the side effects. Medical practitioners should shun professional enmity and adopt a cooperative attitude to make treatment for diseases like cancer more effective.
Why is Ayurveda popular?
More than a medical system, Ayurveda is a lifestyle. Ayurveda has been proved to be effective in controlling lifestyle diseases and treating acute and chronic diseases. Besides, proper Ayurvedic treatment has no side effects and focusses on geriatric treatment and palliative care. All these factors play pivotal roles in making Ayurveda incredibly popular in the international wellness sector.
The writer is the director and chief physician at Kottayam Vayaskarakunnu Narayaneeyam Arya Ayurveda hospital.
