Ayurveda has been there from time immemorial. Brahma orally presented the knowledge to the sages and for a long time it was orally transmitted down the ages. The great Ayurvedic scholars like Charaka and Susruta then put it down in the form of classical texts. Lord Dhanwantri, the lord of Ayurveda, who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu is supposed to have personally come down to earth and taught Susruta in Varanasi.
Ayurvedic principles are as valid today as they were centuries ago. Ayurveda takes into consideration three main principles when looking at the efficacy of a herb. The first one is observation. Whether the particular herb is effective and the right one for the patient. Because of the uniqueness of Ayurveda two individuals may have the same disease but because of the difference in the Prakriti of the person, the herb may vary.
The second is inference. Careful observation and inference must be made depending on the progress of the disease and whether the herb is appropriate.
The third is the teachings of the great sages. These are what is found in classical texts and practitioners accept it.
Ayurveda addresses not only the physical body but also the mind and spirit. Diet, lifestyle and the environment are also addressed. In Western medicine only the affected part is examined and treatment looks at addressing and relieving the symptoms. In today’s scientific world everybody is looking for evidence and evidence-based practice has become the norm.
However, just because a lot of research has not been done, Ayurvedic practitioners cannot blindly accept everything that is written in the classical texts. Science has to grow. There should be a continuous quest for new knowledge through research keeping in mind the basic principles of Ayurveda.
Ayurveda places a lot of emphasis on diet, lifestyle and prevention of disease. The diet and lifestyle of our ancestors was completely different to what is found today. Our food today also has a lot of adulterants and chemicals. So when research into this aspect is conducted these have to be addressed.
A full Panchakarma procedure would normally take a minimum of 21 days. Nowadays who has the time for this? In this age of popping pills and instant relief the underlying cause isn’t addressed. Everybody wants it done in a few days. Ayurvedic practitioners are also making changes to suit the patients’ needs and time constraints. Ayurvedic diet or Patya as it is called is very difficult to follow. Compromises are being made. So is the Ayurveda being practiced today what was prescribed in classical texts.
Most Ayurvedic practitioners are looked down upon by the medical doctors. This makes them all the more defensive. They tend to cling to the classical texts and follow it blindly. They have to realise that changes have to be made for the progress and acceptance of Ayurveda. Ayurvedic practitioners have to remember that being modern is not a crime. Everything has to change and develop with time.
to be continued . . .
Mrs. Mira Swami, Department of Ayurveda