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What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian holistic
medical science. It has been known since the past 5000 years. It
was passed down through generations. Ayurvedic theory is that everything
which is present in nature is present in your body and it helps
in treatment. Macrocosin represents itself in the microcosin in
a miniature form and vice versa. It states that diseases are caused
due to an imbalance of three inherent energies called the Doshas
(Vata, Pitta and Kapha). Not just the physical symptoms of the body,
but the mind too is taken into consideration during the treatment.
What are the sources of Ayurvedic medicines?
Ayurveda derives medicines from the nature, various medicinal
herbs, animal products and minerals are used to prepare drugs.
For example amla (Indian gooseberry), neem (margosa), chanda (sandalwood),
and metals like gold, silver, iron etc.
How are the drugs prepared?
Ayurvedic Drugs are mostly prepared
by pharmaceutical companies now-a-days. But even now many Ayurvedic
physicians prepare their own drugs. These drugs can be in form
of powders, decoctions, tablets, pastes, aasava (decoctions preserved
through self-generation of alcohol etc.)
Do Ayurvedic medicines have any
side-effects?
All Ayurvedic drugs are natural.
They are very safe and can be used in children too. There are
no side effects when the drugs are used properly.
Are Ayurvedic drugs used for chronic
ailments only?
Most of the people look to allopathy
for cure and when the results are negative, they turn to Ayurveda.
By this time the diseases become chronic. This has to do with
the misconception that Ayurvedic drugs cannot be used for miner
ailments like cold, cough, fever, acidity, loose motions and other
aches and pains. Ayurveda can cure such common ailments too.
What are the types of diseases
that Ayurveda can treat?
Ayurveda has proven very effective
for a vast majority of diseases which affect the body, including
skin diseases, ailments of the bones and joints (e.g. Arthritis
etc), diabetes and other hormone related diseases, nervous system
disorders like paralysis, epilepsy etc. It has become popular
in treatment of cases related to decreased vitality. It is helpful
in ailments that are recurring or persistent and have no definitive
treatment in other systems of medicines.
People say that Ayurvedic medicines
are not fast-acting. Is this true?
This is not entirely true. Though
you might see some patients taking Ayurvedic medicines for a couple
of years, it is mostly because they have been suffering from the
disease for many years. In such kind of chronic cases drugs have
to be given so that all the imbalances in the Doshas that have
accumulated in the years can be cleared. This is the reason behind
long treatments. But Ayurveda is equally effective and fast acting
in case the ailment is new. It can even be used in such acute
cases as angina pain.
Can allopathic medicines be taken
with Ayuvedic medicines?
Yes, Ayurvedic medicines can be
taken along with medicines of any other pathy. It does not cut
down the effect of any other drugs and vice versa.
Does Ayurveda say anything about
diet?
The diet which contains balanced
food viz. vegetable, fruits, wheat, rice, etc. The best time of
having food is when hunger is generated in the navel region. Normally
one should have 2 to 3 meals a day, slight breakfast, good lunch
and a light dinner. Of the full capacity of one's stomach, 1/2
should be filled with solid food, 1/4 with liquid food and the
remaining 1/4 should be left empty. Water should be taken as and
when one feels thirsty. It is not good to drink water before or
after meals only. It should be properly interspaced with food
during the meals.
Are there lot of dietary restrictions
when taking the medicines?
Ayurveda believes that to cure
a disease, the root person is suffering from cold, it would do
no good to be exposed to cold or eat chilled food. Thus Ayurvedic
physicians advice to avoid certain food or that the disease and
its cause can be removed.
Is there surgery in Ayurveda?
The ancient texts on Ayurveda do
describe surgeries, but they are not similar to the modern surgery.
Today, Ayurvedic science has changed itself to suit the modern
technologies and life-styles. It can definitely help in faster
recovery in post operative cases and make the patient's stay in
the hospital shorter and less painful.
How can I identify a quack from
a genuine Ayurvedic physician?
In India, to become a registered
Ayurvedic physician, a student has to complete his higher secondary
schooling and then undergo a 5 1/2 years degree course. The students
are trained in anatomy, physiology, the concepts of Ayurveda and
its diagnosis and treatment. Only then can they practice as physicians.
Please check your physicians degrees and qualifications before
consulting them.
Can I buy Ayurvedic drugs off
the counter?
Many Ayurvedic physicians make
their own drugs. You don't need to buy them. Many common Ayurvedic
drugs are available in drug-stores. But these should only be used
after consulting your Ayurvedic Physician.
There are many Ayurvedic drugs
in the market that claim to reduce obesity. How good are they?
Can Ayurveda help in weight loss?
Taking advantage of the 'Health-Fitness'
wave, many people claim to cure obesity with herbal medicines.
Ayurveda does have cure for this condition but it states a complete
diet regime that includes certain yoga exercises. Your Ayurvedic
physician needs to examine you and determine your constitution
before starting any medication. Merely taking drugs for weight-loss
without any diet restrictions is not suggested by Ayurveda. Thus
it is advisable to be cautious and examine such claims analytically
before actually using such drugs.
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