Ayurveda and the Science Behind it

Science of Ayurveda

Introduction to Ayurveda

Ayurveda has come a long way. The unraveling of traditional medicine and its infusion in the current scenario is a depiction of its popularity. But none of this could be advanced to medical circles until there was concrete backing of science. Since the branches have begun submerging, there has been an attempt to fully understand the scope of Ayurveda and the science backing it. If we wish to understand how the field of Ayurveda works, we need to put the herbs to test.

Traditional medicine has always existed along with other forms of treatment practices. Similarly, Ayurveda has been passed down from one generation to another through preserved texts. Ayurveda has been practiced by Indian society for centuries. The earliest found texts of Ayurvedic date back to 1500 BCE1. In the steeping progression, Ayurveda has now once again become a significant recommendation in the doctor's office.

America's premier medical institution, John Hopkins, has conducted enormous trials regarding the efficacy, treatment procedures, and medicinal value of Ayurveda. Along with this, many other Ayurvedic research institutes have done rigorous research on the side effects of traditional medicine. The conclusion is clear. Ayurveda does have immense value and can better your life in many ways. From herbal treatment to natural therapies, the balance between spirit, body, and mind is hard to achieve, and Ayurveda does just that.

The treatment of Ayurveda

Ayurveda is a natural system of healing. Ayurveda is to India what traditional Chinese medicine is to its native country. All other alternative forms of medicine, be it naturopathic, Chinese, or Homoeopathic, are recognized by the state and have an institutionalized standing. Along with the propagation of many cures in the form of herbs, it also promotes a comprehensive lifestyle of diets, remedies, therapies, meditation, and yoga.

Here are the basic tenets of Ayurvedic healing :

  •  The medicine of Ayurveda is based on the internal purification of the body, mind, and soul.
  •  Ayurveda follows the path of universal interconnectedness and works in sync with the body's primary immunity system.
  •  Ayurvedic healings employ the extensive use of plants, spices, oils, and herbs is an ode to establishing a connection with nature and finding our answers in our surroundings.
Also Read: Age Old Remedies and Ayurveda Behind them

Evidence of Ayurvedic medicine

Ayurveda is a 3000-year-old system, originated in India. The Sanskrit word "Ayur" translates to "life", whereas the word "Veda" translates to "knowledge". It is very important to extract evidence for Ayurveda and its impact on the ailments. The evidence can be drawn from two sources. The first source of evidence is historical. It is the evaluation of case studies and understanding the present practices. Going through the documentation to extract support is very crucial. A mere reference is certainly not enough to deliver a conclusion. The understanding must be based on procedures, theories, medicinal practices, and critical analysis of Ayurvedic medicine. The second source is based on research.

It is not uncommon for clinics to follow alternative medicines in sync with Naturopathy and other holistic forms of medicine.

The Science Behind Ayurveda

Although the clinical practice of Ayurveda isn't popular, it is still preached. There aren't many books, data, case studies, and evidence available in the public domain for evaluation. The treatment protocols for practitioners and their outcomes are also not available for the public to study. There has been an attempt to make the data available on pharmacovigilance and pharmacoepidemiology for public safety.

The trials performed on Ayurveda haven't delivered as much as we hoped for. The scientific evidence behind the quality and quantity of randomized trials (RCTs) cannot be taken at face value. There has been ample criticism regarding the clinical research in Ayurveda. The lack of evidentiary support is attributed to the absence of infrastructure in the field.

Ayurvedic Elements and Their Modern Use

Scientists have been studying ancient herbs like Ashwagandha and Turmeric to understand their medicinal properties. The researchers have often concluded that the inclusion of these herbs in the modern context has led to great findings. Ashwagandha is excellent for the treatment of neurological disorders such as epilepsy, depression, and anxiety, and Turmeric is a bulk source for much-needed antibodies.

Some other Ayurvedic herbs in modern use are:

1. Cumin

Cumin is a native spice to Southwest Asia, and it is recommended for regular consumption. It boosts the activity of enzymes in the bowel and releases bile from the liver, and speeds up the process of digestion in the body. Cumin also reduces the risk of type-2 diabetes in the body and maintains the secretion of insulin. Along with this, it also protects the heart.

2. Brahmi

Brahmi is a strong anti-inflammatory herb that improves the attention capacity and memory process of the brain. It works to help our minds with self-control, and restlessness.

3. Cardamom

Cardamom reduces blood pressure and increases the intake of oxygen in the lungs. It also protects the body against stomach ulcers and fights bacterias.

4. Triphala

Triphala is a natural laxative and reduces inflammation. It limits the growth of cancer in the body and reduces abdominal pain and constipation. It also prevents the growth of cancerous cells in the body and improves bowel movements.

Ayurvedic study in the world

Ayurvedic studies have been popular in the United States and all around the world for a while now. Although practicing Ayurveda legitimately isn't authorized, but the study of science in schools and treatment centers is. It is a common belief that Ayurveda can be used as a complementary medicine with conventional medicines. Sri Sai Ayurvedic College in Bhopal offers BAMS, the premier Ayurvedic degree, which is the best way to become a professional Ayurvedic physician.

In Conclusion

The application of Ayurveda in modern medicine is evolving and has seen tremendous growth over the last decade. With the popularization of cosmetology, lifestyle, and other supplementary use of Ayurveda, it is not long before the fields become competitive enough. There are excellent Ayurvedic colleges with BAMS courses that cover the entire study of Ayurveda and its branches.


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