BY MS. ASHWINI ISHTE : 5 min read
Everyone wonders which is better for overall health—Ayurvedic medicine or modern medicine—and this is a dilemma that arises frequently.
In the globalized era, science is growing continuously in an effort to improve health in comparison to changing scenario of the world. There are many options available in today’s modern world, including Homeopathy, Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Allopathy, making it difficult to choose the best treatment for better health.
Since everything has pros and cons, therefore the question should not be which is better—Ayurveda or Modern Medicine—but rather why Ayurveda or Modern Medicine?
What is Ayurveda?
India is a well-known country for its ancient medicinal system called Ayurveda, which means science of life. It has been studied since approximately 5000 years back in the history of India from the Vedas.
This knowledge of herbal medicine has been passed down from generation to generation until the twenty-first century. It is entirely made from plant-based natural sources.
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Ayurveda is a traditional medicinal system, which is why it is sometimes referred to as a traditional medicine. According to Ayurveda, the gut is the root cause of all disease. Keep your gut healthy and happy to cure yourself.
Ayurvedic practitioners identifies disorders by checking pulse, questioning and some physical examination.
What is Prakriti?
According to the body’s nature and structure, Ayurveda addresses illnesses. The Panchmahabhutas are five natural elements that make up our body.
The five elements of (1) Space, (2) Air, (3) Fire, (4) Water, and (5) Earth divide the body into three primary doshas, or Tridoshas, known as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
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There are a total of seven doshas. Body movements are controlled by vata. The kapha dosha lubricates the joints and gives your food moisture, whereas the pitta dosha is responsible for digestion.
All illnesses can be easily treated from the roots once you are aware of the prakruti, or nature, of your body. Ayurveda focuses on treating patients’ illnesses from the root.
Dry skin, asthma, colds, constipation, restlessness, and dizziness are all symptoms of Vata imbalance. Digestive problems, kidney problems, rage, and perspiration are all brought on by pitta imbalance. Kapha imbalance results in fatigue, nausea, bronchial disorders, and asthma.
What are the Dhatus in Ayurveda?
The seven elements, or sapt dhatus, that nourish the human body are as follows:
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Rasa Dhatu: Plasma
Rasa dhatu is most vital dhatu of human body. It contains all the nutrients which nourishes whole body. Plasma is an essence of food.
Rakta Dhatu: Blood
All of the body’s muscles and organs are strengthened by blood. Hemoglobin and lymph are parts of Rakta dhatu. It provides oxygen to all the body tissues.
Mamsa Dhatu: Muscles
Body strength is derived from muscles and it is well nourished by Rakta dhatu.
Meda Dhatu: Fat
All bodily tissues are lubricated and oiled by fat. Mamsa Dhatu has an impression on it.
Asthi Dhatu: Bone
Bone supports the body and safeguards vital organs like the kidney, heart, brain, and lungs.
Majja Dhatu: Bone marrow
The function of Bone marrow is to produce RBC, Platelets and WBC for body. Bone marrow is present in bones and blood vessels.
Shukra Dhatu: Reproductive fluid
Shukra Dhatu is responsible for reproduction, which leads in maternity.
What are the drawbacks of Ayurveda?
1. Ayurveda treats illnesses gradually.
2. Some Ayurvedic remedies contain metals and minerals that are dangerous to humans when used outside of the prescribed limits.
3.The FDA does not review ayurvedic medications before they are marketed.
4. Not all polyherbal formulations used in Ayurveda are standardized.
What is Modern Medicine?
Modern medicines also known as western medicines or allopathic medicines which is mainly focuses on identifying symptoms and prevention of diseases. These medicines controls diseases.
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It can only manage diseases instead of completely being cured. Modern medicinal practitioners diagnose diseases through blood tests, urine test, blood pressure checkups, X-ray, MRI scan.
Modern medicines are available in various dosage forms tablet, capsule, syrup, ointment, creams and gels. It also includes some psychotherapies for mental patients.
What are the importance of Modern Medicines?
- Quick relief
- Low death rate
- Beneficial in chronic diseases
What are the drawbacks of Modern Medicines?
- Only focuses on curing diseases instead of it’s root cause
- More Side effects
- Allopathic medications treat one disease while simultaneously causing another disease.
In conclusion, every medical treatment has merits and demerits, so be cautious while taking medicines. Don’t take them without the guidance of physician