Comparison of ayurveda with other systems

[Guest guest]

Based on limited knowledge of other systems, and input provided by

few friends, this author provides some thoughts. He invites

others to offer comments to improve the comparison. Practitioners of

other systems on this list may bring out any omissions or mistakes in the

philosophy.

 

1. Ayurveda is most comprehensive healthcare system wherein all

aspects of lifestyle are taken into consideration - diet, fitness,

outlook, environment, and biorhythms. Old practice of ayurveda used

herbal preparations made mainly by Vaidyas themselves, and surgery

was also resorted to when needed, Invasive techniques such as enema

are still used in sophisticated manner, but in old practice hollow

stems of certain leaves were used as tubes to cary enema oil/fluid.

Other systems have focus on symptomatology and disease and largely

uses drugs and/or surgery to remove pathogens or diseased tissue.

With progressing time, at least in one system, surgery approach has

overtaken drug approach.

 

2. Ayurveda is most individualized healthcare system where

treatment is based on a person's unique constitution (Prakruti). Just

as everyone has a unique fingerprint, each person has a specific

pattern of energy- an individual combination of physical, mental and

emotional characteristics-which comprises his constitution. The

practitioner carefully evaluates key signs and symptoms of illness,

especially in relation to the origin and cause of an imbalance. He

arrives at diagnosis through direct questioning, observation a

physical examination, and inference. Other systems are more

generalized systems where the constitution (Prakruti) of a person is

not assessed in most cases. Only basic physical examination

techniques are employed during an assessment.

 

3. Ayurveda is prevention-oriented therapy. It encourages the

maintenance of health through close attention to balance in one's

life, right thinking, diet, lifestyle and the use of herbs. Here

lifestyle also includes yoga, meditation etc. Other systems are

remedy-oriented healthcare systems where prevention is not the prime

focus. With popularity of ayurveda, nowadays others have also started

giving diet recommendations, and specialized "dietician" is the new

profession born.

 

4. Focuses on an individual's holistic health, which encompasses

the physical, mental as well as the spiritual aspects of a person.

Other systems mainly concentrate on the physical well being of a

person.

 

5. Ayurvedic theory believes that health results from harmony

within one's inner self. Many factors, both internal and external,

act upon us to disturb the inner balance and are reflected as a

change in one's constitution from the balanced state. Most other

healthcare theories believe that disorder is essentially a reaction

to external stimulants like air, water, germs, etc.

 

6. Ayurvedic healing, when carried out by an experienced healer,

has no side effects and its benefits are long lasting. Most other

healthcare systems either have side effects or/and their benefits are

temporary.

 

7. With comparison so far, ayurveda has come out in flying colors;

however, It needs to be emphasized that Ayurveda is not a substitute

for Western allopathic medicine. Some ailments (excepting Cancer, MS

etc), especially in much advanced conditions are best treated with

drugs or surgery. If a patient comes to an ayurvedist after 10-15

years of anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive medication, (whose result

is renal failure ultimately) response of ayurveda depends on age and energy of

the person. The treatment may be responding very slowly. Surgery such as Kidney

transplant may provide quick answer (provided body accepts transplant).

 

Exceptions, where a patient has very much trust, ayurveda may work,

but in such cases he would not have delayed visiting ayurvedist by 10-

15 years. Ayurveda can be used in stand alone mode by a person not

having serious chronic problems to make him stronger, heal quickly,

and be less susceptible to disease. Ayurveda is undergoing research.

The research in Colleges (sometimes sponsored) more or less follows

western model, but the one by practicing Vaidyas not according to

western model. E.g. PanchGavya medicines are the outcomes of creative

thinking by a very aged Raj-Vaidya Revashankar Sharma in Rajastan. Ayurveda now

has a dialysis procedure also. Renal failure after years of allopathic

medication is also reversible for some patients.

 

Dr Bhate