Even in this era of modernization I have come across a few firm believers of Ayurveda,to whom I am genuinely obliged and thankful for the confidence and faith they have in this science and it’s miracles. But, it has so happened with me many a times, that when my answer to someone’s question what I work as, would be – I am a Doctor in Ayurveda, the other person would yield a look as though he had just had a zour bomb.To many, Ayurveda is something they prefer to stay away from owing to the palatability of the medicines, the stringent diets and restrictions, leaky bottles, stinking smell, gooey oils and the so called ‘delayed results’. Hence to reach out to you, solely to discuss and erase the doubts and fear over Ayurveda, the best way I thought was through the internet. I intend to share the very little knowledge I have on this vast science in the best ever way that will help you understand it and help bridge the gap between Ayurveda and You.
Ayurveda medicines tastes so yuck - As you are aware, Ayurveda like Allopathy or Homeopathy, is another branch of medicine. It derives medicines directly from plant, animal and mineral extracts. The unprocessed, very pure Ayurvedic medicines mostly do have a disagreeable taste and odour. But modern research in Ayurveda has travelled a long way and most of its medicines are now available in quite very palatable forms like syrups, tablets etc-so one gulp and no cribbing. Most of the pastes and oils are available as ointments –hence easy to carry and no gooey feel (though I personally prefer the authentic ayurveda formulations owing to the effect it has in treatments).
Ayurveda has lots of dietetic restrictions - Ayurveda believes food to be the greatest medicine. For eg. when you are down with fever and your stomach is upset, you really wouldn’t think of having Biriyani, would you? Similarly, depending upon the condition of the person, certain restrictions are advised.
Is yoga compulsory with the Ayurveda treatment? - Ayurveda is a holistic science, meaning it deals with your body, mind, soul and sense organs. Hence yogic exercises like Surya Namaskar, Pranayama, Meditations etc are advised as per the condition.
Ayurveda has no side effects, so why not give it a shot - Under this notion many give it a try and later grumble with complications. This notion is so wrong. Like any other medical science, in Ayurveda too, the doctor you consult with and the pharmacy from which you procure medicines, matters a lot.
Ayurveda medicines have lots of Uranium, Mercury, Lead and what not! - Ayurveda medicines as I had mentioned earlier, are extracts from nature’s source – animals, plants, metals and minerals which before administration undergo an array of classical methods of purifications and tests most of which are very laborious. But some pharmacies fail to comply with these processes which result in unexpected dreaded outcomes. Hence it is very important that you consult your doctor as to where you need to purchase your medicines from.
Ayurveda medicines take a long time to yield results - This is again not completely true. In many cases as in fever and certain acute conditions, the correct diagnosis and treatment can give immediate effect. But in some cases as in Arthritis, Chronic diseases such as skin ailments etc will take a time period ranging from months to years. The human body is an integration of many systems like the Respiratory system, Locomotor system. So in the above said chronic conditions, medicines are given keeping this in mind – to produce the desired effect the treatment advised needs to regulate the disorders caused in each system.