Ancient Wisdom for Modern Healthcare

The Rise of the 'Doctor' and the Fall of the 'Vidya':

The “Post-Antibiotic Era” is now threatening modern medicine, and the very existence of healthcare professionals, and their family. Allopathy doctors, and scientist are desperately trying to find a solution to avert this crisis, I call “The 21stCentury Crisis”. As a child I grew up in a family of priests, and Hindu scholars who performed Hindu rituals, yoga and meditation. I was not only a strict vegetarian, but was also treated using traditional herbs, and plants for minor ailments, cuts, bruises and fever. I came to India to see if I can search of a solution and harness the power of ancient wisdom practiced before the advent of Antibiotics, and creation of Modern Medicine.?

I was shocked to see students wearing white coat, with stethoscope around their neck walking in and out of Ayurveda Medical School. This made me understand the devastating shift in Ayurvedic Practitioner's thinking, acting and behaving. They have not only forgot what they forgot, and so not invested time and effort to validate their claims.

The reason for the shift happened after modern medicine became popular, and numerous medical private schools were established. Ayurvedacharya stopped using traditional title “Yidya or Acharya”, and started claiming to be “Doctors”. They also started using qualifications, similar to Allopathy doctors, prescribing drugs like used in modern medicine. They also start using the equipment’s like stethoscope, auroscope, percussion hammers to examine patients, requesting tests, and performing minor surgical procedures used by doctors qualifying from medical school, and trained in hospitals. The Ayurveda’s Identity Crisis resulted in the Rise of the 'Healing Industry' and the Fall of Ayurveda's Ancient Wisdom.

I was told the Ayurveda trained doctor is offering a great service to humanity in India, because they work as doctors in villages, and places where modern Allopathy doctors do not offer their service. I was not pleased because the "False sense of security" offered will delay diagnosis and right treatment. They are claiming to have the knowledge, and experience to manage medical illness, and infections like the nurses who are licensed to work like doctors in the NHS(UK). The duty of a doctor is to “Do No Harm”, and so I feel it is wrong to ignore wrong doings that inflict pain, suffering to fellow human.

After meeting, and attending lectures organized by “Ayurveda Experts”, in India for more than a year, I am sharing my thoughts because they could not define the word “Dosha”. This is like Allopathy trained professionals, claiming to be the specialists who failed explain the word “Inflammation”. I hope you understand the reason, and stop believing professionals who thrive on your emotions, claiming to have found the solution and cure your illness.

What is Ayurveda?

In Ayurveda, the concept of Dosha is central to understanding the balance of the body and mind. Dosha refers to the three fundamental energies or principles that govern the functioning of the body and mind. These three Doshas are:

1.?Vata (Air and Space): Representing the energy of movement and communication, Vata is associated with the nervous system, respiratory system, and the skin.

2.?Pitta (Fire and Water): Representing the energy of transformation and metabolism, Pitta is associated with the digestive system, endocrine system, and the skin.

3.?Kapha (Water and Earth): Representing the energy of structure and lubrication, Kapha is associated with the skeletal system, muscular system, and the skin.

Each individual has a unique combination of these three Doshas, which determines their Prakriti or constitution. The balance of the Doshas is crucial for maintaining health and well-being.

In Ayurveda, diagnosing the dosha (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) is a complex process that involves a thorough understanding of the individual's physical, mental, and emotional characteristics. Here are some ways Ayurveda experts diagnose dosha: In the Antibiotic Era (1928-2000) Ayurveda practitioners resorted to modern medicine methods, and stifled advances is Ayurveda, and so they forgot what they forgot and are living under an illusion they have the knowledge, to help fight infections, and illness.

1. Physical Examination

Ayurveda practitioners are not expected to physically examine the individual, and so need no equipment similar to the ones used by doctors trained in Allopathy. They are expected to observe

·????? Body type (e.g., thin, medium, stout)

·????? Skin tone and texture

·????? Hair type and texture

·????? Eye color and shape

·????? Nose shape and size

·????? Lip shape and color

·????? Tongue analysis (e.g., shape, color, coating)

2. Pulse Diagnosis:

Ayurveda practitioners use pulse diagnosis (Nadi Pariksha) to identify the dosha imbalance. They feel the pulse (not heart using stethoscope) at the wrist to determine the:

·????? Speed and rhythm of the pulse

·????? Strength and weakness of the pulse

·????? Characteristics of the pulse (e.g., fast, slow, irregular)

PS: Heartbeat is often not manifested as pulse; these are called as drop beats.?

3. Questionnaire and Interview:

Ayurveda practitioners ask a series of questions to understand the individual's:

·????? Diet and eating habits

·????? Lifestyle and daily routine

·????? Sleep patterns and quality

·????? Emotional and mental state

·????? Medical history and symptoms

4. Observation of Symptoms:

Ayurveda practitioners observe the individual's symptoms, such as:

·????? Digestive issues (e.g., constipation, diarrhea)

·????? Skin problems (e.g., acne, eczema)

·????? Respiratory issues (e.g., asthma, bronchitis)

·????? Joint pain or stiffness

·????? Emotional and mental health issues (e.g., anxiety, depression)

5. Prakriti Analysis:

Ayurveda practitioners analyze the individual's Prakriti (constitution) by evaluating their:

·????? Physical characteristics (e.g., body type, skin tone)

·????? Mental and emotional traits (e.g., personality, temperament)

·????? Lifestyle and habits (e.g., diet, exercise)

6. Dosha Questionnaire:

Some Ayurveda practitioners use a dosha questionnaire to help identify the individual's dominant dosha. This questionnaire asks about:

·????? Physical characteristics (e.g., body type, skin tone)

·????? Mental and emotional traits (e.g., personality, temperament)

·????? Lifestyle and habits (e.g., diet, exercise)

·????? Symptoms and health issues

7. Astrological Analysis:

Some Ayurveda practitioners use astrological analysis (Jyotish) to understand the individual's dosha imbalance. They analyze the individual's birth chart to identify:

·????? Planetary influences on the doshas

·????? Dosha imbalances based on planetary positions

By combining these methods, Ayurveda experts can diagnose the dosha imbalance and develop a personalized treatment plan to restore balance and promote overall health and well-being.

Abnormality of Body Functions:

When the Doshas are out of balance, it can lead to various health issues and abnormalities in body functions. For example:

·????? Vata Imbalance: Can cause dry skin, constipation, anxiety, and insomnia.

·????? Pitta Imbalance: Can cause acne, heartburn, anger, and inflammation.

·????? Kapha Imbalance: Can cause weight gain, congestion, lethargy, and depression.

Ayurvedic Approach to Balance Doshas:

Ayurveda uses the principles of the five elements (Panchamahabhutas) to balance the Doshas and restore health.

The five elements are:

1. Prithvi (Earth): Representing structure and stability.

2. Jala (Water): Representing fluidity and cohesion.

3. Tejas (Fire): Representing transformation and energy.

4. Vayu (Air): Representing movement and communication.

5. Akasha (Space): Representing expansion and consciousness.

?Ayurveda Techniques to balance the Doshas:

·????? Diet: Recommending foods that are conducive to the individual's Dosha balance. For example, a Vata individual may be advised to eat warm, nourishing foods, while a Pitta individual may be advised to eat cool, calming foods.

·????? Herbal Remedies: Using herbs and plants that have specific properties to balance the Doshas. For example, ginger may be used to balance Vata, while turmeric may be used to balance Pitta.

·????? Yoga and Meditationti Practicing yoga and meditation to balance the Doshas and calm the mind.

·????? Panchakarma: A detoxification and rejuvenation program that uses the five elements to balance the Doshas and restore health.

How Ayurveda Uses the Five Elements to Balance Doshas:

·??????? Earth (Prithvi): Ayurveda uses earthy substances like clay, mud, and gemstones to balance Kapha and provide structure and stability.

·????? Water (Jala): Ayurveda uses water-based remedies like herbal teas, decoctions, and oils to balance Pitta and provide cooling and calming effects.

·????? Fire (Tejas): Ayurveda uses fire-based remedies like warm baths, steam therapy, and agni-karma (fire therapy) to balance Vata and provide energy and transformation.

·????? Air (Vayu): Ayurveda uses air-based remedies like yoga, pranayama, and massage to balance Vata and provide movement and communication.

·????? Space (Akasha): Ayurveda uses space-based remedies like meditation, yoga, and sound therapy to balance all three Doshas and provide expansion and consciousness.

Thought-Provoking Question!

Many modern Ayurveda practitioners have deviated from the traditional principles of Ayurveda, incorporating modern medical practices and technologies into their approach. This shift has led to a watering down of the ancient wisdom and philosophy of Ayurveda. Here are some reasons why this might have happened:

·????? Influence of modern medicine: With the rise of modern medicine, many Ayurveda practitioners felt pressure to adapt to the dominant medical paradigm. They may have seen the use of modern diagnostic tools and pharmaceuticals as a way to gain credibility and acceptance in the eyes of the modern medical establishment.

·????? Lack of standardization and regulations Ayurveda, as a traditional system of medicine, has historically been passed down through generations of practitioners and teachers. However, the lack of standardization and regulation in the field has led to a proliferation of varying practices and interpretations, making it difficult to maintain the integrity of the traditional approach.

·????? Commercialization and profit-driven motives: The growing popularity of Ayurveda has led to commercialization, with many practitioners and institutions seeking to capitalize on its popularity. This has resulted in a focus on quick fixes and lucrative treatments, rather than a commitment to the traditional principles of prevention and holistic wellness.

·????? Limited understanding of Ayurvedic philosophy: Some practitioners may not have a deep understanding of the philosophical underpinnings of Ayurveda, which emphasizes the importance of dinacharya (daily routine), ritucharya (seasonal routine), and sadvritta (code of conduct) in maintaining health and preventing disease.

·????? Pressure to conform to modern diagnostic standards: In order to be recognized by modern medical authorities, Ayurveda practitioners may feel pressured to adopt modern diagnostic tools and techniques, such as lab tests and imaging studies, rather than relying on traditional methods of diagnosis, such as pulse reading and observation of symptoms.

Modern Ayurveda practitioners:

·????? Rely on modern diagnostic tools, such as lab tests and imaging studies, rather than traditional methods of diagnosis.

·????? Prescribe pharmaceuticals and supplements, rather than relying on traditional Ayurvedic remedies and lifestyle modifications.

·????? Focus on treating symptoms, rather than addressing the underlying causes of disease.

·????? Neglect the importance of dinacharya, ritucharya, and sadvritta in maintaining health and preventing disease.

This shift away from traditional Ayurvedic principles has indeed led to a loss of the ancient wisdom and philosophy of Ayurveda. However, there are still many practitioners and institutions that remain committed to upholding the traditional principles of Ayurveda, and it is essential to support and promote these efforts.

The deviation of modern Ayurveda practitioners from traditional principles is a complex issue, driven by a combination of factors. It is essential to recognize the importance of preserving the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda and to support practitioners and institutions that remain committed to upholding its traditional principles.

By understanding the individual's Dosha balance and using the principles of the five elements, Ayurveda provides a holistic approach to restoring balance and promoting overall health and well-being.

My Observation

After visiting, various Ayurveda schools, institution labelled as “University”, and seeing students wearing whitecoats, carrying statoscope as status symbols, and listening to Ayurveda experts, I realized the greed of power, and acquiring wealth has destroyed a profession that was created to make our body strong, prevent illness, and infections and not one that claim to cure illness and disease. Here are some other titles that may be used to refer to an Ayurvedic practitioner:

People who claim to be Ayurvedic Physician, use medical equipment used by medical doctor, claim to diagnose disease, and illness and treat patients, using drugs, and not advice on diet, lifestyle, and wellness. Ayurvedic Therapist claim to specialize in Ayurvedic therapies such as massage, yoga, and meditation.

Ayurvedic Vaidya: A traditional title that was used in India to refer to an Ayurvedic practitioner who has completed a formal education to remove “Dosha” (fault in our body function). caused by the influence of earth, air, fire, and water known as “Vata, Pitha, Kafa” . because balance the body, mind, and spirit.

Ayurvedacharya, A title used to refer to an Ayurvedic practitioner who has completed a postgraduate degree in Ayurveda, must not use the title “Doctor”, because it makes people believe the Ayurvedacharya can cure illness, and disease that Allopathic doctors could not.

These practitioners claim to be Panchakarma Specialist, specializing in Panchakarma, a detoxification and rejuvenation program based on Ayurvedic principles. I have tried my best to understand how, and why this can help us, but could not find any evidence to support the claim.

I have spent three months living in Martuvam Healing Forest in Auroville, and identified medicinal plants, reviewed publications to validate the claim, and now compiled list of plants that can be used to help prevent infections of skin, chest, and urinary tract, and supplements to help reduce joint pain, and help boost immunity.

My book “Natures Pharmacy”, I hope will help scientist to search for solution to help avert the 21st Century Crisis of Antimicrobial Resistant Bacterial and Fungal infections.