Introduction
Ayurveda is defined as a part of Indian medicine that has been practiced for more than five thousand years. It includes such methods of treatment as diet, yoga, herbal medicine, massage, and others. It is a general opinion that Ayurvedic medicine has gained special attention nowadays as the number of people who prefer alternative medicine to the traditional one increased significantly. The purpose of this paper is to give a critique of the information provided in the video ”Second Opinion with T. R. Reid: Inside Ayurvedic Medicine”.
The notion of Ayurvedic Medicine
It is generally recognized that the main purpose of Ayurveda is to achieve harmony and balance between the mind, body, and spirit of an individual. This practice is believed to prevent illness, treat severe conditions, and prolong life. Ancient Vedas prove that this medical practice has been successful for a long period. The knowledge of medicinal properties of various plants was used not only in India but also in other countries for the treatment of various diseases. Still, some researchers state that “Indians have an advanced awareness of health management through water sanitation and practices of hygiene in the organized way of agriculture and highlights given to certain medicinal plants and trees” (JUnaid, Anusooya, Tamilselvi, Suriani, & Rosliza, 2017, p. 16). Therefore, Ayurvedic medicine seems to give another option of treating acute conditions and maintaining good health during life.
Current Opinions About Ayurvedic Medicine
I have heard about Ayurvedic medicine before, and my opinion was rather skeptical. Still, after watching the video and conducting brief research on this topic, I realized that this approach might be useful as a subsidiary one to the traditional methods. It is a general opinion that herbal medicines and diets are very beneficial in treating such chronic diseases as diabetes. Ayurvedic medicine might also be useful in treating some mental disorders as it also proposes yoga practice. It is beneficial in managing many minor health disorders and maintaining good health as well.
It is noted that Ayurvedic education can be obtained in some colleges in modern India. The diplomas of these colleges are recognized by the Indian government and the medical system. The government contributed to making Ayurveda and other ancient Indian practices a part of allopathic biomedicine. Scientists from other countries are interested in the effects achieved by Ayurveda as well. Some researchers state that Triphala which is composed of three herbal components and known as one of the most recognizable formulations of Ayurveda has a protective effect against X-radiation (Takauji et al., 2016). These herbal extracts also proved to protect cells from the negative effects of such drugs as bleomycin. Thus, current opinions on Ayurvedic medicine are mostly positive.
The modern researchers also make attempts to compare the understanding of diseases proposed by Ayurvedic medicine to traditional medical practices. The properties of medical material used in Ayurveda is believed to have a particular interest to the scientists who search the ways to use them in treating some chronic diseases. Herbals are now utilized to manufacture alternative medicines in the countries with the traditional medical system. The components for such drugs are derived from fruits, leaves, roots, and seeds. These medicines are reported to gain popularity in some countries, especially among the rural population. Although in India almost all population uses Ayurvedic medicine, this percentage is significantly smaller in other countries.
Conclusion
It is possible to say that Ayurvedic medicine is beneficial not only as dietary supplements but also as medications to treat come acute conditions. Currently, the researchers are interested in investigating the properties and effects of various herbs which are traditionally a part of Ayurveda. Thus, this approach might be used in traditional biomedicine to provide alternative treatment of various diseases.
References
Junaid, A., Anusooya, D., Tamilselvi, A., Suriani, I., & Rosliza, A. M. (2017). The concept of Ayurveda in medical science, an Indian traditional medicine: A review. International Journal of Public Health and Clinical Sciences, 4(5), 15-23.
Takauji, Y., Miki, K., Mita, J., Hossain, M. N., Yamauchi, M., Kioi, M.,… Fujii, M. (2016). Triphala, a formulation of traditional Ayurvedic medicine, shows protective effect against X-radiation in HeLa cells. Journal of Biosciences, 41(4), 569-575.