Ayurveda is an indigenous form of medicine that originated in India almost 3000 years ago. The word Ayurveda comes from the Sanskrit words "ayur," which means life, and Veda, which means knowledge or science. If you wish to roughly translate “Ayurveda” into English, it means knowledge of life. 

 

The basis of Ayurvedic knowledge lies in the belief that there needs to be a balance between body, mind, and spirit. In addition, there also needs to be harmony with the environment within ourselves and around us. Each person's body is different, and the person's constitution influences how his body reacts to the environment.

 

In other words, the body's constitution (Prakriti) and the life forces (doshas) interact to create harmony or imbalance. When there is an imbalance, it manifests in the form of various disorders and diseases. Hence, the goal of an Ayurvedic practitioner is to use herbal medicines, organic substances, yoga, diet, and massage to bring an equilibrium in the person's body so that they move towards healing and recovery. 

 

In this article, we take a look at what Ayurveda is, how scientific it is, and dispel some of the common myths. 

 

How does Ayurveda work?

 

Ayurveda focuses on helping the individual eliminate impurities, increasing the body's resistance to various diseases, and improving mental health and spiritual equilibrium. Ayurveda uses herbs, plants, oils, and even common spices, all found extensively in the jungles of India.

 

• Ayurveda is both a complementary and standalone treatment paradigm. 
• Your Ayurvedic practitioner will always advise you to seek conventional medical care when necessary. One does not replace the other, and one does not negate the either. 
• Ayurveda involves herbs, alchemy, and derivatives of various roots and natural products available in the Himalayas, Western Ghats, Kerala, and other parts of India. 

 

For thousands of years, Ayurvedic practitioners have studied the effects of these medicinal herbs and plants in different regions of India. As a result, Ayurvedic methodologies often vary to a certain degree depending on where the practitioner has trained. For example, practitioners in Kerala follow a slightly different method when compared with their peers in the north.

 

Is Ayurveda scientific?

 

It is important to note that Ayurveda has been refined and developed over thousands of years. It follows a scientific method of observation and conclusion. One cannot possibly imagine that 2000 years ago, Ayurvedic practitioners had access to modern laboratories, and they didn't. Hence, they depended on shared knowledge, empirical evidence, and trial-and-error methods. 

 

This is true of other traditional forms of medicine as well. For example, traditional Chinese medicine, Unani, and English folk medicines have all relied on observable effects and locally available medicinal herbs. The numerous Central and South American medicine systems follow similar methods of observational learning. 

 

Today, Ayurvedic treatments are based on classical texts described in the Vedas thousands of years ago. These treatments have empirical evidence. However, thanks to modern laboratories and clinical testing methods, they are also backed by scientific proof. 

 

Is Ayurveda better than other indigenous forms of medicine?

 

When we speak about Ayurveda, we speak with humility and recognize that different and diverse cultures produce their own indigenous forms of medicine. All these forms of medicine can be tried and tested in modern laboratories for their efficacy. 

 

Ayurveda has undoubtedly taken the scientific path, and contemporary Indian Ayurvedic training heavily depends on clinical tests and laboratories. Yet, it is essential to remember that all indigenous treatments have their own value, and each method helps us to find healing and recovery. 

 

Who is authorized to be an Ayurvedic practitioner?

 

To be an Ayurvedic practitioner, one has to undergo rigorous training in India. They usually enroll in a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) program and later specialize in certain areas. These courses are recognized and regulated by the Indian government. 

 

In India, Ayurvedic doctors with a BAMS degree are eligible to diagnose, treat, and prescribe Ayurvedic medicines. Some of the more acclaimed universities in India offer an MS or MD in Ayurveda. Registered practitioners are licensed with the Ayush department and are authorized to prescribe Ayurvedic drugs and diagnose various disorders. 

 

Using Ayurveda alongside modern medicine

 

It is essential to discuss with your Ayurvedic doctor if you are taking any other medicines, whether alternative or modern. Trained Ayurvedic professionals will advise if a particular Ayurvedic treatment is safe to consume. In addition, please consult your doctor if you're pregnant or nursing. 

 

In short, Ayurveda compliments modern medicine, but you should discuss all the medications you're consuming with every doctor you consult. This helps avoid complications, as any drug can interact with others.

 

Does Ayurveda use heavy metals?

 

A frequently asked question that bothers many ardent believers of Ayurveda concerns the use of heavy metals in Ayurveda. Much of the fears and claims are ill-informed, but it is also true that many spurious drug companies may have used heavy metals in a manner that is not prescribed by the Ayurvedic texts. 

 

• In Ayurveda, metals and minerals are calcined to convert into oxides. They are known as “bhasma” (ash).
• This process involves heating metals and minerals to a great degree, turning them into ash-like substances.
• These calcined preparations have medicinal powers and are to be prepared in a prudent manner. 
• They are also to be prescribed by registered practitioners and a team of trained Ayurvedic professionals should supervise their manufacturing and quality control.

 

Bhasmas are safe to use only when prepared and prescribed according to Ayurvedic texts under strict guidance. This is very similar to modern prescription drugs that come with a warning. You're supposed to take most modern medicines under the supervision of a trained doctor. Otherwise, drug-induced toxicities are quite common in modern medicine as well. 

 

Swarna Bhasma, or calcined gold, is quenched in herbal decoctions and juices, and prepared carefully. In a paper titled "The Ayurvedic Bhasma: The Ancient Science of Nanomedicine," Dr. Sanjoy Pal (Skyline University, Kano, Nigeria) compares various bhasmas with nanomedicine and nanotechnology. 

 

According to Dr. Pal, when Swarna Bhasma and other bhasmas were observed under the electron microscope, they were found to possess physicochemical properties similar to nanocrystalline materials. The author concludes his paper by stating that bhasmas are free from toxicity when used in therapeutic doses. 

 

In other words, when trained Ayurvedic practitioners prescribe bhasmas, they know what they're doing.  And you are in safe hands!

 

How effective is Ayurveda?

 

John Hopkins Medicine clearly states that many Ayurvedic treatments have positive effects when used as a complementary therapy in combination with standard and conventional medical care. However, they warn that some products used in Ayurvedic medicines may contain herbs, minerals, and other materials which may interact with modern medicines. They correctly advise patients to investigate the background and training of Ayurvedic practitioners before seeking help. 

 

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) in the US lists several studies showing that Ayurvedic approaches are effective. They specifically mention arthritis, type 2 diabetes, and the efficacy of turmeric. The agency also found that Ayurvedic medicine improves the quality of life as it includes a healthy diet, yoga, lifestyle, and pressure point treatment. It should not surprise you that massages are very commonly used in Ayurvedic treatments, especially in the Kerala school of Ayurveda. 

 

Make sure you get your products and treatments from registered practitioners

 

While Ayurveda is effective and scientific, you should ensure you get all your treatments and diagnoses from a registered practitioner who understands how the Ayurvedic drugs interact with any other modern medicines you may be consuming. 

 

In addition, do not believe tall claims made by certain individuals who may use unscrupulous techniques to market certain products, which are not mentioned anywhere in classical Ayurvedic texts. This is why it is essential to rely on Ayurvedic medicines and formulations that are manufactured by trained professionals who follow ancient recipes. 

 

It is equally important to choose Ayurvedic doctors and companies that source their herbs and elemental drugs from sustainable and organic suppliers. 

 

Ensure that your Ayurvedic products are organic and sustainably-sourced

 

At Jungle Elements, we believe in the sanctity and sacredness of primeval jungles. We believe forests have healing power and need to be restored and respected. We are deeply concerned about deforestation and ecological damage that is taking place all around the world. This is why all our products are cruelty-free. They are made from herbs and elements sourced from organic producers where they're grown sustainably. 

 

All our products are a legacy of Dr. Kaviraj Rameswar Lal Sharma, an acclaimed Ayurvedic practitioner and researcher, registered with the Paschim Banga Ayurved Parishad. He was felicitated at a national seminar conducted by the Paschim Banga Ayurved Chikitsak Samity, for his devotion and contribution to the field of quality control in preparation of Ayurvedic Rasausadhis (metal and mineral preparations). 

 

Most importantly, he was awarded a memento of appreciation by Mr. LK Advani, a seasoned politician and the 7th Deputy Prime Minister of India, at the All India Ayurved Congress held on the 19th of October, 2008 at Ahmedabad, Gujarat. 

 

In other words, when you use our products, you are in the safest hands possible!