Q.4 WHAT ARE THE MODES OF AYURVEDIC TREATMENT?
There are eight divisions of Ayurvedic therapeutics, namely Kayachikitsa (Internal medicine), Shalya (Surgery), Shalkya (Otorhinolaryngology and Ophthalmology), Kaumr Bhritya (Pediatrics, Gynecology, and Obstetrics), Agad tantra (Toxicology), Rasayana (Gerontology), Vajikaran (Aphrodisiacs), and Bhoot Vidya (Psychiatry).
The principles of treatment involve Shodhan (purificatory), Shaman (palliative and conservative), Nidan parivarjan (avoidance of causative and precipitating factors of disease), and Pathya Vyavastha (doβs and donβts regarding diets and lifestyle). Shodhan therapy includes Vamana (medically induced emesis), Virechana (medically induced laxation), Vasti (medicated enema), Shirovirechana (administration of medicines through the nose), and Raktmokshan (Bloodletting). These therapeutic procedures are collectively known as Panchkarma. Before executing Panchkarma treatment, Snehan (oleation) and Swedan (perspiration) are employed first.
Q.5 WHAT ARE THE MAIN CLASSICAL REFERENCE BOOKS OF AYURVEDA?
The main classical texts for reference of Ayurvedic principles comprise Charak Samhita, Susrut Samhita, Astang Hridaya, Sharangdhar Samhita, Madhav Nidan, Kashyap Samhita, Bhavprakash, and Bhaisajya Ratnavali, among others.
Q.6 IS THERE SCOPE FOR AYURVEDA IN THE CONTEMPORARY PERIOD?
Ayurveda has a wide scope in terms of disease prevention, health promotion, and preservation. When the lifestyle rules mentioned in Ayurvedic texts are rigorously applied, they yield definite results. Ayurvedic techniques and medicines are effective in managing lifestyle-related diseases, drug abuse, degenerative diseases, auto-immune diseases, and certain metabolic and allergic disorders.
Q.7 IS THERE ANY RATIONALE BEHIND INTEGRATING AYURVEDA AND WESTERN MEDICINE?
Due to the multidimensional range of efficacy in Ayurvedic treatment, where certain diseases or symptoms become refractory to conventional treatment, a harmonized approach combining these two healthcare systems has proven to be successful. Sometimes, Ayurveda complements Western medicine synergistically, and at other times, it can antagonize and minimize the toxicity of modern drugs.
IS AYURVEDA RECOGNIZED BY W.H.O?
Approximately 20 years ago, the World Health Organization (W.H.O.) adopted a Traditional Medicine program in line with the goal of "Health for All" and the primary healthcare approach. W.H.O. maintains an open-minded approach to Traditional Medicine but endorses only those therapies with solid scientific evidence and no toxicity. In this regard, Ayurveda is duly recognized by W.H.O.