Ayurveda no lifestyle therapy

DNA - Inbox - Ayurveda no lifestyle therapy
Monday, January 23, 2006 22:50 IST

This is with reference to ‘Chew on an alternative lifestyle’ by RR Kasliwal (January 22). As an ayurvedic practitioner, I must explain that ayurveda can’t be equated with other alternative systems of medicine. It not only treats an illness, but also sustains health, and prevents recurrence, not just by medicines, but lifestyle changes. Medicines are a complementary part of therapy along with dos and don’ts called Pathya. According to the author, ‘animal and human products… have no medicinal value at all.’ Gomutra, extensively used, is an animal product and has definitely proven its efficacy. No human products are used in ayurvedic medicines; allopathy contains more human products, derived from blood, cells, and plasma.

Categorising medicines as vegetarian or non-vegetarian is now a non issue with stem cell research. The only bone powder mentioned in the samhitas is ajasthi bhasm derived from the bones of goats, though this too is obsolete. If used, it should definitely be mentioned on labels. Most medicines are made with parts of plants, herbs and/or minerals or metals, and some do contain animal products derived in non-violent ways like gomutra, shankh, egg shells, corals. As for the statement ‘alternative medicines fire in dark’, if taken under proper guidance, ayurveda is as safe as allopathy. It is a misconception that ayurvedic medicines are safe OTC drugs. Thanks to this notion, anything goes by the name of ayurveda. All in all, The Brinda Karat-Swami Ramdev controversy has opened up the varied misrepresentations. Quality control and standardisation is definitely a big issue. Ayurveda is grossly misunderstood as beauty therapy."