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Ayurveda – Scope, disciplines and specializations

Published On: September 15, 2009, 2:13 am

By Dr. HN Pandey, B.Sc. MD (Ay), Professor, Aligarh Ayurvedic Medical College

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine though which we can completely control diseases, that too, without the attendant side effects, whatsoever. The line of treatment that Ayurveda offers is different from that of other systems of medicine in the way that it has a holistic approach to all health problems. In this respect, it is not just a medical system, but also a comprehensive health science. 

 
Ayurvedic system of medicine not only focuses on treatment of various ailments afflicting humans, but dwells on the prevention of the disease. As a system of medicine it believes in striking the very root of the disease rather than treating the symptoms of the disease. 
 
Building, sustaining, and resuscitating of the immunity mechanisms inherent in the system of the human body is the mantra of Ayurveda to realize disease-free healthy and wholesome life. 
 
At a time when air, water and noise pollution as well as food adulteration is taking its toll on the health and hygiene, health scientists are clueless about a way out of this morass. Every year newer and deadlier afflictions are adding to the list of diseases. 
 
As our pharmacologists busy themselves working on newer and innovative drug formulations to fight one disease, a new outbreak emerges on the horizon adding to the woes of the ailing society. 
 
Under such circumstances, we need to rely on a line of treatment which lays emphasis on eliminating the causes of these afflictions rather than treating the symptoms. This is where the importance of Ayurveda lies. 
 
As against the modern approach to treatment of disease, Ayurveda offers a complete cure rooting out the very cause of the disease. The fact that it has no side effects makes it popular among the people world over. 
 
Contrary to this approach, modern medicines, especially the allopathic ones offer only piece meal solution to most of the health related problems and diseases. While treating one ailment, they invent other, at times more diabolic, disorders in the form of side effects, so much so that the patient gets trapped into the vicious cycle of diseases and side effects. 
 
There are instances where side effects proved fatal. Michael Jackson’s death is a case in point. The pop icon fell prey to the very drugs he used to take to get rid of stress.
 
Moreover, since most of the allopathic medicines are based on chemicals their addiction in itself is a health hazard. A subscriber to the modern medicines remains constantly vulnerable to diseases all is life.
 
Ayurvedic way of treatment is originated from ancient Indian wisdom of Vedas, Purans and Samhita. It is purely herbal based. The main thrust of Ayurveda is treatment through natural healing. 
 
Hence, the Ayurvedic medicines are harmless without any side effects. Apart from medicines, Ayurveda also takes the help of Yoga, mantra exercise processes, in the treatment of physical and mental diseases. The two disciplines go hand in hand in the treatment and realization of long term health goals. 
 
While there is a treasure of knowledge on medical science in our ancient scriptures to address the health problems of today, there is dearth of scientific study and research work on the subject. The need of the hour is to undertake extensive and in-depth analysis of the knowledge which could prove an asset in addressing the myriad problems of health and hygiene in today’s world.
 
We, hereby, offer simple and short term study and training courses in Ayurvedic medicines and treatment to make the younger generation aware of the great knowledge of ancient science.
 
Study and training structure of Ayurveda
 
Ayurvedic treatment is part of Atharva Veda, Rig Veda, Patanjali Yog Sutra, Jotish Tantra and Samhita Granth.  A lot of literature is available in this field with Indian universities and Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) running graduation, post graduation and PhD level courses. But these institutions offer courses spanning no less than three to five years duration, practicals included. 
 
As human life expectancy has been reduced to 60 to hundred years, people are so busy in commercial endeavours that they have hardly any time left for personals things, least of all health and hygiene. Cut throat competition, rapid industrialization and political uncertainties together with atmospheric pollution lead tension and stress. 
 
So, study of Ayurveda and treatment programme will prove a good investment and a rewarding experience. Short term programmes of two to three years can be offered which could prove real asset for the youngsters. They can be:
 
1. Ayurvedic physician (study and training) courses: In this course only knowledge of general disease treatment can imparted. 
2. Aurvedic surgery training courses: In this course only surgical treatment training should be given. 
3. Ayurvedic pharmacy and material metica: In this course knowledge of plants, matter and medicine formulations can be imparted. 
4. General Ayurvedic adviser: In this course you will be trained to diagnose the disease and judge which pathological Ayurvedic treatment is due to the patient. 
 
Similarly, there can be some six-month diploma courses for the aspiring students. 
 
1. Ayurvedic nursing programme
2. Ayurvedic pharmacist
3. Ayurvedic OT technician
4. Ayurvedic store management progemme
 
Some specialized programmes in Ayurveda can also be conducted. 
 
1. Ayurvedic cardiologist
2. Ayurvedic neurologist
3. Urologist in Ayurveda
4. Ayurvedic dermatologist
5. Ayurvedic gynecologist
6. Ayurvedic pediatrics
 
 
 
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