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Ayurvedic system of medicine is time-tested traditional holistic Science of treatment practiced for over 5000 years. The efficacy of Ayurvedic treatments and medicine, particularly in chronic diseases, is gaining popularity all over the world and is being used frequently as an adjunct or add on to the modern medicine. In fact, it is the severe side effect profile of modern medicine that has made people to look for alternative treatment like Ayurveda.
Ayurveda is Free From Side-Effects!
Ayurvedic treatments are believed to be non-invasive and non-toxic. It needs to be understood that any side effect from medicine, be it of any pathy, may result from the misuse of the drug, either in processing or in prescribing. Ayurvedic treatments and Ayurvedic medicines contain only natural ingredients with no synthetic chemicals. Therefore, as these support the basic health of an individual, these can be taken safely as they have the overall effect of balancing the tridoshas viz. vata, pitta and kapha and render cure simply by holistic healing.
Also, it can be considered that whereas modern medicines comes to rescue in case of emergency condition when treatment is well needed so as to combat the distressing condition, but Ayurveda offers an array of curing and healing modalities in wide variety of ailments like Digestion disorders, High Blood Pressure, Allergies, Arthritis, Asthma, Diabetes etc. These Ayurvedic treatments, medicines and therapies can be safely taken for longer periods of time and are big help for chronic diseases.
Ayurvedic medicines are natural and since they are prepared form herbs & minerals after proper processing according to classical Ayurvedic methods of manufacturing. The safety of Ayurvedic medicine and mode of treatment may be advocated in 3 points.
Mention in Ayurveda Text
Charaka who said that even a strong poison can become an excellent medicine if prepared and administered the right way and if handled carelessly, the most useful medicine can act like poison.
It can be rightly said that it is indeed a popular misconception that Ayurvedic medicines are free entirely from adverse reactions. Even the classic ancient texts like Charaka Samhita describes about the adverse reaction of medicines if they are prepared or used inappropriately. Charaka has given emphasis on physical appearance of part of plant to be used as herb, its property, method of harvesting, processing and optimum storage conditions.
Similarly, several other factors relating to the individual who is being offered Ayurvedic medicines and treatments like prakriti (constitution of patient), age, vikruti (disease), psychological state (satva), tolerance etc are also considered by Charaka to minimize the adverse effects of medicines.
What Can Help?
Ayurvedic medical system has a specialized branch related to toxicity known as Agada tantra which is among the eight branches of Ayurveda. Though this branch has not gained much popularity and has been restricted to snake poison, Ayurvedic Toxicologists who are well trained in Agada Tantra can play an important role to determine the side effects of marketed products so that all can strengthen their faith on this classical medicine system. There is a certain need of Pharmaco-vigilance in order to follow standard protocol to establish the efficacy and most importantly the safety profile of Ayurvedic medicines as adverse effect is one major drawback for modern medicine and recorded trials will help more people to accept the boon of Ayurvedic therapeutic excellence
Testimonials and Case Studies
Lot many case studies and clinical trials using Ayurvedic treatments and medicines are being conducted widely both in India and abroad, and whereas ancient Ayurveda is being researched, the results are positive and assuring. When the patients perplexed with chronic diseases are improving and getting cured, trust in Ayurveda and its safety is being appreciated and accepted. There are many successful testimonials building per se which communicates world of healing using Ayurvedic treatments and with negligible side-effects or after – effects. Although, while undertaking the Ayurvedic detoxification programs, some people occasionally report general weakness, muscle soreness, and mild sickness. Yet, as and when they are explained that how the release of inbuilt ama or chronic toxins could be causing only temporary discomfort, these patients display amazing results. Similarly, when there is psychological state of anxiety or depression which the patient tends to confuse with side-effects, proper psychological counselling clarifies release of mental toxins as efficient Ayurveda protocol and thus putting the clients at much ease and recovery.
About the Author:
Dr Sonica Krishan is Author and Speaker in the areas of Healthy and Joyous Living through Ayurveda, Meditation, Yoga and other Contemplative practices. She is a leading Ayurveda Professional in India. She is also Health Writer, Columnist, Editor, Ayurveda Consultant and Holistic Healing Coach. Dr Sonica is open for National as well as International Collaborations with interested people / institutions in fields of Ayurveda, Meditation and Yoga.