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Comparison of ayurveda with other systems

Based on limited knowledge of other systems, and input provided by
few friends, this author provides some thoughts. He invites
others to offer comments to improve the comparison. Practitioners of
other systems on this list may bring out any omissions or mistakes in the
philosophy.

1. Ayurveda is most comprehensive healthcare system wherein all
aspects of lifestyle are taken into consideration - diet, fitness,
outlook, environment, and biorhythms. Old practice of ayurveda used
herbal preparations made mainly by Vaidyas themselves, and surgery
was also resorted to when needed, Invasive techniques such as enema
are still used in sophisticated manner, but in old practice hollow
stems of certain leaves were used as tubes to cary enema oil/fluid.
Other systems have focus on symptomatology and disease and largely
uses drugs and/or surgery to remove pathogens or diseased tissue.
With progressing time, at least in one system, surgery approach has
overtaken drug approach.

2. Ayurveda is most individualized healthcare system where
treatment is based on a person's unique constitution (Prakruti). Just
as everyone has a unique fingerprint, each person has a specific
pattern of energy- an individual combination of physical, mental and
emotional characteristics-which comprises his constitution. The
practitioner carefully evaluates key signs and symptoms of illness,
especially in relation to the origin and cause of an imbalance. He
arrives at diagnosis through direct questioning, observation a
physical examination, and inference. Other systems are more
generalized systems where the constitution (Prakruti) of a person is
not assessed in most cases. Only basic physical examination
techniques are employed during an assessment.

3. Ayurveda is prevention-oriented therapy. It encourages the
maintenance of health through close attention to balance in one's
life, right thinking, diet, lifestyle and the use of herbs. Here
lifestyle also includes yoga, meditation etc. Other systems are
remedy-oriented healthcare systems where prevention is not the prime
focus. With popularity of ayurveda, nowadays others have also started
giving diet recommendations, and specialized "dietician" is the new
profession born.

4. Focuses on an individual's holistic health, which encompasses
the physical, mental as well as the spiritual aspects of a person.
Other systems mainly concentrate on the physical well being of a
person.

5. Ayurvedic theory believes that health results from harmony
within one's inner self. Many factors, both internal and external,
act upon us to disturb the inner balance and are reflected as a
change in one's constitution from the balanced state. Most other
healthcare theories believe that disorder is essentially a reaction
to external stimulants like air, water, germs, etc.

6. Ayurvedic healing, when carried out by an experienced healer,
has no side effects and its benefits are long lasting. Most other
healthcare systems either have side effects or/and their benefits are
temporary.

7. With comparison so far, ayurveda has come out in flying colors;
however, It needs to be emphasized that Ayurveda is not a substitute
for Western allopathic medicine. Some ailments (excepting Cancer, MS
etc), especially in much advanced conditions are best treated with
drugs or surgery. If a patient comes to an ayurvedist after 10-15
years of anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive medication, (whose result
is renal failure ultimately) response of ayurveda depends on age and energy of
the person. The treatment may be responding very slowly. Surgery such as Kidney
transplant may provide quick answer (provided body accepts transplant).

Exceptions, where a patient has very much trust, ayurveda may work,
but in such cases he would not have delayed visiting ayurvedist by 10-
15 years. Ayurveda can be used in stand alone mode by a person not
having serious chronic problems to make him stronger, heal quickly,
and be less susceptible to disease. Ayurveda is undergoing research.
The research in Colleges (sometimes sponsored) more or less follows
western model, but the one by practicing Vaidyas not according to
western model. E.g. PanchGavya medicines are the outcomes of creative
thinking by a very aged Raj-Vaidya Revashankar Sharma in Rajastan. Ayurveda now
has a dialysis procedure also. Renal failure after years of allopathic
medication is also reversible for some patients.

Shirish Bhate ([email protected])
Message No. 4665 on http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ayurvedaonline

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