Some Myths about Ayurveda & the Truth

1. Some Myths about Ayurveda & the Truth Ayurveda is the system of medicine that has its origin in India, it is one of the oldest medical systems ever existed. Ayurvedic medicine from time immemorial has helped many generations of humans to heal from chronic diseases. The benefits of Ayurvedic medicine are many folds but several myths about it need to be clarified. Let us explore those myths and know the truth. Ayurveda Opposes Meat Eating In truth Ayurvedic medicine does not support any particular diet nor deny any particular one. Like plants and grains, Ayurveda accepts meat also as a form of food. Emphasizing this, the ancient Ayurvedic master Charaka says that no other food excels meat in producing nourishing effects in the body (mamsam brimhananam). Ayurveda also gives detailed explanations on meat in eight different categories which include animals, birds, and fish. These are the eight categories of non-vegetarian food mentioned in the ancient classical texts. ·Varisaya (aquatic animals) ·Varicara (birds moving in water) ·Jangala (animals dwelling in dryland forests) ·Viskira (gallinaceous birds) ·Pratuda (pecker birds) ·Prasaha (animals and birds who eat by snatching)

2. ·Bhumisaya (animals who live in burrows in the earth) ·Anupa (animals inhabiting in marshy land) Ayurveda describes the properties of different kinds of meat and the effect they have on our health. So, the statement Ayurveda opposes meat is a myth. Ayurvedic Medicines Take a Long Time to Work It is a great misconception among the people that because Ayurveda has a holistic approach it takes a long time to work. The medicine has nothing to do with the amount of time it takes to heal a condition; instead, it depends on the severity of the disease and the immunity of the person. It takes years for the disease to progress; is it not unrealistic to expect our body or medicine to heal it in days? Unlike modern medicine, often Ayurvedic medicine isn't used for symptomatic relief but acts upon the root cause. Ayurveda is only for those who eat Indian Cuisine If you want to take Ayurvedic medicine you don't need to take Indian cuisine, it is just a myth. Ayurvedic principles apply to everyone whatever cuisine they might take. Freshly cooked food & that food which includes six kinds of tastes is the basic Ayurvedic principle. Ayurvedic medicine applies to any diet and anyone. Ayurvedic Medicine is not a science The origins of Ayurveda dates back to 6000BCE, as an oral tradition. Many of the Ayurvedic concepts have their existence in the times of Indus valley civilization. One can find the recorded form of Ayurveda as a medical text in the Vedas.

3. Contemporary health concepts like gut health, intermittent fasting, and taking herbs for boosting immunity have their origin in the Ayurveda, these concepts are known as Agni & Langhana in the ancient texts. Studies conducted in recent times show the adaptogenic properties and immunomodulatory properties of Ayurvedic herbs like ashwagandha and many more. Ayurveda works on scientific principles and its fundamental concepts are prevention of disease and disease reversal. Taking Ayurvedic medicines without a prescription is safe? As with any other thing nowadays Ayurvedic medicines are also available across various websites and even in medicine stores. But is it safe to take medication without consulting a doctor? No, as with any other medication it is in your best interest that you consult a doctor and then takes the medication prescribed by him. Just because Ayurvedic medicines are natural it does not mean they cannot have any side effects whatsoever. There are no side effects to Ayurvedic medicines A doctor before prescribing a medicine should very well assess the contradictions of the particular medicine & what kind of result will it lead to if it interacts with other medicines. No medicine should be taken or prescribed without knowing its guidelines. As with all other medicines Ayurvedic medicines if not administered properly can have their consequences on the body. Ayurvedic medicine means using just herbs and nothing else Ayurvedic treatment can be given just by making some changes in your diet or lifestyle. It is a myth that only herbs are used in Ayurveda many kinds of rocks, alcohol, fruit juices, tea, fermented drinks, salt, and resins are used. It depends on the kind of disease that the person is having and his health condition accordingly the necessary medication is given.

4. Ayurvedic medicine can treat only some conditions or sickness This is just a myth; Ayurveda can heal many ailments, as common as flu to acute or chronic diseases. There are many specialties in Ayurveda, BhutaVaidya: Psychiatry, Rasayana: Geriatrics/Rejuvenation therapy, Kayachikitsa- Internal Medicine, Prasuti Tantra - Gynecology and Obstetrics, ShalyaTantra – Surgery, Kaumarabritya – Paediatrics and Neonatal, Agada Tantra- Toxicology&Shalakya: ENT. These were some of the most common myths about Ayurvedic medicines. Ayurvedic medicine is natural and holds the capability to cure many diseases if administered properly under the guidance of an experienced practitioner.