Does Ayurveda really help get rid of disease?

What is Ayurveda

Ayurveda Ayurveda | Johns Hopkins Medicine is an ancient Indian traditional medicine system. The name comes from the Sanskrit words "Ayur" (life) and "Veda" (knowledge), that is, literally means "knowledge of life".

Ayurveda is based on the assumption that human health depends on a delicate balance between body, mind and spirit. And diseases, accordingly, arise from an imbalance. In order to recover, a person needs to return himself to a state of balance again. This is accomplished through diet, herbal supplementation, massage, aromatherapy, yoga and meditation.

To find out what kind of imbalance a person is experiencing, and to find a way to help him, Ayurveda adherents are guided by Ayurveda on three main "vital forces", or "bodily energies" (in Sanskrit - doshas).

Pitta energy (Pitta dosha) … It is associated with the elements of fire and water. It is believed that this dosha controls the endocrine and digestive systems. People who are dominated by the energy of Pitta are smart, quick-tempered, mobile. When the dosha is out of balance, a person becomes angry, aggressive. At the bodily level, this is manifested by heartburn, digestive problems, ulcers, inflammation, arthritis.
Vata Energy (Vata dosha) … Associated with air and space. Inside the body, it manifests itself as mobile processes, including respiration and blood circulation. It is believed that Vata energy is predominant in slim, emotional, creative people with original thinking. An imbalance in Vata dosha leads to anxiety, dry skin, joint pain, and constipation.
Kapha energy (Kapha dosha) … Associated with the elements of earth and water. In Ayurveda, it is assumed that Kaphi dosha controls the growth, strength, width of the chest, torso, and back. People with a predominance of this energy are strong, practical, balanced. And the imbalance is manifested, in particular, by obesity, diabetes, problems with the gallbladder, diseases of the sinuses.

Looking at a person, his appearance, behavior, listening to complaints, an expert in Ayurveda can recommend which products should be introduced into the diet, and which should be discarded. Will advise on spices and herbal supplements. Send it to the masseur.

Can Ayurveda Treat Diseases?

That's a moot point.

In India, where Ayurveda has been practiced for several millennia, many are convinced that yes. Here the adepts of the "knowledge of life" receive Ayurveda | Johns Hopkins Medicine is a state recognized education. And they can officially work with people after they finish their studies. However, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) actively complains to the IMA Anti Quackery Wing that there are too many charlatans among the "doctors" who practice Ayurveda.

In Europe and the United States, Ayurveda is even more suspicious.

Today, there is a lack of convincing scientific research that could confirm or deny the effectiveness of the ancient Indian system.

Few experiments show Ayurvedic medicine for schizophrenia that the effect of Ayurvedic remedies is not much different from the placebo effect.

This circumstance seriously discredits Ayurveda. To such an extent that the world scientific community classifies the Oxford Handbook of Psychiatry Indian traditional medicine as a pseudoscience.

Does this mean that Ayurveda is completely useless?

Paradoxically, no. Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Researchers Consider Ayurveda | Johns Hopkins Medicine that some of the principles of Ayurveda can help people by using Indian traditional medicine as a complementary therapy to conventional treatments.

In simple words: Ayurveda should never be treated. But it can be good for improving overall health.

You can borrow from Ayurveda, for example:

conscious attitude to nutrition;
emphasis on whole grains and unprocessed foods such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, legumes;
relaxation techniques: meditation and breathing exercises that help relieve stress.

However, if you want to try Ayurvedic medicine, be sure to consult with a therapist. This is especially important if you are struggling with a medical condition or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. There are good reasons for this.

Why Ayurveda can be dangerous

Let's remind: Ayurveda has not been studied enough yet. Some of the products she offers can enhance or weaken the effect of drugs. Some exercise and dieting can harm the body. How likely this is in your case, only a qualified doctor can say.

There is one more nuance: Ayurvedic remedies are not medicines, but nutritional supplements. Therefore, the supervisory authorities impose less stringent requirements on their composition. And this can lead to dangerous consequences.

So, in 2008, American scientists analyzed Lead, mercury, and arsenic in US- and Indian-manufactured Ayurvedic medicines sold via the Internet the composition of Ayurvedic medicines that were produced in India and the United States and were freely sold on the Internet. In every fifth, toxic metals were found: lead, mercury and arsenic.

And in 2012, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported six cases of lead poisoning to Lead Poisoning in Pregnant Women Who Used Ayurvedic Medications from India - New York City, 2011–2012. The victims were pregnant women who were taking Ayurvedic drugs.

In general, let's say it again: if you want to try Ayurveda, discuss it with your therapist or your supervising doctor. And be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you feel anything wrong while dieting or taking herbal supplements.