Misconceptions About Ayurveda - 3
Ayurveda is a spiritual philosophy – not a science
What distinguishes Ayurveda from other systems is that it has a well-defined conceptual framework that is consistent throughout the ages. In conceptual base, it was perhaps highly evolved and far ahead of its time. It is medical systems to advocate an integrated approach towards matters of health and disease.
Unfortunately, many people today sensationalize the spiritual contents present in the Ayurveda texts, resulting in a widespread belief that the system is not scientific. Additionally, when it is treated as a “Complementary or Alternative” practice and made to conform to the structure of Modern medicine the ability to understand it on its own terms is lost
Ayurveda medicines are homemade and lack clinical testing
Ayurveda treatments are believed as ‘homemade’ practices and also the medicines are believed as not being clinically tested. This is an erroneous thought. Each medicine that is offered to public, whether allopathic or Ayurvedic has to undergo careful laboratory tests and certification process. The practitioners of Ayurveda have to undergo university based education to prescribe these medicines. Rasashastra and bhaishajya is branch of Ayurved which deals with making of medicines, its doses and standardization. So, there is no way where medicines are homemade and not having standardization.
Ayurveda medicine is slow in showing results
I would once again contradict this statement. Most of the patients visiting Ayurveda practitioners take their time in trying the other systems of medicine so as to derive a faster result. This not only delays the effect of the medicine, at times it might hamper working of the drug. Or at times patient’s situation substantially become deep rooted and taken chronic form.
Ayurveda is complicated and difficult to understand.
You need not study Ayurved your Vaidya / ayurvedic practitioner does that for you. You also don’t study other branches of medicine before having it.
Anybody can practice Ayurveda.
Ayurvedic practitioners have formal degree (B.A.M.S) by recognized Universities and then only they can officially practice. B.A.M.S (Bachelor of Ayurveda Medicine and Surgery) degree of Ayurveda is 4 and 1/2 years of intense, disciplined studies in the following eight different branches of Ayurveda.
Surgery (Shalya-chikitsa)
Diseases above the Shoulder (Shalakya)
Internalmedicine (Kaayachikitsa)
Psychiatry (Bhutavidya)
Pediatrics (Kaumarabhrutyam)
Toxicology (Agadatantram)
Rejuvenation (Rasayanam)
Aphrodisiacs (Vajikaranam)
On successful completion of the course, there is one year of compulsory internship which should be completed. The students undertake Post graduation courses to become specialist in each branch if they are interested.
I hope I have resolved all of your doubts and queries but if you still have any doubts, you can drop me e-mail on vd.manasijoshi@gmail.com