Ayurveda is the oldest known natural medical science of India. It is a well developed health system based on theories, methodologies and applications about human health and diseases. Ayurveda gives a distinct understanding of human anatomy-physiology, embryology, pharmacognosy, pharmaceutics and pharmacotherapeutics. The traditional formulary of Ayurveda consists of approximately 1000 herbal, bio-inorganical, animal source natural drugs and 9800 formulations. Out of this nearly 200 herbs, 80 bioinorganicals and 25 animal drugs and approximately 500 formulations are routinely used by physicians across India and Asia
Ayurveda carries descriptions of etiopathology including method of clinical diagnosis of all major diseases known today. Ayurvedic disease management approach is unique with two streams, therapy and internal medication. It deals efficiently with disease prognosis, secondary prophylaxis but it puts emphasis on Health maintenance through lifestyle modifications based on individual constitution termed prakriti and intervention with Rasayan category formulations. Limitation of Ayurveda is in treating infectious diseases but it supports building immunity against bacterial or viral infections. Modern medicine praises Sushrut as the first plastic surgeon for cleft palate surgery but today surgical practice is limited to procedures like Ksharsootra and Leech therapy. Gerontology and Psychology have specific treatment approach with many natural medicaments to treat age specific and neurophsychitric drugs and formulations. Thus Ayurveda offers substantial leads for new research and development.
It is a formal medical education system at par with education of modern medicine and clinical practice governed by the state.
- Teacher: Asmita Ashish Wele