AYURVEDA-
THE CURRENT SCENARIO
This is a world of
advanced technology, with information regarding anything at your disposal; just
a few taps on your touchscreen and there you have it! You don’t need to go
looking for a dictionary or an encyclopedia anymore. This is a fast paced world
and people need the information ‘now’.
So when you type in the
word ‘Ayurveda’ in google search, the first link that comes up is of the ever
helpful Wikipedia!! It describes it as life-knowledge then goes on to describe
it as a system of medicine native to the Indian subcontinent. It also
explains that it is a “complimentary” and “Alternative” system of
medicine. The other links will give you a run of the mill introduction to
Ayurveda which does no justice to the science other than literally translate
the word Ayurveda from Sanskrit to English.
As an Ayurvedic doctor, and
as an Indian who has passed through the education system in India from
kindergarten to post graduation, I feel entitled to ask a few questions. Why is
it that though Ayurveda is our “Native” system of medicine we find no mention
of it in our education system from schools to class 12th other than
probably in our history texts? Is it because that’s the attitude of India and
Indians in general towards Ayurveda? That it’s ‘History?’ Frankly, if they had
taught me the basics about Ayurveda in school it would have really helped me
(Other than ‘Sushrutha is the father of Surgery!!’). Not just to learn Ayurveda
but also explain to my patients when they ask me what is Vata, Pitta, Kapha. I
find it ironic sometimes that my patients know more about the human DNA and
other stuff but have no clue about Tridoshas of our body and just roughly
translate them to flatus, bile and phlegm! (Seriously?! C’mon!!!) Well, this
was bound to happen when you consider your “Native” medicine as an
“Alternative” medicine!
With so much access to
information available to the common man of India, why is it that so many of the
Indians are, unaware of the wonderful science that is Ayurveda?! I agree, the
fault lies with the Ayurvedic fraternity. As Ayurvedic doctors it is our duty
to preserve and let thrive this beautiful science. Just as it is our duty as
Indians to preserve and practice our native sciences and cultures and
traditions. We Ayurvedic doctors should do everything in our capacity to spread
as much awareness as possible, about Ayurveda, through the internet and make it
available to the masses. Atleast then the laymen who are interested to really
learn can do so. And through this blog, I intend to do exactly that.
It is refreshing though to
see a steady increase in the interest towards Ayurvedic medicine modalities in
the general public. The significance of using herbal medicines, and the general
awareness regarding several herbs has amplified. It is now being realized that
several concepts of health being propagated by WHO and other health
organizations have already been taught in our classical scriptures. So are we
waiting for the West to give due credit to Ayurveda or for once shall we lead
the way?
It’s been ten years since
I first took my baby steps into this wonderful science and I am still learning.
But even though it’s been ten years I have not been able to develop a ‘thick
skinned’ attitude towards the indifference shown by most. It still hurts me
when people scrunch up their nose and say ‘Oh Ayurveda!’ on being told that I
am an Ayurvedic doctor. Believe me, it’s not because I feel they think less of
me. I am proud of who I am and people’s opinion doesn’t and will never affect
me. It hurts me,though I know their reaction only speaks of their ignorance
towards Ayurveda. So I asked myself what will I do about it. And then I decided
I’ll write about Ayurveda. I’ll do my part. And let the universe do the rest.
So people, in this blog,
I’ll be making a humble attempt at propagating Ayurveda, and writing about herbs,
therapies etc random things related to Ayurveda. I hope all those who read it
find it useful. I also hope that it will attract other fellow Ayurvedic doctors
to come here and have discussions regarding various things and maybe even
encourage them to open blogs of their own!
