Basic concepts of Traditional Indian Medicine (Ayurveda) and its implications in Europe.
Overview:
Ayurveda is one of the oldest medical systems in the world (about 5,000 years old) and has its origin in the veda. The expression „Ayurveda“ goes back to Sanskrit words „ayu“ which means life/health and „veda“ which means science.
It embodies a healthy way of living, uniting body, mind and soul and therefore is considered to be an integrated medical system. Its holistic conception includes physique and psyche.
Sushrutha, an ayurvedic doctor in the 6th century, is considered to be the father of modern surgery.
Almost every indian village has its own performing doctor. There are also ayurvedic hospitals which have OP sections and which are combining Ayurveda treatments with modern medicine. There are eight branches of ayurvedic medicine e.g. psychiatry, surgery, toxicology.
The pharmaceutical industry prepares products which are used in ayurvedic treatments after laboratory tests.
Ayurvedic study in India is a basic degree (bachelor). It is a full-time study which takes 5 ½ years and is taught in Sanskrit and English. Modern medicine is also part of the study.
Post-graduation (Master) takes 3 years and an additional PhD takes another 2 years.
In India Ayurveda is fully acknowledged and is being controlled by the Central Council of Indian Medicine.
The theory of the Tridosha:
1. Vata (symbolizes movement)
2. Pitta ( ---“--- change)
3. Kapha ( ---“--- stability)
Every person has his specific combination of the three doshas. If they become unbalanced the person is considered to be ill.
The doshas are deduced from five elements. Water, fire, earth, air and ether.
Indicators for health or disease are mental („depression“), behavioural („anger“) and physical („allergy“).
The Dhata tissue describes the seven parts of the body from which health starts e.g. muscle, fat. Agni the digestive fire is responsible for digestion of food. Agni...