AYURVEDA
Dr.Bhuwan
Paudel
BAMS(IOM,TU)
Medical officer,Ay,HMG
paudelbhuwan@yahoo.com
Ayurveda literally means the "Science
of Life”. Etymologically, the word "Ayurveda"
is derived from two words viz. Ayu-which means “Life”
and Veda-which means “knowledge or science”.
Hence Ayurveda indicates the science by which life in
its totality is understood. It is a way of life that
describes the diet medicine and behavior that are benefical
or harmful for life. Ayurveda thus means "the science
of life and longevity".
Coming to the definition "Ayurveda",
it has been described by ancient and great physician
CHARAK also known as father of Ay. Medicine as "The
science that indicates the appropriate and the inappropriate,
happy or sorrowful conditions of living, what is auspicious
or inauspicious for longevity as well as the measure
or the span of life itself is called as Ayurveda."
The history of ayurveda Starts with
the evolution of human life. "According to astronomical
records in ancient Vedic texts, the Vedic system, including
Ayurveda, was in practice since antiquity. This time
proven system of medicine has its origins in Himalayan
Kingdom and is still being practiced today in many parts
of the world with proven results. Ayurveda is the healing
gift, which originated from the ancient enlightened
Vedic culture, which goes back to 5000 B.C. Thus, it
can be concluded that the tradition of Ayurveda extends
back over more than 5000 years of continuous daily practice,
from ancient times to the present day. According to
philosopher, ayurveda was originated from BRAHMA, the
creator of Universe. From Brahma the knowledge of ayurveda
was transmitted to mankind thorough subsequent generation.
The ancient ayurvedic persons are Charka, Shusrut, Dhanwantari,
Bhardwaj, Kasayap etc, who have done lot on ayurveda
for its development.
The aims and objectives of this science
are to maintain the health of a healthy person and to
cure the diseases of an unhealthy person. Unlike Modern
system of medicine, it deals not only with the symptoms
but also with the individual as a whole. As a science
of self healing, Ayurveda encompasses diet and nutrition,
lifestyle, meditation, breathing exercises, rest and
relaxation, medicinal herbs, minerals along with cleansing
and rejuvenation programs for healing body, mind and
spirit. It can be concluded that it is the art of daily
living in harmony with the laws of nature.
Along with the physical diseases, it
also insists on the spiritual and ethical discipline
for mental health and normal development of personality.
It provides rational means for the treatment of many
internal diseases, which are considered to be obstinate
and incurable in other systems of medicine.
Ayurveda deals not only with human beings, but also
in specialized subjects like Ashva-ayurveda (For the
treatment of horses), Gaja-ayurveda (For the treatment
of elephants), Go-ayurveda (For the treatment of cows)
and Vriksha-ayurveda (For the treatment of diseases
of plants).
Ayurveda has gone through several stages
of development in its long run. Today, it, is in yet
another stage of development, is undergoing readaptation
to the Western world and modern conditions, Ayurveda
is coming up with answers to many problems, which have
eluded modern medicine. For making it easier to study,
this vast ocean of knowledge has been divided into 8
principal branches.
Shalya tantra (Surgery) ---
The word “Shalya” denotes something that
causes discomfort to the body and/or mind. This branch
deals with the removal of Shalya and includes the surgical
procedures like incision, excision, suturing, rhinoplasty,
treatment of the dislocation of the bones, etc.
In ayurveda, Shusurut describes surgery as the first
and foremost specialty of system. He describes various
surgical procedure including abdominal operation .bladder
stone .He was the one who gives the concept of plastic
surgery and the surgery of cataract. Ksharasutra chikitsa
in ano rectal disease was his wonderful practice which
is proved more advantageous and efficacious than modern
surgical procedure.
Shalakya Tantra (E.N.T &
Ophthalmology) --- This branch deals with the
use of a rod (Shalaka) for the treatment of the diseases
of the organs above the clavicle bone, hence the name
Shalakya Tantra. In other words it deals with the diseases
related to Ear, Nose, Throat and Eyes.
Kaya Chikitsa (General Medicine)---Here
the word “Kaya” means “Agni”
(Digestive power) and also “Body” &
“Chikitsa” means “Treatment”.
This branch includes the diagnosis and the treatment
of the systemic disorders without surgical intervention.
It also describes general introduction to health and
medicine, longevity, general hygiene, preventive medicine
and personal health, dietetics and instructions against
the suppression of the natural urges. The popularly
known PanchKarma is also described under this branch.
Kaumar Bhritya (Gynecology,
obstetrics and Pediatrics)- This branch deals
with the diagnosis and the treatment of the diseases
related to mother before conception, during pregnancy,
delivery, post-delivery and with the disease of children.
Ayurveda describes method of conceiving of the desired
sex, intelligence and constitution.
Bhootvidya (Psychiatry or Demonology)
---This branch deals with the mental diseases.
These sorts of diseases can be correlated to as idiopathic
disorders, in Allopathic system of medicine. According
to Ayurveda, it has been assumed that these diseases
are caused by affliction due to evil spirits.
Agad Tantra (Toxicology)---This
branch deals with the forensic aspect. Diagnosis and
the treatment of the diseases caused by various types
of organic and inorganic poisons have been described
under this heading.
Rasayan Tantra (Geriatrics)---The
main objective of Ayurveda is to maintain health is
carried out through this branch. It deals with various
aspects of preventive health care. It includes details
concerning rejuvenation and emphasizes a person to look
younger.
Vajikarna (aphrodisiacs) ---This
aphrodisiacs branch focuses on the sexual aspect of
life. It deals with the disorders of reproduction and
sexual life and includes administration of medicines
which are aphrodisiacs and which not only help in spermatogenesis
but also improves the quality of sperms.
What
exactly is Ayurveda?
A distinguishing feature which sets Ayurveda apart from
other alternative systems of medicine is the fact that
Ayurvedic treatment treats patient as a "whole"
i.e. a combination of the body, the mind and the soul
(Ranade,S.1991) . This Vedic system of medicine repeatedly
emphasizes the common origin of mankind and the universe.
Our relationship with our environment is intrinsic.
The elements which compose the universe also constitute
the human body and therefore the laws which govern the
universal elements also govern the human realm. These
profound concepts based upon an astute understanding
of the universal laws and practical observations about
the world around give us the indication about the holistic
approach of Ayurveda and its potential in alleviating
many health related problems afflicting the whole of
humanity. Health is essential for enjoyment of all the
worldly pleasures in a righteous manner. Ayurveda goes
much beyond the realms of ordinary medicine and gives
practical measures on how to maintain and protect one's
health and well -being and promote longevity of life.
Ayurveda is thus not just a system of medicine; rather
it's a way of life! According to Ayurveda illness is
a condition of imbalance which originates from some
fundamental deficiency and something more than symptomatic
relief is needed for its cure.
AYURVEDIC MEDICINE
Ayurvedic medicines are derived from the mineral, plant,
and animal. A number of minerals and metals are used,
but they are subject to various and complex process
of purification and oxidation before becoming suitable
for internal usage. Sankha ,praval (muga). Sipi,iron,
gold, moti, tama, zinc, mercury etc are used to prepare
ayurvedic medicine from minerals. Some examples are
Sankha Bhasma ,Praval Bhasma,Swarna Bhasma, Rhumayog
gold, Tribhuvan kirti ras etc. Some of the ayurvedic
medicine is derived from animal origin like Kasturi
(kastoori bhusan, mrigamadasab), mayor (mayurpuchha
bhasma), elephant teeth (hasti danta masi), pitta of
fish, etc. Some drug may need cow’s milk and urine
for purification too.
Mostly plants are used to prepare medicine.
Nepal is very rich in plant diversity. More than 3000
medicinal plants are available here. Due to the different
altitude different type of flora are available. Yarchagumba,
Panch aaule ,padamchal ,Kutki, lauthsalla ,sugandhawal.
Jatamasi, Bikhma and number of other plant are having
high medicinal value. These are abundant in our nation
and are of high demand in international market.
Ayurvedic medicines predominantly being plant based
are in close harmony with nature and hence easily assimilate
by the human body. Ayurveda thus helps maintain the
integrity of the unique elemental balance in each individual
and treats the ailment at its root cause. Some ayurvedic
drugs consisting plant ingredients are Trifala Churna,
aabhipattikar churna , Sitopaladi churna.
It is unwise to say ayurvedic medicines
are always safe. Usually medicine containing ingredients
of toxic plant and minerals in high dose are not safe
to take and are fatal too. Ayurvedic medicines are prescribed
to take with cold water. Some with hot water some with
honey, these are called Anupan and Sahapan and they
said to be act as a catalyst. Anupan and sahapan should
strictly being followed while taking medicine. Indication
and contraindication of diet according to diseases is
highly emphasized in Ayurveda. A Nurse working in Ayurveda
Hospital should have prompt Knowledge regarding methods
of administration of drugs and dosage.
Ayurvedic medicine are made from mixing
number of medicinal plant, minerals etc in different
amount to prepare. One to hundred of ingredient may
contain in ayurvedic medicine. So it is hard to examine
quality of the drug by laboratory examination, but some
drug may constitute single medicinal plant too.
Form of medicine- Powder, tablet, capsule,
syrup, ointment, oil, juice, paste, decoction, injection,
granules, Ash etc.
There are two type of ayurvedic medicine
available in market. Patent medicine and generic medicine.
Patent Medicine- Liv
52, Neo, newlivfit, cystone, Opthacare, Gastrx, Gasex,
R. Pyrin, Neeri, calcury, Septillin, ojus, Himcocid,
Livex, Ovarin, Eve care, M2 tone, Amycordial etc
Generic medicine-
Chywan prash, Ashokarista ,Dashamularista, Trifala churna,
Aabhipattikar churna.Sankha bhasma etc..
Ayurveda says medicinal plants of specific
area are more appropriate for the patient of same area
that means Ayurvedic drugs prepared from the Nepal are
more suits to Nepalese Residence than the patient residing
in Europe.
AYURVEDA : PROSPECTS IN NEPAL
Ayurveda is now becoming known and even respectable
in the developed countries. Nepal is rich in Ayurvedic
tradition. About 2/3 rd population is relying on ayurveda
directly or indirectly. Ayurvedic medicines are natural,
easy to find, cheap and safe to use. Peoples have lot
of trust on ayurveda. Besides the living tradition its
National Archives have many Ayurvedic manuscripts which
are only available here and are yet to be published.
Many western scholars and agencies are coming to Nepal
to record this heritage of ours. Nowadays; Ayurvedists
of Nepal are having more western patients or students
and are also going to developed countries of the west
or east. It is high time that this country should make
a systematic effort to exploit this potential.AYURVEDA.
Existing situation There are number of government and
non government organization working in ayurvedic field.
Nepal Ayurveda Medical Council NAMC functions on the
registration of different ayurvedic manpower. Deals
with the right of practitioners, controls quality in
service and education. Altogether there are around 200
ayurvedic doctors registered in this council. Ayurveda
Doctor only can do a practice after being registered
in this council.
Ministry of Health-There is an ayurveda and alternative
medicine unit in ministry of health. It contributes
in policy making area.
Department of Ayurveda This is the apex body for Ayurveda
in the country directly under the Ministry of Health
HMG and is responsible for formulating implementation
and overall supervision of other Units as following
1. Naradevi Ayurveda hospital of 100 beds -1
2. Regional hospital, Dang of 30 beds(50 running)-1
3. Zonal Ayurveda hospital-14
4. District Ayurveda health center -61
5. Ayurvedic Aushadhalaya (Primary dispensaries) -214
At now there is an ayurvedic Network in all 75 district
by altogether 291 service providing center from different
level of Manpower.
Regional Health Directorate there is an ayurvedic unit
to monitor and supervisee the ayurvedic health center.
Singha Durbar Vaidyakhana .This is the manufacturing
unit for the Ayurvedic drugs. Till recently this was
under the general administrative control of Department
of Ayurveda. Now it has been made an autonomous unit
and the aim is to make it a self sustaining organization,
Naradevi Ayurveda CampusThis is constituent campus of
the Institute of medicine under Tribubhan University
and is responsible for the production Ayurvedic manpower.
Till recently this institution was running graduate
course (BAMS, Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery)
is being conducted with 15 admission per year.
Private Sector
Practitioners with Institutional and Academic Training:
Those with academic training either had their education
in the Ayurvedic colleges in foreign countries or in
Nepal. Numbers of them are profound scholars of Ayurveda
and clinicians of great repute. Furthermore with their
long experience they have the knowledge of local herbs
and their uses hence they should be regarded as valuable
resources persons.
Traditional Ayurvedic Practitioners
There are significant numbers of Ayurvedic practitioners
who have a family tradition of several generations.
They may not have formal academic training but had sufficient
theoretical and some are very erudite also. Moreover
in these families there are records of the recipes they
have been suing for generations as well as old manuscripts.
Due to the pressure of modernization the children of
these families are reluctant to follow the tradition
and the manuscripts as well the recipes they have been
suing are being lost. There is an urgent need of taking
some steps to preserve them.
Traditional healers
They are not Ayurvedic practitioners in the conventional
sense however the tradition and even the herbs they
use have Ayurvedic background. Mostly located in the
remote villages they are the most often the first and
only health personnel available to the community and
the herbs they use in their have real medicinal value.
Their large number have been brought in several studies
and if mobilized could greatly contribute in the health
care system of the country.
Pharmaceutical Sector
Nepal at present imports Ayurvedic drugs of more than
150 cores rupees and it is increasing 25% each year.
About two hundred different brands of Ayurvedic drugs
are produced in Nepal by more than 30 private companies.
More than 150 Indian Ayurvedic drug companies are currently
supplying Ayurvedic medicines to Nepal. There is no
doubt that significant amount if not all raw materials
of these Ayurvedic drugs have their origin in Nepal.
There is thus immense potential for these herbs for
the manufacture of Ayurvedic drugs not only for the
domestic purposes but also for the export to India where
most Ayurvedic companies claim to manufacture their
medicines from "genuine" Himalayan herbs
