The word “Ayurveda” evokes a varied range of reactions amongst society. It is thought to be an old, traditional science which is outdated and difficult to perceive as it is in Sanskrit. Some consider it as a science which makes use of heavy metals. On the other hand we, “the Ayurveda practitioners” strongly believe in the potential of Ayurveda to treat chronic and critical ailments like AIDS, Cancer etc against all the prevalent notions about Ayurveda. The fact that dreadful diseases like Cancer can be successfully treated by Ayurveda is well established by examples of patients who are leading quality life with the help of this system of medicine.

On one hand are the countries like Canada (wherein established scientific journals like JAMA published article on use of heavy metals in Ayurveda under the pretext of scientifically researched topic , thus proving only the wrong intentions and purpose about the so called “Scientific research” as done by Canadian authority), European nation which have banned Ayurveda medicines as they contain heavy metals and on the other hand is the fact that these same medicines have been prescribed to many Indian patients for thousands of years by generations of physicians without facing any adverse events. It is a known fact that heavy metals are harmful for human body but the metals used for preparing Ayurveda medicines / Bhasma undergo standard detoxification and calcination and there has been not a single instance of any adverse effects with properly prepared medicines . There may be some reports stating such adverse events but those are only possible due to improper methods used for preparation of these drugs. It has nothing to do with the science and the person involved in making such spurious medicines is to be blamed at large.

The difficulties involved in export of Ayurveda medicines (Contribution of Ayurveda medicines in total export is merely 0.004%), and the ban imposed by western countries like Canada, Europe on the export is astonishing, but more astonishing fact is the lack of awareness about the scientific and economical significance of Ayurveda amongst the Indian government which has forced Ayurveda to become an easy target of such injustice. The consequence of this has led to utter confusion and chaos about Ayurveda, but even amongst this confusion , there still exists a common thread about which there are different opinions and that thread is nothing but ‘Research’. There is a strong belief that there is need for extensive Research in Ayurveda .As a result, the basic parameters for research (which belong to modern science) are applied to Ayurveda to obtain research based and improvised version of Ayurveda and the outcome expected through this kind of research is “Innovative Ayurveda”. There is a need to clarify the basics at this point. The basic that Ayurveda is neither old and traditional nor is it possible to innovate it because it is and will always be eternal.

There are numerous examples of application of advanced modern techniques of research to Ayurveda wherein specific parameters are applied to different aspects of Ayurveda and research is carried on successfully but does this research benefit mankind in any way? Does it produce quality medicines which can benefit human beings? If this kind of research does not fulfill the expected goals , then there is a need to rethink about the basic fundamentals. Even though the universally established parameters of research used in the present scenario are based upon well-developed principles of science (including exceptions), then too they are neither beneficial nor economical to mankind. It is just similar to the story of description of an elephant by blind men wherein every person is giving the right description but not the complete description of the elephant. Today’s research methodology is also similar to this story. Although India has a very small contribution in this type of fundamental research, but at the same time, there is no necessity to contribute to such type of research activities which claim to be useful to mankind but whose benefits are well beyond the reach of common man. In such scenario, "Death is better than the expenditure incurred on medicines", is the attitude prevailing in the mind of common man dwelling in developing countries (The developing countries are so called because the developed countries diplomatically implement standard procedures for development and progress of these countries). Instead if the following principle of Ayurveda states that,

which means maintenance of good health and prevention from diseases and complete eradication of the disease in case of occurrence of disease. This approach towards health is beneficial to mankind- not only to Indians but to the entire world.

In the course of research on principles of Ayurveda, it is also important to know the importance of allied branches of sciences which have contributed to the vast scientific knowledge base of Ayurveda without which the entire process of research in Ayurveda remains incomplete. The contribution of great school of thoughts like Sankhyashastra, Nyayavaisheshika, Poorvamimansa and Uttarmimansa, Charvak etc is highly significant. Thus, the nomenclature “Sarvadarshan sangraha” has been rightly given to Ayurveda as it has analyzed the then existing Darshan shastras thoroughly and included its’ principles for self development. Research should always include knowledge (Gyan )and science (Vigyan) both. The verse quoted from Mahabharata where Lord Krishna advices Arjuna on the basis of `Gyan’ and` Vigyana’ clearly indicates that these are two entirely different words. Ayurveda has mentioned in detail which fundamental principles should be implemented for the purpose of any type of research. These fundamental principles are known by the name of “Pramana” in Darshan shastras. Types of pramana like Pratyaksha pramana (parameter for apparent things), Anumana pramana (parameters for assumption) , Upamana pramana and Yuktipramana (parameters for analysis/ judgement) should be judiciously used for the purpose of Research. Amongst these parameters, “Yuktipramana” is the most implemented parameter by Ayurveda, whereas modern science implements only “Pratyaksha paramana” for research.

It is aptly said,

Pratyaksham hi alpam apratyakhsam hi analpam,

Which means very few things can be proven by Pratyaksha pramana (are apparent), whereas numerous things which are beyond our vision can be only proven with the help of other Pramanas. Hence Ayurveda has extensively used “Yuktipramana” as ,

Yuktischa yojana ya tu yujyate

Means to reach to a conclusion by proper analytical approach. This shows that Ayurveda has a very wide horizon of fundamental principles for the purpose of research. The reason why these things have been discussed elaborately is because research in Ayurveda is a topic for research by itself. At the same time, it is absolutely necessary to re-design the entire research module for Ayurveda by taking help of the fundamentals of other allied sciences like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Nanotechnology, Genetics etc . Thus Research in Ayurveda is a far more wider concept.

Yatha loke tatha dehe,

That means whatever exists in Nature , the same things exists in human body. In accordance to this principle of Ayurveda, cellular biologists believe in the similar concept that whatever exists in the body , the same things exist within the cells of the body .Thus with the help of cellular biology, fundamental research of the principles of Ayurveda, their analysis, understanding of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of Ayurveda medicines can be done successfully. Hence the future challenge is to find a holistic approach for research in Ayurveda with the help of guidance from various experts of the scientific community , Ayurveda as well as modern physicians and Research scientists.

Sanghe Shakti kalau yuge

Means- In the present scenario , team work is the greatest strength or resource. If experts like us could contribute as a team and conduct research , then the outcome of such research will be low cost, affordable, scientifically proven , highly effective “ Indian” medicines which will also help in global acceptance of Ayurveda.

At the same time, the International medicines are not just becoming expensive but once considered as elixir of life, some of them no longer even exist. Change is the only thing that is constant and the clinical research for newer drugs done under this pretext simply clarifies the reason why clinical trials for these drugs with potential dangerous side effects are done in developing countries like ours. Knowledgeable people of our prosperous country have to face day by day increasing challenges posed by chronic diseases and excess use of various chemicals .These challenges are reckoning us to wake up from our deep sleep of ignorance.

Uttishthet | Jagrat||

We all can surely take up this challenge by responding to the need of the hour.

Similarly,

Puranamityeva na sadhu sarvam |

According to the above verse , everything which is old should not always be considered as gold. Hence , there is a need to tread further in the field of health related research with a broader outlook and Ayurveda is the best medium to do so and make India the epitome of quality health research.

Ayurvedopadesheshu vidheyaha paramadaraha |

 

 

 

All the above articles / blog posts are not the original contribution from author, please consider a opinion of qualified doctor, if you considering this. If you need a advice please contact Dr. Anil Joy email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

 

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