Ayurveda as perceived by a student of life sciences

Earth, one of the dots (molecules) of the Cosmos, is the only known planet having LIFE. Life is the most unnatural entity in the cosmos which continually struggles to survive and evolve against the order of Nature. Life is ubiquitous, omnipresent found on soil surface, underground, on mountain, in sea, sand, marshy land, river, geyser, desert, snow and atmosphere. It is rich in biodiversity with trillions of species evolved through evolution over millions of years. Yet most of them are living simultaneously, interdependently, on the planet earth.

Life has Biodiversity

Life in adverse conditions

No two individuals are alike; we lack visible capability to discern between them.

Even in the same species, say primates, ants, no two individuals are alike, interestingly even the same individual is not same at different time points. Thus continued, uninterrupted dynamism and variation are the unexceptional rules of life. This entity Life, has acquired unique character, which continues to maintain its own distinctiveness/identity through procreation. This cycle of definitive predetermined dynamic activity clearly distinguishes between living and non-living.

Though there is tremendous biodiversity, all life forms are governed by the same rules and principles, (the code of life) through cell systems and function through cell and nucleus interdependent complex metabolic pathways. These are well documented in terms of chemical reactions and physical entities.

Life is a self regulatory, preprogrammed chemical entity which is all through dynamic, acquiring definitively structured and functional order in innumerably varied forms. All life forms are initiated as a single cell entity which may develop into multi-cellular organisms.

In humans a single fertilized cell, zygote with distinct gene pool of over 30,000 genes give rise to three trillion cells of 200 different cell types representing an individual.

The gene pool of all these cells is same as that of zygote. However during differentiation select genes of cells are left functional and others are blocked/ inactivated. Semi permeability of the cell membrane is specific to match the intake of building blocks required for the synthesis of functional molecules by these active genes.

Genes are production machines, designed to synthesize specific molecules. Cytoplasm is the state of the art factory premises maintaining the inventory of the raw materials, providing power, sanitary services, disposal of waste, with update sensory, communication and transport systems. All these activities are conducted through cell organelle staff. Thus cytoplasm acquires unique position with the office of the controller. This includes epigenetic activities also. Any discrepancy in these activities leads to disease condition.

If a nucleus of a terminally differentiated cell is transplanted into an anucleated oocyte the DNA of the nucleus undergo reverse programming and is conditioned, for its new role. This reconditioned DNA acquires capability to undergo differentiation de novo. Evidently cytosol (cytoplasm) creates congenial environment, provides molecules necessary for synthesis of biomolecules and exerts strong influence on the genes. Importance of cytosol in regulation of metabolism is thus evident. Composition of cytosol is dependent on the supply of nutrients through circulatory system provided by the digested food. Thus all these are dependent on the intake of diet.

It is the unique characteristic/capacity to convert inert ingested material to innumerable yet definitive self reliant structural entities (cells, cell organelles and various types of proteins), interacting in a well coordinated fashion, is but life. This is a continuous process with effective conversion of one energy form to another, both potential and kinetic (chemical, electrical including piezoelectric, acoustic /sound, heat, light etc) in a controlled regulated manner. Any discrepancy in these activities leads to disease condition.

Human brain the super organ, of all the organs in the animal world, is unique. It not only regulates all the functions of the body but also has a capacity to store memory, analyze and think. This capability extends extra arm of philosophy, a distinct advantage over all the animals. Furthermore human brain continues to evolve.

As presented by Dr Robertson’s school in their practice in dietary therapy, brain chemistry has a major influence on behavior. Changes in central levels of brain chemistry also brings about change in the peripheral level of neurotransmitters. Activity influences brain chemistry so also diet influences brain chemistry. Behavior influences brain chemistry. Spiritual issues or thoughts can affect brain chemistry. Activity, diet, behavior and spiritual issues can be tailored to influence brain chemistry.

If a person has pounding heart, sweaty palms, nausea and anxiety, it is reasonable to assume these are caused by elevated levels of dopamine or norepinephrine, both excitatory chemicals. There is no other consistent explanation for the central and peripheral effects. If we know that the amino acid tyrosine is the precursor to dopamine, wouldn’t it be wise to decrease the amount of tyrosine eaten? It is evident that cytosol is of prime importance in regulating the function of the cell consequently of the body. Thus appropriate intake of natural components is the key towards GOOD HEALTH.

The science of Ayurveda should be judged by taking into consideration the facts of life sciences. Principally any naturally available material on the planet can serve as a basic ingredient for preparing the Ayurvedic drug after receiving the sanskar, to make it compatible is very much tenable.

It is pertinent to note that direct intake of all the natural substances is not accepted/tolerated by the body; only the known compatible substances are considered suitable as food. Even most of these are processed, particularly by cooking, to make it compatible.

It is strongly felt that Ayurvedic therapy prescribes dietary intake and restrictions, as well as physical and mental yogic exercises.Ayurvedic approach is to extend the support to metabolic systems for prevention and /or rectifying the errors in these systems, without direct interference. Use of appropriate natural components such as drugs to reinstate the normal cellular metabolism after conditioning them to attain compatibility is a rational approach. The mended compatible drug compounds have no toxic effects. Therefore Ayurvedic drugs have no toxic/side effects and development of resistance. What is important is to ascertain the choice of unpolluted natural material and to follow stringent processing procedures.

We have experienced a severe impact of advanced technology, disturbing the agricultural practices, life style, behavioural and dietary habits, suddenly and significantly during last half century. Simultaneously the sudden increase in the levels of pollution leading to predominance of unnatural synthetic materials, substances, infiltrating the entire environment including human body is the main cause of concern. Ayurveda can deal with these problems also, but in its own way. It need not be seen from the polluted vision. Ayurveda is concerned with the most natural way for prevention and healing without cognizable side effects. In view of the points elucidated above Ayurveda is a concept which fits in the natural cycles of LIFE.

 

 

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.

 

 

Thank You,