Ayurvedic medicine, also known
as Ayurveda is one of the oldest forms of treatment methodology in the world.
It is a holistic form of treatment, which means that it focuses on the whole
body. It originates from India from over 3000 years ago and remains to be one
of the most established methods of health care to this date.
It was previously carried out
only in India however, due to Indians immigrating and settling all over the
world for employment and education, the Ayurveda has expanded to all parts of
the world including Canada, United States, Saudi Arab, and Ayurveda Dubai.
Ayurvedic medicine focuses not
on treating only the ailment but works on the concept of treating the body as a
singular entity. The treatment methods promote the use of special diets, herbal
compounds, and such unique health practices. Ayurveda has its roots deep in the
belief that a person’s health and wellness depends on the precise balance
between the person's mind, spirit, and body. Thus, Ayurvedic medicine believes
in promoting good health instead of fighting disease. However, the treatments
are addressed as when a health problem does arise.
The utility of Ayurveda is to maintain the health of a healthy individual and heal the disease of the sick.- Charaka sutra sthana, Chapter 28, verse 342.
However, being a form of spiritual
healing, Ayurvedic medicine is not as well established as Western medicine, and
many medical practitioners consider it to be a hoax. This is because many of
these medicines are manufactured with herbs, minerals, or metals. These may be
harmful in used without proper prescription of a trained practitioner. Most
commonly, some of these herbs cause side effects and interactions with
conventional medicines. Some herbs are not suited for allergic persons and
results in an extreme allergic reaction. Moreover, metals like lead can prove
to be harmful when ingested.
Ayurveda in Dubai
Dubai is said to be one of the
major countries of the world with a very low native to expatriates ratio, i.e.,
15% natives versus 85% expats. Out of this, 71% of the population is Asian with
Indians accounting for 51% of this significant majority.
With such a vast
number of Indians living in the city, it is no surprise that they brought their
traditions and customs with them. Along with the occasional ‘tea shops’ and
Indian restaurants that have sprouted Dubai’s markets, you may also find
clinics displaying Ayurveda. Dubai dwellers are keen to learn and try out this
new form of medicine for primarily two reasons. One is the costly Western
health care in Dubai while the second being the curiosity of this ancient
medicine.
In contrast to Western medical
standards, there have to be clinical trials that are well controlled along with
systematic research reviews. These are the gold standards for Western medicine
research in proving the benefits of any therapeutic approach. Herbal products
that lack such trails and tests are considered to be a hazard in the long run,
no matter how good are the results they yield in the present.
The question is, why do people still opt for it?
The term “Ayurveda” is a
combination of two Sanskrit words; ‘Ayur’(life) and ‘Veda’ (knowledge). Many
people believe that this form of medicine has a strong spiritual connection to
the soul. These practices are handed down from generation to generation by word
of mouth and scribe for over 3000 years.
Three ancient books by the name
of ‘Great Trilogy’ were written in Sanskrit more than 2000 years ago. These are considered to be the primary texts
of Ayurvedic medicine. They explain the concept of universal interconnectedness,
between people, their health, the life forces and this universe. It is
understandable that those whose ancestors have invented it would revere such an
ancient form of medicine. India is a country of traditions and customs,
holistic medicine being part of it. Many Indians live in close-knit families
and respect the beliefs of their elders, who usually vouch for Ayurvedic
medicine.
Indians carry their traditions
wherever they go as they have a firm belief in it. It is incredible how culture
can seep over borders and such is the case when we see an ancient form of
healthcare being followed as Ayurveda in Dubai.
