Ayurveda – Holistic Medicine

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.