Ayurveda is a holistic approach of modern medicine. It has been used by many generations and originated in India about 6000 years ago. On the contrary of modern medicine, where the focus is on the mechanisms, Ayurveda focus on the individual as a whole and their different energy levels.
The idea of connexion between different parts of the body and overall well-being is the core of Ayurveda.
The efficacy of Ayurveda is often questioned as well as the regulation around the herbs and Ayurvedic medicine is a huge problem, as described in the article written by Lloret and al., “Finally, herbal medicine regulation is scarce, which means that the quality control of such medicinal products is almost impossible. This, in turn, poses a number of questions regarding the safety approach of the product.” (2012). This cause in number of problems as Ayurvedic medicine could be effective but the lack of regulation around these herbs make it very hard to prove any kind of efficacy.
On the other hand, I also found articles claiming the benefit of Ayurvedic medicine, for example this article, written by Siriwardene and al., that claims the efficacy of an Ayurveda treatment on infertility due to PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome), “In conclusion, subfertility due to Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome can be cured successfully by using aforesaid Ayurveda treatment regimen.” (2010). In this research, 85% of patients were curedand 75% conceived after a 6-month treatment of different herbs. However, this study was done only on 40 women, and I could not find any other similar research on this specific treatment used. More research should definitely be done to prove the efficacy of this Ayurveda treatment.
In my opinion, Ayurveda practices such as yoga and breathing technique are definitely beneficial for the body. The concept of a connection between our bodies and the environment that surrounds us is unlikely in my opinion. Since the modern Humans evolved, we have spent less and less time in nature and more time indoors, but our health did not decline, in fact we now live longer than ever before due to modern medicine and technological advances. However, Ayurvedic treatments and herbs could be effective but the lack of regulation and making sure of the exact herbs used is very difficult. More research in this domain is definitely needed to determine the efficacy of Ayurveda on the Human body.
References
Pérez Lloret, S., Rey, V., & Rascol, O. (2013). Ayurveda medicine for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
Siriwardene, S. D., Karunathilaka, L. A., Kodituwakku, N. D., & Karunarathne, Y. A. U. D. (2010). Clinical efficacy of Ayurveda treatment regimen on Subfertility with poly cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Ayu, 31(1), 24.
