Ayurveda and naturopathy offer holistic approaches to managing diseases that focus on treating the root cause of illness, strengthening the body’s natural healing abilities, and restoring balance to the mind, body, and spirit. While the concept of “cure” may vary depending on the disease and individual circumstances, Ayurveda and naturopathy have been shown to effectively manage and sometimes even reverse certain conditions. Here are some ways in which these traditional systems of medicine can contribute to the cure of diseases:
- Addressing Underlying Imbalances: Ayurveda and naturopathy aim to identify and address the underlying imbalances or root causes of disease, rather than just treating symptoms. By restoring balance to the body’s systems and addressing factors such as poor diet, lifestyle habits, stress, and environmental toxins, these systems can support the body’s natural ability to heal.
- Promoting Self-Healing Mechanisms: Both Ayurveda and naturopathy emphasize the body’s innate ability to heal itself when given the right support. Through dietary changes, herbal remedies, lifestyle modifications, detoxification therapies, and stress reduction techniques, these systems of medicine work to strengthen the body’s self-healing mechanisms and support overall health and well-being.
- Preventing Disease Progression: By addressing imbalances early on and promoting healthy habits and practices, Ayurveda and naturopathy can help prevent the progression of certain diseases and reduce the risk of complications. This preventive approach focuses on maintaining optimal health and addressing potential imbalances before they manifest as disease.
- Improving Quality of Life: Even in cases where complete cure may not be possible, Ayurveda and naturopathy can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals living with chronic diseases. By managing symptoms, reducing inflammation, supporting immune function, and promoting overall well-being, these systems of medicine can help individuals lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
- Individualized Treatment Plans: One of the key principles of Ayurveda and naturopathy is the recognition that each person is unique and may require a personalized approach to treatment. Practitioners take into account factors such as the individual’s constitution, symptoms, lifestyle, and preferences when designing treatment plans, ensuring that the approach is tailored to the individual’s specific needs and circumstances.
While Ayurveda and naturopathy offer valuable tools for promoting health and healing, it’s important to approach them with a realistic understanding of their limitations and to work in conjunction with conventional medical care when necessary. Integrating these traditional systems of medicine with modern healthcare can provide a comprehensive approach to managing diseases and promoting optimal health and well-being.
Udhwartana (powder massage) with Kolakulatthachurna have been tried in a case study with encouraging results. Udhwartana aims at pacifying and clearing the aggravated kaphadosha which has caused “avarana” to vata (impedance to functions of vata). Nose is said to be the gateway of the head according to Ayurveda.Ayurveda hypothesizes that the medicines instilled through the nose get absorbed through the nasal mucosa and alleviate the disorders of the head and neck. Nasal instillation with oil/ghee possessing cleansing property clears the manovahasrotas (channels of the mind) and help in alleviating the symptoms. “Virechana” (therapeutic purgation) aids removal of morbid dosha (vitiated bodily humors) through rectal route thereby leading to a reduction in symptoms. The mode of action of Virechana in systemic disorders is validated in various studies but its mechanism of action in psychosis needs much more clarification through future clinical trials. The pharmacological properties of the drugs used for Virechana may also contribute to the efficacy of treatment.“Shirotalam” is another procedure where powder of herbal drugs is applied over the vertex if the patient has restlessness, insomnia, and aggressiveness. Powders of herbs like Amalaki (Phyllanthusemblica), Kushta (Suassurealappa) Karpoora (Cinnamomumcamphora) and Usheera (Vetiverazizinoides) etc. are used for Shirotalam in Schizophrenia. This treatment may have local and systemic effects. According to Ayurveda, shirotalam pacifies the vitiated pranavata, sadhaka pitta, tarpakakapha (different forms of bodily humors) and thereby reduces the symptoms The application of medicines on the head region has shown a calming-relaxing effect and improved stress response by enhancing circulation
