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Line 106: − − ==Efficacy of Ayurveda in contemporary era== − − Ample evidence is found through researches on various topics of Ayurveda to show safety and efficacy. It can be seen in the vidhi vimarhsa section of each chapter of this [[Charak Samhita New Edition]]. − − Sharma H. et.al. has studied and analyzed over 130 research works to observe efficacy of Ayurveda in healthcare management. It is concluded that the Ayurveda therapies are time tested as a natural health care system and comprehensively treat the patient as a whole. Research over the last 100 years has shown encouraging results of various ailments, especially chronic disorders.<ref>Sharma H., Chandola H.M., Singh G., Basisht G. Utilization of Ayurveda in health care: an approach for prevention, health promotion, and treatment of disease. Part 2 – Ayurveda in primary health care. J Altern Complement Med. 2007;13(10):1135–1150.</ref> Line 132:
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Ayurveda literally means "Science of life" or "Knowledge of life" .<ref>Official document by World Health Organization on Benchmarks for training Ayurveda available from https://www.who.int/medicines/areas/traditional/BenchmarksforTraininginAyurveda.pdf accessed on 30/05/2020</ref> This life-care and healthcare system deals with good, bad, blissful and sorrowful life. It describes all wholesome and unwholesome for life, longevity, and about what Ayu (life) is in itself. [[Deerghanjiviteeya Adhyaya#Definition of Ayurveda|[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 1/41] ]] It is not merely a system of medicine, rather it is a way of life to increase lifespan by preventing or delaying the aging process. <ref>Sharma H., Chandola H.M., Singh G., Basisht G. Utilization of Ayurveda in health care: an approach for prevention, health promotion, and treatment of disease. Part 1 – Ayurveda in primary health care. J Altern Complement Med. 2007;13(9):1011–1019.</ref>
Ayurveda literally means "Science of life" <ref name="WHO benchmarks">Official document by World Health Organization on Benchmarks for training Ayurveda available from https://www.who.int/medicines/areas/traditional/BenchmarksforTraininginAyurveda.pdf accessed on 30/05/2020</ref> or "Knowledge of life". This life-care and healthcare system deals with good, bad, blissful and sorrowful life. It describes all wholesome and unwholesome for life, longevity, and about what Ayu (life) is in itself. [[Deerghanjiviteeya Adhyaya#Definition of Ayurveda|[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 1/41] ]] It is not merely a system of medicine, rather it is a way of life to increase lifespan by preventing or delaying the aging process. <ref>Sharma H., Chandola H.M., Singh G., Basisht G. Utilization of Ayurveda in health care: an approach for prevention, health promotion, and treatment of disease. Part 1 – Ayurveda in primary health care. J Altern Complement Med. 2007;13(9):1011–1019.</ref> Though Ayurveda finds its roots in India, it has also been internationalised, partly via migration and partly through an increased learning interest in the West, where studies point toward increased use.<ref>Niemi M, Ståhle G. The use of ayurvedic medicine in the context of health promotion--a mixed methods case study of an ayurvedic centre in Sweden. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2016;16:62. Published 2016 Feb 17. doi:10.1186/s12906-016-1042-z</ref>
{{Infobox
{{Infobox
==What is Ayurveda?==
==What is Ayurveda?==
The careful, critical and unbiased study of the classical Ayurveda texts show that by the time [[Samhita]]-granthas were compiled, the Science and Art of Ayurveda had already passed through the stage of specialization and, knowledge flowing from different specialized fields of medicine and allied sciences generalized, simplified and principles enunciated.<ref> Dwarakanath C. Preface to Introduction to Kayachikitsa. Chaukhambha Orientalia;1996.Third Edition;Varanasi.</ref> Thus, Ayurveda is referred to as Science and Art of life. The practice of Ayurveda as a form of medicine dates back to 3000 BC.
The careful, critical and unbiased study of the classical Ayurveda texts show that by the time compendiums ([[Samhita]]-granthas) were compiled, the Science and Art of Ayurveda had already passed through the stage of specialization and, knowledge flowing from different specialized fields of medicine and allied sciences generalized, simplified and principles enunciated.<ref> Dwarakanath C. Preface to Introduction to Kayachikitsa. Chaukhambha Orientalia;1996.Third Edition;Varanasi.</ref> Thus, Ayurveda is referred to as Science and Art of life. The practice of Ayurveda as a form of medicine dates back to 3000 BC.
==Source of Ayurveda==
==Source of Ayurveda==
There are four major ancient Indian compendiums of knowledge (veda) named Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda. Rigveda (2000 BC) is the oldest recorded document regarding use of plants as medicine in India, and this tradition continued in another ancient text, Atharvaveda (1500-1000 BC), which described more plants and introduced basic concepts.<ref>Official document by World Health Organization on Benchmarks for training Ayurveda available from https://www.who.int/medicines/areas/traditional/BenchmarksforTraininginAyurveda.pdf accessed on 30/05/2020</ref> Ayurveda physicians owe their loyalty to the Atharva Veda because this deals with the treatment of diseases by resorting to various practices like sacrifices, prayers, and chants, charity, moral discipline, the atonement of sins, austere practices like fasts, etc. These are advocated for treatment as well as for living a healthy, long life.
The Vedic medicine is developed in India during the period 2000-1000 B.C. and considered as one of the oldest systems of medicine in the world.<ref name="WHO benchmarks"/> There are four major ancient Indian compendiums of knowledge (veda) named Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda. Rigveda is the oldest recorded document regarding use of plants as medicine in India, and this tradition continued in another ancient text, Atharvaveda (1500-1000 BC), which described more plants and introduced basic concepts.<ref name="WHO benchmarks"/> Ayurveda physicians owe their loyalty to the Atharva Veda because this deals with the treatment of diseases by resorting to various practices like sacrifices, prayers, and chants, charity, moral discipline, the atonement of sins, austere practices like fasts, etc. These are advocated for treatment as well as for living a healthy, long life.
Thus,it is sourced as Upaveda from Atharva veda.[[Arthedashmahamooliya Adhyaya#Source of Ayurveda| [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 30/21] ]]
Thus,it is sourced as a section (upaveda) developed from Atharvaveda.[[Arthedashmahamooliya Adhyaya#Source of Ayurveda| [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 30/21] ]]
==What is Ayu?==
==What is Ayu?==
''Ayu'' (life) implies the conjunction of physical body, senses, mind and soul and is known by the synonym ''dhari'' (that which sustains), ''jivita'' (that which is live), ''nityaga'' (that which is in continuum), and ''anubandha'' (that which is interdependent, or a link between past life and the future life).[[Deerghanjiviteeya Adhyaya#Definition of Ayu (life) and its synonyms|[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 1/42]]]
''Ayu'' (life) implies the conjunction of physical body, senses, mind and soul. It is known by the synonyms ''dhari'' (that which sustains), ''jivita'' (that which is live), ''nityaga'' (that which is in continuum), and ''anubandha'' (that which is interdependent, or a link between past life and the future life).[[Deerghanjiviteeya Adhyaya#Definition of Ayu (life) and its synonyms|[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 1/42]]]
Thus ''Ayu'' means the ''anuvritti'' (continuity) of ''chetana'' (consciousness) i.e., ''chetananuvritti'', being alive (''jeevita''), bonding with the body (''anubandha'') and sustenance of life (''dhari'').[[Arthedashmahamooliya Adhyaya#The meaning of Ayu|[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 30/22] ]].
Thus life (Ayu) is continuity(''anuvritti'') of consciousness (''chetana''), liveliness (''jeevita''), bonding with the body (''anubandha'') and sustenance(''dhari'').[[Arthedashmahamooliya Adhyaya#The meaning of Ayu|[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 30/22] ]].
Life is not merely the existence of machine-like physical structure of body. The conscious interaction of soul, mind and sense organs makes it live. Therefore these are essential components of Ayurvedic biology of human beings.
Life is not merely the existence of machine-like physical structure of body. The conscious interaction of soul, mind and sense organs makes it live. Therefore these are essential components of Ayurvedic biology of human beings.
Thus, Ayurveda deals with good, bad, bliss and sorrow in life, and with (what is) wholesome and unwholesome for it, longevity, and about what Ayu (life) is in itself.[[Deerghanjiviteeya Adhyaya#Definition of Ayurveda|[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 1/41] ]]
Thus, Ayurveda deals with good, bad, bliss and sorrow in life, and with (what is) wholesome and unwholesome for it, longevity, and about what Ayu (life) is in itself.[[Deerghanjiviteeya Adhyaya#Definition of Ayurveda|[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 1/41] ]]
==Benefits of following Ayurveda-good life==
==Benefits of following Ayurveda for good life==
The following are characteristics of happy and healthy life. These are indeed benefits of following Ayurveda.
The following are characteristics of happy and healthy life. These are indeed benefits of following Ayurveda.
== Signs of decrease in lifespan ==
== Signs of decrease in lifespan ==
The decrease of lifespan is signaled by various abnormal changes in the sensory perception, objects of perception, mind, intellect, and movement. These signals help in predicting the remaining lifespan and death of an individual at a particular moment. ''Svabhava''(return to the natural state), ''uparama'' of ''pravritti'' (cessation of all activities), ''marana'' (death), ''anityata'' (temporary state) ''nirodha'' (restriction in the continuation of life)- all these are synonymous with death. In the absence of such signs and symptoms, the life span is to be determined as unlimited from the prognostic point of view. In Ayurveda, life span is determined by the characteristics of natural constitution.[[Arthedashmahamooliya Adhyaya#Signs of decreasing life span|[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 30/25] ]]
The decrease of lifespan is signaled by various abnormal changes in the sensory perception, objects of perception, mind, intellect, and movement. These signals help in predicting the remaining lifespan and death of an individual at a particular moment. Return to the natural state(''Svabhava''), cessation(''uparama'') of all activities (''pravritti''), death(''marana''), temporary state(''anityata''), restriction (''nirodha'') in the continuation of life are synonymous with death. In the absence of such signs and symptoms, the life span is to be determined as unlimited from the prognostic point of view. In Ayurveda, life span is determined by the characteristics of natural constitution.[[Arthedashmahamooliya Adhyaya#Signs of decreasing life span|[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 30/25] ]]
== Objective of Ayurveda ==
== Objective of Ayurveda ==
== Authenticity and eternal qualities of Ayurveda ==
== Authenticity and eternal qualities of Ayurveda ==
Ayurveda is eternal because of the following: It has no beginning; its characteristics are self-evident, and those of things dealt with it are eternal. It has been seen that Ayu (the combination of body, its organs, mind, and soul) and intelligence about Ayu (knowledge about Ayu) are perpetual. Hence Ayu and its knowledge (i.e. Ayurveda) have been eternal. The knower becomes eternal after knowing Ayurveda. Concepts such as happiness and suffering (i.e., health and illness), therapeutics and pathogens, etc. - their causes, signs, and perpetuation are all eternal. This is what is described in Ayurveda.[[Arthedashmahamooliya Adhyaya#Eternal qualities of Ayurveda|[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 30/27] ]] It is observed in clinical practice that the principles described in Ayurveda texts are universal, time tested and stand true on scientific validation tests. For example Samanya Vishesha siddhanta is applicable universally with immense importance.<ref> Pandey Deep Narayan , Pandey Neha Prakash. Universal significance of the principle of Samanya and Vishesha beyond Ayurveda.Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine.2018;9(4),308-311. available online from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0975947617305727 </ref>
Ayurveda is eternal because of the following: It has no beginning; its characteristics are self-evident, and those of things dealt with it are eternal. It has been seen that Ayu (the combination of body, its organs, mind, and soul) and intelligence about Ayu (knowledge about Ayu) are perpetual. Hence Ayu and its knowledge (i.e. Ayurveda) have been eternal. The knower becomes eternal after knowing Ayurveda. Concepts such as happiness and suffering (i.e., health and illness), therapeutics and pathogens, etc. - their causes, signs, and perpetuation are all eternal. This is what is described in Ayurveda.[[Arthedashmahamooliya Adhyaya#Eternal qualities of Ayurveda|[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 30/27] ]] It is observed in clinical practice that the principles described in Ayurveda texts are universal, time tested and stand true on scientific validation tests. For example, the theory of similar and dis-similar (Samanya Vishesha siddhanta) is applicable universally with immense importance.<ref> Pandey Deep Narayan , Pandey Neha Prakash. Universal significance of the principle of Samanya and Vishesha beyond Ayurveda.Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine.2018;9(4),308-311. available online from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0975947617305727 </ref>
== Healthcare system of Ayurveda ==
== Healthcare system of Ayurveda ==
== Education ==
== Education ==
At present, Ayurveda is taught as an under-graduate medical course governed by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Council_of_Indian_Medicine| Central Council of Indian Medicine] under [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_AYUSH| Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India]. There are 339 colleges to conduct Bachelor of Ayurveda Medicine and Surgery (B.A.M.S.) course in India. Various National and International Institutes conduct post graduation courses and Ph.D. programs for super-specialization in fourteen departments of Ayurveda. Some of the important institutes are enlisted below :
At present, Ayurveda is taught as an under-graduate medical course governed by [https://www.ccimindia.org/| Central Council of Indian Medicine] under [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_AYUSH| Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India]. There are 339 colleges to conduct Bachelor of Ayurveda Medicine and Surgery (B.A.M.S.) course in India. Various international institutes conduct post graduation courses for specialization and Ph.D. programs for research in fourteen departments of Ayurveda. Some of the renowned institutes are enlisted below :
#[http://www.ayurveduniversity.edu.in/| Institute for Post Graduate Teaching and Research in Ayurveda], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gujarat_Ayurved_University| Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar,India]
#[http://www.ayurveduniversity.edu.in/| Institute for Post Graduate Teaching and Research in Ayurveda], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gujarat_Ayurved_University| Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar,India]
The list of institutes that conduct above courses can be found [https://www.ccimindia.org/colleges-ayurveda2016-17.php| here].
The list of institutes that conduct above courses can be found [https://www.ccimindia.org/colleges-ayurveda2016-17.php| here].
==Publications==
==Publications==
Ayurveda as a healthcare system can restore the innate intelligence of the body and awareness for healing. Ayurvedic therapies can affect both the genetic and phenotypic expression of life. It can be appreciated through the science of epigenetics. The epigenetic factors in life affect the phenotype in a positive or negative way, and indirectly affect the genetic expression in a positive or negative way, which can be transmitted to the progeny. Ayurveda covers both aspects of life – genetic and phenotypic – and is a comprehensive, holistic, and personalized system of health care.<ref>Sharma H. Ayurveda: Science of life, genetics, and epigenetics. AYU [serial online] 2016 [cited 2019 Jun 3];37:87-91. Available from: http://www.ayujournal.org/text.asp?2016/37/2/87/217789</ref>
Ayurveda as a healthcare system can restore the innate intelligence of the body and awareness for healing. Ayurvedic therapies can affect both the genetic and phenotypic expression of life. It can be appreciated through the science of epigenetics. The epigenetic factors in life affect the phenotype in a positive or negative way, and indirectly affect the genetic expression in a positive or negative way, which can be transmitted to the progeny. Ayurveda covers both aspects of life – genetic and phenotypic – and is a comprehensive, holistic, and personalized system of health care.<ref>Sharma H. Ayurveda: Science of life, genetics, and epigenetics. AYU [serial online] 2016 [cited 2019 Jun 3];37:87-91. Available from: http://www.ayujournal.org/text.asp?2016/37/2/87/217789</ref>
==Efficacy of Ayurveda in contemporary healthcare systems==
Ample evidence is found through researches on various topics of Ayurveda to show safety and efficacy. It can be seen in the vidhi vimarhsa section of each chapter of this [[Charak Samhita New Edition]].
Sharma H. et.al. has studied and analyzed over 130 research works to observe efficacy of Ayurveda in healthcare management. It is concluded that the Ayurveda therapies are time tested as a natural health care system and comprehensively treat the patient as a whole. Research over the last 100 years has shown encouraging results of various ailments, especially chronic disorders.<ref>Sharma H., Chandola H.M., Singh G., Basisht G. Utilization of Ayurveda in health care: an approach for prevention, health promotion, and treatment of disease. Part 2 – Ayurveda in primary health care. J Altern Complement Med. 2007;13(10):1135–1150.</ref>
A 6 month controlled clinical trial compared two Ayurvedic formulations of plant extracts against the natural product glucosamine sulfate and the drug celecoxib in 440 people with knee osteoarthritis. In this study , Ayurvedic formulations (combination of Tinospora cordifolia, Zingiber officinale, Emblica officinalis, Boswellia serrata) significantly reduced knee pain and improved knee function. The results were equivalent to glucosamine and celecoxib.<ref>Chopra A, Saluja M, Tillu G, et al. Ayurvedic medicine offers a good alternative to glucosamine and celecoxib in the treatment of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, controlled equivalence drug trial. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2013;52(8):1408-1417. doi:10.1093/rheumatology/kes414</ref>In another double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study on 40 patients of rheumatoid arthritis, the efficacy of Ayurveda, Methotrexate, and their combination was compared. All three treatments were observed equally effective. Adverse events were lower in Ayurveda treated group.<ref>Furst DE, Venkatraman MM, McGann M, et al. Double-blind, randomized, controlled, pilot study comparing classic ayurvedic medicine, methotrexate, and their combination in rheumatoid arthritis [published correction appears in J Clin Rheumatol. 2011 Oct;27(7):407]. J Clin Rheumatol. 2011;17(4):185-192. doi:10.1097/RHU.0b013e31821c0310</ref>
The ayurvedic interventions are found effective in management of hepatic diseases.<ref>Rastogi S, Srivastav P S. Ayurveda in critical care: Illustrating Ayurvedic intervention in a case of hepatic encephalopathy. AYU [serial online] 2011 [cited 2020 Sep 19];32:345-8. Available from: http://www.ayujournal.org/text.asp?2011/32/3/345/93911</ref>,<ref>Rastogi S, Rastogi R. Ayurvedic intervention in metastatic liver disease. J Altern Complement Med. 2012;18(7):719-722. doi:10.1089/acm.2011.0351</ref>
The ayurveda formulations are observed effective to reduce the adverse effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. <ref>Vyas P, Thakar AB, Baghel MS, Sisodia A, Deole Y. Efficacy of Rasayana Avaleha as adjuvant to radiotherapy and chemotherapy in reducing adverse effects. AYU 2010;31:417-23. </ref>,<ref>Das D, Agarwal S K, Chandola H M. Protective effect of Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) against side effects of radiation/chemotherapy in head and neck malignancies. AYU [serial online] 2011 [cited 2020 Sep 19];32:196-9. Available from: http://www.ayujournal.org/text.asp?2011/32/2/196/92579</ref>,<ref>Nafiujjaman M, Nurunnabi M, Saha SK, Jahan R, Lee Yk, Rahmatullah M. Anticancer activity of Arkeshwara Rasa - A herbo-metallic preparation. AYU [serial online] 2015 [cited 2020 Sep 19];36:346-50. Available from: http://www.ayujournal.org/text.asp?2015/36/3/346/182757</ref>
The classical Ayurveda formulations like Brahmi ghee<ref>Deole YS,Chandola HM. A Clinical Study on Effect of Brahmi Ghrita on Depression.AYU 2009;29:207-14</ref>,rasayana ghana tablets<ref>Deole YS, Chavan SS, Ashok B K, Ravishankar B, Thakar A B, Chandola H M. Evaluation of anti-depressant and anxiolytic activity of Rasayana Ghana Tablet (A compound Ayurvedic formulation) in albino mice. AYU [serial online] 2011 [cited 2020 Sep 19];32:375-9. Available from: http://www.ayujournal.org/text.asp?2011/32/3/375/93918</ref>