How is the study of Ayurveda different from Allopathy?

By Abhyuday Joshi

The existence of Ayurveda lies since the ancient era and since then it has shown extremely helpful benefits. On the other hand, Allopathic treatments have emerged as an intense system that is based on tests and evidence. There is always a profound discussion on proving either of the two but coming into a biased conclusion at the starting of the discussion isn’t a good practise unless you witness it yourself.

We all are aware of the terms Ayurveda and Allopathy. Both terms have created a major impact in the field of Medicine. We have always been in dilemma, what to opt for – Ayurvedic or Allopathic treatment. This can be quite a difficult task if one is unaware of the difference between Ayurveda and Allopathy. The existence of Ayurveda lies since the ancient era and since then it has shown extremely helpful benefits. On the other hand, Allopathic treatments have emerged as an intense system that is based on tests and evidence. There is always a profound discussion on proving either of the two but coming into a biased conclusion at the starting of the discussion isn’t a good practise unless you witness it yourself.

In this article, I will be discussing the difference between Ayurveda and Allopathy treatment based on their effects on the human body.

Ayurvedic Treatment

The term Ayurveda comprises of two Sanskrit words, ‘Aayu’ meaning ‘Life’ and ‘Veda’ meaning ‘Knowledge’ or ‘Science’. Ayurveda is a comprehensive scientific system of medicine that evolved in India which uses a range of treatments, including panchakarma (‘five actions’), yoga, massage, acupuncture, and herbal medicine, to encourage health and wellbeing. Various Ayurvedic practitioners believe that every person is made up of five elements i.e: space, air, fire, water, and earth. The combination of these elements within the human body leads to the formation of three life forces or energies, called doshas. The doshas control the functioning of our bodies. They are three doshas which are as follows:

• Vata dosha (space and air)
• Pitta dosha (fire and water)
• Kapha dosha (water and earth)

Each of the doshas controls different body function and it is observed that the number of health issues you develop and your chances of getting sick are directly linked with the balance of your doshas. Chikitsa is not only treating the disease, but it also keeps health in healthy conditions and treating the disease relating to physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Allopathic Treatment

The word ‘Allopathy’ was coined by Samuel Hahnemann in 1810 which comes from the Greek word “allos” - meaning “opposite” and “pathos” - meaning “to suffer”. Since then, allopathic medicines have developed in all forms and are quite different today than it was in the 1800s. Modern or mainstream medicine not only works to treat symptoms and illness but it also helps to prevent illness and disease. Pharmaceutical drugs play a major role in allopathy. It is developed either to mask the symptoms of the diseases directly or alter the way a body is meant to function. Drugs do not generally cure diseases, sometimes the side effects of the drug intake may affect the body adversely.

Modern medicine is the perfect tool in cases of serious illnesses. However, allopathic is a disease care system and its job is to manage the disease. Unlike homeopathic medicines, in which like treats like, allopathic drugs stimulate inactive organs or sedate overactive ones. Medications are provided to cause a weary pancreas to release more insulin and drugs to reduce high blood pressure.

Ayurvedic vs Allopathic

Since both the medicines have vast applications and have proven very prominent in the field of medicine, both of the kind have their advantages and drawbacks. An Ayurvedic treatment wouldn’t be of any help to you during medical emergencies such as uncontrollable diarrhoea, blood loss, cardiac arrest, jaundice, dengue, shortness of breath, asthma, etc. This is because in many serious cases only injections will provide you quick relief from the pain. These injections are pure chemical solutions which may have several side effects depending upon individual body response.

Ayurvedic treatment is well known because it points out the root cause of the issue and then aims to cures it entirely, without any side effects. Although, it could have contraindications to a very small extent depending upon individual body’s response towards a particular ingredient effect are mild, and therefore, risk can be taken.

Allopathy is also very helpful if you are seriously injured or recently had a major surgery which is indeed painful once the effect of anaesthesia wears off. Only pain relief injections and medicine help to reduce the pain, else there will be discomfort for many days. An ayurvedic practitioner also advises surgery if the problem is serious but after that, it is suggested to rely on ayurvedic treatment once it is treated, for long term benefits.

About the Author:

Abhyuday Joshi is a BAMS 3rd-year student at Patanjali Ayurvedic Medical College, Haridwar. He enjoys writing, singing and dancing in his free time.