Ayurveda - A glance

Abstract

Ayurveda has the distinction of being the “oldest medical system known to man and the oldest and most comprehensive spiritual teachings in the worldâ€Â. Ayurveda is based on the principle of maintaining a balance between the interrelated relationships within the body and mind. It helps the patient to understand the benefits of knowing their body and mind and to live in intimate relationship with nature. Ayurvedic literature has remedies for age-related diseases like memory loss, osteoporosis, diabetic wounds, etc. for which no efficient medicine is available in modern therapy. Even though Ayurveda has a sound literature background, ironically its share in the global medicinal market is very less (0.5%). In order to promote Ayurveda in the international market, ayurvedic drugs should be available in standardized form, which is the minimum requirement for introducing a product in the Western market. Ayurvedic formulations should be standardized on the basis of active principle or major compound(s) along with fingerprints. There as great scope for India to achieve global leadership of traditional medicinal market through export of quality products from Ayurvedic medicinal system. This article gives an overview of Indian traditional medicinal system-Ayurveda. It also highlights the principle of ayurvedic therapy, current status of Ayurveda, the challenges faced by Ayurveda in the modern world and the need of science based research to overcome its drawbacks. According to Caraka -"The Science of life shall never attain finality. Therefore humility and relentless industry should characterize your endeavor and your approach to knowledge. The entire world consists of teachers for the wise and enemies for the fools. Therefore, knowledge, conducive to health, longevity, fame and excellence, coming from even an unknown source, should be received, assimilated and utilized with earnestness".