What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is the science of living a long healthy life.
As far as it is known, it is in existence and developed continuously for at least 5000 years.
Hence, it has a very long history of success to stand the test of time.
A different approach than the one we are used to
Every human being is different with a unique constitution and circumstances.
Ayurveda recognises this fact and tries to make each individual aware of his/her specific constitution so that he/she would either not fall sick and if they do, they can quickly heal themselves. In short, it bolsters the defense and self-healing mechanisms of the body rather than using external interventions through surgery or synthetic drugs. And should the disease sets in, it identifies the real causes behind the culmination of the chain process which manifests as a symptom / group of symptoms called "disease".
Ayurveda tries to reduce dependence on external help, such as medicines or health supplements. Having said that, sometimes, external support may be needed. Here, Ayurveda proposes natural supplements. Being natural herbs, they dont have any side effect and can be used along an existing conventional treatment.
Ayurveda tailors a specific treatment for each individual rather than giving standard medicines.
A much more subtle understanding of life
Only recently, people are getting aware of the impact of mental health on one's physical health. However, the fact that the mind has a direct influence on the body, and conversely, the body has an impact on the mind, has been the foundation of Ayurveda. It is also way ahead of the current understanding of conventional sciences, as it considers that our lifestyle and diet profoundly impact both our bodies and minds.
Ayurveda is also aware of the subtle life energies of the food rather than only of the physical vitamin and mineral components in it. So, what we eat, when we eat, how we eat and when was the food cooked would have a different effect on the human body, even if on the physical level the food content looks the same.
There are many subtle causes and effects proclaimed in Ayurveda which modern science is discovering to be true as it advances.
Is it better than conventional medicine?
One should be careful while getting into comparison. Saying that one is better than the other, is like comparing two different modes of transport – airplane and train. Both have their own utility, technology, advantages and disadvantages, but the purpose of both is to take people from one place to another. Both are necessary.
Similarly, both Ayurveda and conventional allopathic medicine work towards the same objective. The real purpose of the medical sciences is to ensure good health for the mankind. However, both sciences are based on their own empirical evidence and have different knowledge base. That is why, their approach is different.
There are times where conventional medicine is more useful and there are others where Ayurveda would be more appropriate. Sometimes, both need to go side by side. It really depends on the specific case.
I hope that in the future, modern science can develop much finer tools so that it can discover the subtle links in the human body which Ayurveda has been aware for millenia.