Dear Jayamohan,
I saw the announcement about the introductory Ayurveda classes. In today’s context, are Ayurveda classes something that can be considered comparable to modern medicine? According to Ayurveda, can we truly understand our bodies correctly? When subjects such as anatomy, neurology, and microbiology found in modern science are absent in Ayurveda, in what way is it useful?
M.R. Ravi
Dear Ravi,
Modern medicine views the human body as an integrated structure, a mechanism, and develops medicines accordingly. It is highly useful and also very advanced.
However, in the Indian context, Ayurveda is a body of knowledge rooted in the life we live here. It helps us understand our relationship with the natural environment here and our connection with the food we eat here.
What we learn through Ayurveda is not the human body as described by modern anatomy or modern neurology. It is not an understanding gained by analyzing the human body. Rather, it is a body-centered understanding that our ancestors developed over a long period through lived experience. In other words, it is an understanding of the body gained through food and lifestyle. It is our body as understood through its relationship with nature. That understanding is absent in allopathy.
If we fall ill, I believe that, in today’s circumstances, allopathic medicine is the best treatment. However, to understand the relationship between our body and nature, to bring aspects such as food and sleep under our control, and to cultivate a harmonious way of life, I believe an Ayurvedic understanding is extremely important.
I have found it beneficial, and that is why I recommend it. It is not being presented as a cure for all diseases. It is recommended here only in relation to lifestyle improvement.
In addition, for those who practice yoga and meditation, it is an essential foundational education.
Jeyamohan
