Taking Ayurveda Global -Integrating Western Medicine and Ayurveda at the Molecular Level!
(The article is written with the help of ChatGPT -4 )
Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine that originated in ancient India. It is based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit. It focuses on maintaining balance in the body through diet, lifestyle changes, and herbal remedies. Ayurveda also includes practices such as yoga and meditation.
Western medicine, also known as conventional or allopathic medicine, is a system of medicine that is based on scientific knowledge and research practiced globally. It typically involves using diagnostic techniques ( lab tests, X-rays, etc., ) pharmaceutical drugs, and surgery to treat illness and disease. Though Western medicine is often seen as evidence-based medicine, it is focused on treating the symptoms of a disease rather than addressing its underlying causes.
In some ways, the human body can be considered a complex machine with many different molecular components. These components, such as proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, work together to perform various functions necessary for the body to survive and thrive. However, it is important to note that the human body is not a machine in the traditional sense but rather a complex system of interacting biological processes. The body is constantly changing and adapting to its environment, and it is not simply a collection of parts that can be replaced or repaired like a machine. Additionally, the mind, consciousness, and emotions are not just a byproduct of molecular interactions but an integral part of the human experience.
In Ayurveda, the mind and body are closely interconnected, and the state of one can have a significant impact on the other. The mind is believed to be made up of consciousness and emotions and is thought to be closely linked to the breath and the flow of energy in the body.
According to Ayurveda, the mind and body are regulated by three fundamental energies, known as doshas. These are vata (air and space), pitta (fire and water), and kapha (earth and water). Imbalances in these doshas can lead to physical and mental health issues.
Ayurveda believes that a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep, is essential for maintaining balance in the mind and body. Ayurvedic practices such as yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises are believed to help this balance by promoting the flow of energy and reducing stress. Ayurvedic treatments such as herbal remedies and massage are also used to help balance the doshas and improve overall health.
There is no set number of food items that humans must consume to maintain good health. But more than 4,000 edible plant foods have been collected so far by us and others. It is possible to consume hundreds of different food items easily for better health, as described in Ayurveda. The specific nutritional needs of an individual will depend on factors such as age, sex, activity level, and overall health.
The human body needs a variety of nutrients to function properly. Some of them can not be produced by the body and are called essential nutrients. There are six main categories of essential nutrients: macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) that are required in relatively large and small amounts, respectively, and water. The best way to ensure that you are getting all the essential nutrients your body needs is by consuming a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods from each of the major food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy. It is possible to consume hundreds of food items easily for better health, as described in Ayurveda. The specific requirements for each of these nutrients will vary depending on factors such as age, sex, and level of physical activity. It is also important to note that consuming various food items is essential not only for nutritional reasons but also for pleasure, cultural, and social reasons.
Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of consuming fresh, whole foods that are in season and that are grown locally, as the quality and quantity of food we consume can significantly impact our physical and mental well-being. These foods are believed to be more in tune with the body’s natural rhythms and more easily digestible. Additionally, Ayurveda places importance on the way food is consumed. It is believed that eating in a calm and relaxed environment, chewing the food well, and avoiding overeating can help with digestion and the assimilation of nutrients.
Ayurveda strongly emphasizes the use of spices and herbs in cooking, which are believed to help balance the doshas and improve overall health. Ayurveda recommends eating according to one’s body type and constitution, or dosha. It’s believed that certain foods and eating habits will be more beneficial for specific doshas than others. For example, heating and grounding foods, such as ginger and cinnamon, are beneficial for vata dosha, while cooling and light foods, such as cucumber and mint, are beneficial for pitta dosha.
Each food item contains hundreds of molecules beneficial for the human body, as seen in FOODB. The Human Metabolome database has collected 248,047 out of an estimated 1,000,000 molecules in the Human body.
In summary, Ayurveda has developed knowledge about food and its relation to health to a great extent over thousands of years, as recorded by Charaka and several other ancient sage scientists of India called Rishis.
