Introduction
Ayurvedic medicine has been evolved in India more than 3000 years ago and even nowadays, it is widely used in this country. Even though conventional western medicine becomes more and more popular, Ayurveda is used by half a billion Indians. In India, many specialized medical centers practice this health care system.
“The term Ayurveda combines the Sanskrit word ayur (life) and veda (science or knowledge)” (Get the Facts. Ayurvedic Medicine: An Introduction, 2005, p.2). In such a way, this term may be translated as a science of life. Sometimes it is also interpreted as the knowledge of long life (Reid, 2005).
Different opinions concerning Ayurvedic medicine
Like any other form of complementary medicine, Ayurveda has its supporters and opponents. The attitude towards Ayuverdic medicine is rather controversial. It is criticized a lot for a non-scientific approach and extensive use of astrology, religion, and cultic ceremonies in treatment. Moreover, many skeptics argue that pharmaceutical compositions used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine have the potential to be toxic (Get the Facts. Ayurvedic Medicine: An Introduction, 2005, p.2). Even though all these components are natural, it is believed that many of them are lead-containing.
To study all benefits and disadvantages of Ayurvedic medicine, veteran reporter T.R. Reid decides to conduct a journalistic investigation. For this purpose, he makes a journey to India to the famous clinic the Arya Vaidya Pharmacy. In his investigation, he acts as a journalist and a patient simultaneously. The problem is that Reid has a serious shoulder joint injury. Having consulted with his treating physician, Reid has been proposed the high-tech solution- “a whole new shoulder made from titanium and Teflon” (Reid, 2005).
Apart from the complexity of this procedure, it has many potential adverse effects on health. Reid decides to find an alternative solution resorting to Ayurveda.
From the first days of his staying in the clinic, Reid is very doubtful concerning any effects of such kind of treatment. He does not understand the meaning of religious ceremonies, astrological predictions, and different regimens of massages used by Ayurvedic medicine. Nevertheless, at the final stage of his treatment, he admits that his shoulder functions much better.
In the given movie, all aspects of Ayurveda are represented through the eyes of a person who relies on conventional medicine. Simultaneously with his treatment, Reid conducts the investigation consulting with numerous specialists in this sphere, speaking with patients and pharmacologists. In such a way, he reveals the basic approaches of Ayurveda.
Three substances
According to Ayurvedic medicine, “all living things are controlled by three vital forces “vata, pitta, and kapha” (Reid, 2005). All illnesses are caused by an imbalance of these forces that are called dosha. “The fundamental aim of ayurvedic therapy is to restore the balance between these three major body systems” (Garodia, Ichikawa, Malani, Sethi, & Aggarwal, 2003, p.2).
Pharmacology
In ayurvedic medicine, special attention is given to pharmacology. All ingredients of pharmaceutical drugs are natural. Disciples of Ayurveda do not believe in the use of any substance, which is not naturally found. The knowledge concerning the healing properties of various virtuous herbs is passed on from generation to generation.
Placebo effect
While consulting with various specialists, Reid emphasizes the meaning of the so-called placebo effect, which is one of the key aspects of ayurvedic medicine. “Ayurveda believes that healing has to be initiated from the psyche, the mind of the patient” (Reid, 2005).In other words, a patient is forced to believe that the treatment will be successful.
Conclusion
Before watching this movie, I had a biased opinion concerning Ayurvedic medicine. I perceived it as a kind of quackery. Nevertheless, numerous examples provided by Reid have shown that this approach has its benefits and it works. Apart from the healing properties of various procedures and medicines, it is based on “the fundamental underlying truth, which is a respect for something far greater in our lives than science” (Reid, 2005).
Reference List
Garodia, P., Ichikawa, H., Malani, N., Sethi, G., & Aggarwal, B. (2003). “From Ancient Medicine to Modern Medicine: Ayurvedic Concepts of Health and Their Role in Inflammation and Cancer.” Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology, 5(1), 1-16. Web.
Get the Facts. Ayurvedic Medicine: An Introduction. (2005). Web.
Reid, T. (Executive Producer). (2010). Second Opinion with T.R. Reid: Inside Ayurvedic Medicine. Online video clip. Palferman Film Group. Web.