Debunking the 10 Most Common Myths About Ayurveda

One of the oldest traditional systems of medicine, Ayurveda emphasizes healthy lifestyles, preventive measures, and treatments to improve an individual’s health, and offers deep insight into the mind-body connection. However, due to a lack of translational knowledge, Ayurveda is shrouded in various myths.

Renowned cardiac surgeon, Ayurvedic researcher, and data scientist, Dr. Ravishankar Polisetty, is changing that. As the pioneer of Poly Scientific Ayurveda (PSA), which blends the wisdom of ancient healing systems with modern technology, he believes that rigorous research and clinical studies will not only help dispel misinformation, but also give Ayurveda more credibility.

He addresses some common misconceptions about Ayurveda.

Reality: The holistic and individualized nature of Ayurveda may seem vague and unscientific to those accustomed to the standardized approach of modern medicine. However, Ayurveda is deeply rooted in a systematic and scientific approach. Historically, its knowledge was transmitted orally and later through scriptures. Only those with expertise in translation can accurately interpret its principles. With the integration of AI and machine learning, newly emerging fields like Poly Scientific Ayurveda can provide scientific evidence for the efficacy and reliability of Ayurvedic treatments.

Reality: Ayurveda prioritizes long-term health over symptom management by addressing dosha imbalances and supporting the body’s natural ability to heal itself. It also offers individualized treatments for quick relief that are tailored specifically to an individual’s constitution and dosha. For chronic and lifestyle-related illnesses, Ayurveda often offers a more sustainable and holistic treatment compared to conventional medicine.

Truth: Ayurvedic practices aim to balance the doshas (vata, pitta, kapha) in all 7 systems and 42 organs of the human body. To achieve this, Ayurveda offers a wide range of practices including diet, lifestyle adjustments, detoxification (panchakarma), yoga and meditation. Herbs are just one aspect of this holistic approach to health that aims to harmonize the body, mind and spirit.

Truth: False. Like any medical treatment, Ayurvedic remedies can have side effects if not used properly. Hence, it is important to consult only qualified Ayurvedic practitioners who can provide personalized treatment after thoroughly understanding your personal constitution and health condition.

Reality: Ayurveda, with its holistic approach to addressing the root causes of disease and promoting overall health, is more relevant today than ever before. For example, a recent study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) reported that more than one in ten Indians suffer from diabetes, 35 percent have high blood pressure, and 28 percent have high cholesterol. Ayurveda’s holistic approach is well suited to managing these modern lifestyle disorders.

Fact: Ayurvedic diagnostic methods such as Nadi Pariksha (pulse diagnosis) are highly sophisticated and provide a comprehensive picture of a person’s health. We have developed state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment that further enhances diagnostic accuracy by integrating cutting-edge digital technologies such as AI and similar technological tools.

Reality: Ayurveda works for a wide range of health issues, from minor ailments to chronic and complex diseases. Its emphasis on prevention makes it a powerful system for maintaining and restoring health at every stage of life. For example, Poly Scientific Ayurveda also addresses a range of end-stage diseases, including those targeting the heart, kidneys and liver. It also addresses autoimmune diseases, intractable diabetes, asthma, allergies and skin disorders. Treatments are effective for patients diagnosed with only 6-18 months to live.

Reality: Ayurveda originated in India almost 3,000 years ago, but it is a universal science that benefits people of all cultures and backgrounds. Its fundamental principles of health and holistic care are applicable worldwide. Currently, global health systems are very keen to incorporate Ayurveda, especially its technologically advanced poly-scientific tools, into their health initiatives to improve the quality of care. This is exemplified by the growing popularity of PSAs in the EU, where most countries have adopted these innovative approaches to elderly care. It has also helped to significantly reduce spending on palliative care.

Reality: The only myth here is that non-standardized products say “Ayurvedic” on the label. Actual Ayurvedic medicines are highly scientific in their ingredients, extraction, use and storage and undergo rigorous regulatory and quality control measures. Reputable Ayurvedic manufacturers now adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and research initiatives such as PSA are exploring ways to increase standardization.
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Reality: Ayurveda and modern medicine can complement each other beautifully. An integrative approach that blends Ayurveda with Allopathy helps leverage the best of both sciences. Ayurveda can address the underlying cause, while modern medicine excels in acute care and advanced diagnostics. PSA is a great example of this synergy and shows how both systems can work together to improve patient outcomes.

(Author: Dr. Ravishankar Polisetti, Pioneer of Polyscientific Ayurveda)