Ayurveda is being extensively used today to treat ailments from common cold to cancer. Of late, not only in India but abroad, Ayurveda has acquired great prominence. Prof (Dr) Tanuja Manoj Nesari, Director All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) spoke to Richa Kapoor of Organiser about the benefits of Ayurveda and the steps that are being taken to increase awareness among people not only in India but also abroad.
What is the success rate of Ayurveda in treating some of the critical diseases like cancer and tumour ? How effective Ayurveda would be if someone is diagnosed at a later stage of a particular disease?
The primary objective of Ayurveda is in the prevention of the disease and it is based on the principle of “Aturasya vyadhi parimoksha” which means the complete process of etiopathogenesis that is eradication of the disease from the root. This means it covers everything from illness to wellness to happiness.
As far as non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes mellitus are concerned, Ayurvedic treatment is very effective. However, when we specifically talk about chronic diseases, treatment was done on the basis of practice, while now it is evidence-based practice. Presently, we have an MoU with National Cancer Institute (NCI) as well as with National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research.
“National Medicinal Plants Board took the initiative of distributing certified saplings of medicinal plants to more than 75 lakhs of people of India”
When we talk about the success rate of Ayurveda while treating chronic diseases like cancer, then it cannot be measured in a standalone manner. Outcome of treatment of such diseases are better when we integrate Ayurvedic treatment with conventional treatment. For example in the primary prevention stage that is the pre-cancer stage, a proper diet is prescribed and guidelines are provided with regard to the lifestyle that needs to be followed and the rejuvenating measures also need to be adhered to. This helps in stopping the disease progression.
Ayurveda as an adjuvant plays a very significant role and it helps to reduce the hazards of chemotherapy and radiations. Post-surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, Ayurveda helps in the survivorship of the patient since the person is psychologically affected. Rejuvenating herbs are provided, lifestyle management is undertaken through Ayurveda because a cancer patient is emotionally and mentally shattered. Therefore, we prescribe yoga, meditation and this helps in improving the overall wellbeing of the patient.
If a person comes at the last stage of cancer or any other such disease, and the individual has undergone radiotherapy as well as the chemotherapy, then in such a case Ayurvedic intervention on the quality of life is important.
How do you ensure that there is penetration of information about Ayurveda in the rural area?
Under the Ayush National Mission, awareness is being created with the assistance of primary, periphery and health and wellness centres. Presently, there are 12,000 standalone health and wellness centres across India which are dedicated to the Ayush system. Through Asha we are able to cover every rural household and make the people aware about the advantages of Ayurveda.
Meanwhile, through Ayush Aapke Dwar, every household gets to know all about the lifestyle that needs to be followed to lead a good life. People are made aware about the scientific and authentic information about the day-to-day herbs that can be used with ease for common ailments. As the CEO of the National Medicinal Plants Board, we took the initiative of distributing certified saplings of medicinal plants to more than 75 lakhs of
people of India.
How did All India Institute of Ayurveda manage the situation during COVID-19?
Today, we are able to showcase the strength of Ayurvedic treatment through evidence based practices and this was exhibited at the time of outbreak of Covid-19. During this time all the systems were on the same platform and we were able to effectively combat the coronavirus and treat the COVID-19 patients through integrated treatment.
The effectiveness of Ayurveda was exhibited when the patient was diagnosed with Covid-19 and we used HRCT and CRP and accordingly treated him. AIIA was Covid-19 health centre and we provided integrated as well as holistic treatment. Patients were given the option to choose the mode of treatment. According to our data, 94 per cent of patients recovered through standalone holistic treatment and there was no mortality rate. This clearly indicates the success and strength of the Ayurveda.
The Ministry of Ayush conducted 200 studies and one of our case studies on public health and its 80,000 cohort study was published in Frontiers of Public Health which has an impact factor of 6.1.
As far as research is concerned, at AIIA, we have Post Graduate Research and Technology institute and we also have Translational Research Unit which means that whatever evidence we have in terms of treatment that has been done, we can successfully implement it in society.
How can one identify the ailment at an early stage to make the Ayurvedic treatment more effective?
In order to make the Ayurvedic treatment successful, the key is to create awareness about the strengths of the treatment and also early screening. Also, we need to follow a correct lifestyle as failure to do so adversely affects our metabolism. Ayurveda plays an important role in the treatment of non-communicable diseases. Lifestyle can be corrected through rejuvenation majors, yoga and meditation.
It is said that Ayurvedic treatment is done by not only using herbs but also other products. However, the real challenge in the present day is that even ghee, butter, milk, honey, minerals are not 100 per cent pure, then how will it be effective in treating a disease?
In our endeavour to ensure that we do not compromise on the quality, we have the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commision which looks into the standards that have to be maintained in terms of quality, purity, identity and safety. For each product there are standard marks. For example, for honey we have the AGMARK.
“Under the ‘Dhanvantari Rath’ initiative we have screened 50,000 police personnel and organised 500 medical camps”
Also, in order to create awareness about Ayurvedic treatment and other related stuff, “AYU SAMVAD”(My Health My Responsibility) has been launched and it is the largest public awareness campaign programme on Ayurveda. Under this programme, more than five lakh standard lectures are available and in these lectures people are informed about the quality, safety, kitchen pharmacy along with the standard template.
How does one prepare the necessary Ayurvedic medicines at home so as to cure the common ailments?
It is important to understand our kitchen well. For example, we should know the healing effect of turmeric which we use as spices everyday while cooking food. Therefore, if we understand our diet and nutrition then one will be able to know its positive impact. Ayurveda says, Aaharam iti Bhaishajyam wherein Ahara is described as one among the three Upasthambas (Sub-pillars) of the body and considered as Mahabhaishajya by Acharya Kashyapa. Ayurveda advocates consuming healthy Ahara and lays stress on avoiding unhealthy Viruddha Ahara.
What steps are being taken to make the people aware about the Ayush centres?
Apart from the tertiary care hospitals, Post Graduate Research Centres, the fourth arm for dissemination of information is the outreach programmes that are undertaken to create awareness and this is done by organising medical and support camps. One such initiative is the ‘Dhanvantari Rath’ which is a mobile van that goes to the police colonies everyday and creates awareness and also treat their ailments. We visit the periphery areas for the well-being of mother and child as well for the mental well-being of people at large. Till now we have screened 50,000 personnel and 500 medical camps have been organised.
The Ministry of Ayush has launched an initiative called “IEC” which means “Information, Education and Communication.” The objective is to disseminate information through online, offline means and making the people aware about the success stories as well as the best practices that have been undertaken.
What is your take about the acceptance of Ayurveda globally?
To promote holistic well-being that is mental, spiritual and physical, one needs to practise Ayurveda and yoga together. The Ministry of Ayush along with the ICCR has set up an Ayush Information Cell at all embassies and consulates. Collaboration is being done with international universities and organisations to undertake research and academic exchange. It is in this regard that 16 MoUs have been signed. All possible steps are being taken at every level to ensure that Ayurveda, which is the greatest gift to humanity, is made available to all the people.
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