Ayurveda versus Allopathic Medicine.
Even though Ayurveda is a very structured system of medicine, it is not recognised as such in most countries in the Western world. Instead, modern medicine, also known as allopathic medicine, is the dominant form of medical treatment in the world, and there are historical reasons for that. The emergence of modern science and allopathic medicine is closely linked with the history of colonialism and the suppression of other forms of knowledge, such as Ayurveda, in many parts of the world. This relationship has contributed to the marginalisation of non-Western knowledge systems and the domination of Western scientific paradigms.
Colonialism played a significant role in shaping modern science and allopathic medicine. During the colonial era, European powers spread their influence and control over large parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, and the Americas. In doing so, they imposed their knowledge systems, scientific methods, and medical practices on the colonised peoples. This often led to the denigration and marginalisation of indigenous knowledge systems, such as Ayurveda (Fleck, 1981).
The dominance of Western scientific paradigms in the modern era has perpetuated the marginalisation of non-Western knowledge systems. Science is often viewed as a universal and objective way of understanding the world, but in practice, it is often shaped by cultural, political, and economic factors. Western scientific paradigms have tended to prioritise reductionism, experimentation, and standardisation over other ways of knowing, such as intuition, observation, and holistic thinking. This has created a bias against non-Western knowledge systems, which often prioritise holistic thinking and emphasise the interconnectedness of all things (Chopra & Doiphode, 2016).
The marginalisation of non-Western knowledge systems has had negative consequences for many communities around the world. For example, Ayurveda, a traditional Indian medical system, has been marginalised in favour of allopathic medicine. This has led to a lack of access to adequate healthcare for many people, particularly those in rural areas. Furthermore, the suppression of non-Western knowledge systems has contributed to the loss of cultural heritage and the erosion of traditional ways of life (Harikrishnan & Satyapal, 2020).
It is essential to highlight that there is no doubt that Allopathic Medicine has brought many vital advancements to the world. However, while effective in treating acute illnesses and injuries, allopathic medicine has many limitations. It fails to treat chronic diseases effectively, for example, because it fails to address its root cause.
Modern medicine often relies heavily on pharmaceutical drugs to treat disease, which can lead to drug dependency and addiction. This is particularly true in cases where drugs are used to manage chronic pain or mental health disorders, for example (Hawk, 2019). Additionally, pharmaceutical drugs can have significant side effects and risks, and overreliance on them has led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which is another major public health concern.
Another issue in allopathic medicine is its lack of focus on the prevention of diseases. It primarily focused on treating symptoms rather than the underlying causes of disease or identifying unhealthy dietary and lifestyle habits. This approach can effectively manage acute illnesses but often fails to address the root cause of chronic illnesses. Additionally, the overuse of medication and surgery may not promote long-term health and can lead to additional health problems (Smith, 2018).
There is a growing need for a new form of medical system that can address the current system's shortcomings. Ayurveda emphasises the importance of preventing diseases by guiding patients in a personalised way to their overall balance. It also recognises the interconnectedness of the environment and health, encouraging individuals to live in harmony with nature to prevent illness (Chaudhary & Shukla, 2020). In contrast, allopathic medicine focuses on treating symptoms without considering their unique needs. Ayurveda takes a more holistic approach to treatment, considering the individual's Prakruti and Vikruti and their current life circumstances. This personalised approach can improve patient outcomes and reduce the need for more invasive treatments.