The Contribution of Ayurveda to Environmental Health

Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine that originated in India over three millennia ago. It offers extensive insights about food and health based on certain unique concepts and principles. One of the key aspects of Ayurveda is its holistic view of health, which is defined as a state of equilibrium with one’s self (Svasthya) but which is also inextricably linked to the environment.

In this blog, we will explore how Ayurveda can contribute to environmental health by understanding the relationship between the microcosm and the macrocosm, the role of food and herbs in maintaining balance, and the need for trans-disciplinary research and innovation at Ayurvedic colleges in Uttar Pradesh and elsewhere in India.

BAMS Course: An Introduction to Ayurveda

BAMS stands for Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery, which is a five-and-a-half-year undergraduate degree course that covers the theoretical and practical aspects of Ayurveda. The course is divided into three phases:

• Pre-clinical,
• Clinical, and

The pre-clinical phase covers the basic sciences such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and social and preventive medicine; the clinical phase covers the eight branches of Ayurveda: internal medicine, surgery, paediatrics, gynaecology and obstetrics, ophthalmology and ENT, psychiatry, toxicology, and rejuvenation. Finally, the internship phase involves working in various departments of an Ayurvedic hospital in Ghaziabad or elsewhere under the supervision of experienced doctors.

The BAMS course aims to impart the knowledge and skills required to practice Ayurveda as a holistic system of medicine that can address the physical, mental, social, and spiritual aspects of health. Ayurvedic colleges in Uttar Pradesh also expose students to contemporary challenges and opportunities in the field of health care, such as environmental issues, lifestyle disorders, chronic diseases, and integrative medicine.

For more information regarding this course at the best Ayurvedic colleges in UP or other parts of the country, refer to the table below.

The Relationship Between the Microcosm and the Macrocosm

One of the fundamental principles of Ayurveda is that the human body (microcosm) is a reflection of the universe (macrocosm). The human body is composed of five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and ether. These elements are also present in nature and influence the seasons, climates, regions, and time. The body also has three humours or doshas: vata (air and ether), pitta (fire and water), and kapha (earth and water). These doshas govern the physiological functions, psychological traits, and predisposition to diseases of each individual at Ayurvedic colleges in Uttar Pradesh and elsewhere.

According to Ayurveda, health is maintained when there is harmony between the elements and doshas in the body and in the environment. Any disturbance or imbalance in either of them can lead to disease or disorder. For example, excess or deficiency of any element or dosha can cause physical or mental symptoms such as dryness, inflammation, congestion, anxiety, depression, etc. Similarly, changes in the environment such as air pollution, water contamination, soil degradation, or climate change can affect the quality of food and herbs, the availability of natural resources, and the occurrence of epidemics.

The Role of Food and Herbs in Maintaining Balance

Ayurveda considers food as medicine and medicine as food. Food is not only a source of nourishment but also a means of prevention and cure. Ayurvedic colleges in Uttar Pradesh and elsewhere classify food into three types based on their qualities or gunas: sattvic (pure), rajasic (stimulating), and tamasic (dull). Sattvic food is wholesome, fresh, natural, and conducive to health and happiness. Rajasic food is spicy, sour, bitter, salty, or pungent and causes excitement, agitation, or irritation. Tamasic food is stale, rotten, spoiled, or overcooked and causes dullness, laziness, or ignorance.

Private BAMS colleges in Uttar Pradesh and elsewhere recommend choosing food according to one’s constitution (Prakriti), condition (Vikriti), season (Ritu), region (Desha), and time (Kala), according to the principles of Ayurveda. By doing so, one can balance the elements and doshas in the body and be in tune with the environment. For example, one should eat:

• light, dry, and warm food in winter to counteract the cold, moist, and heavy qualities of Kapha
• cooling, sweet, and bitter food in summer to pacify the heat, acidity, and inflammation of Pitta
• nourishing, moist, and oily food in autumn to replenish the dryness, weakness, and anxiety of Vata.

Ayurveda also prescribes various herbs for different purposes such as cleansing, rejuvenating, strengthening, or healing at Ayurvedic colleges in Uttar Pradesh or elsewhere.

Herbs are classified into different categories based on their taste (Rasa), potency (Virya), post-digestive effect (Vipaka), and specific action (Prabhava). Some of the common herbs used in Ayurveda are turmeric, ginger, amla, ashwagandha, tulsi, neem, brahmi, etc. These herbs have multiple benefits for the body and mind such as improving digestion, immunity, metabolism, memory, mood, etc. They also help to prevent or treat various diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, asthma, skin problems, etc., at BAMS colleges in Ghaziabad or elsewhere.

The Need for Trans-Disciplinary Research and Innovation

Ayurveda has a rich and diverse knowledge base that can provide innovative solutions to contemporary healthcare challenges. However, there is a need for more research and innovation at Ayurvedic colleges in Uttar Pradesh and elsewhere to validate, update, and disseminate this knowledge to a wider audience.

Trans-disciplinary research is an approach that integrates different disciplines and perspectives to address complex problems and generate new knowledge. This can help to bridge the gap between Ayurveda and biomedicine, as well as between traditional and modern sciences.

Some of the areas where trans-disciplinary research can be useful are:

• Exploring the molecular mechanisms and biological pathways of Ayurvedic concepts such as Doshas, Gunas, Prakriti, etc.
• Developing standardized methods and tools for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment based on Ayurvedic principles and practices.
• Evaluating the safety, efficacy, quality, and cost-effectiveness of Ayurvedic interventions such as food, herbs, therapies, etc.
• Studying the impact of environmental factors on health and disease from an Ayurvedic perspective.
• Developing innovative products and services based on Ayurvedic knowledge and technology.

Conclusion

Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine that can contribute to environmental health by offering a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between the human body and the natural world. By following the principles and practices of Ayurveda, one can achieve a state of balance and harmony with oneself and with the environment. You also have the potential to provide innovative solutions to contemporary healthcare challenges by engaging in trans-disciplinary research and innovation at Ayurvedic colleges in Uttar Pradesh or elsewhere. Ayurveda is not only a science but also a way of life that can promote health and well-being for all.

FAQs

1. What are some of the subjects taught in a BAMS course?

Some of the subjects taught in a BAMS course are Agadtantra, Shalakya Tantra, Kayachikitsa, Sanskrit, Rasashastra, Rachana Sharir, etc.

2. Why does Ayurveda focus so much on the environment?

Ayurveda focuses so much on the environment because one of its core principles is that the human body is a reflection of the universe. The body is composed of five elements In the form of three doshas: vata (air and ether), pitta (fire and water), and kapha (earth and water) which govern the physiological functions, psychological traits, and predisposition to diseases of each individual.

3. Which entrance exam does DJ Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital accept for admission to its BAMS course?

DJ Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital accepts NEET scores for admission to its BAMS course.

4. Are there any other eligibility criteria for admission to the BAMS course DJ Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital?

Yes, there are other eligibility criteria for admission to the BAMS course DJ Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital. These include the inclusion of Sanskrit as a mandatory subject in the candidate’s qualifying examination and the provision that the candidate has to be 17 years or above at the time of admission.