AYURVEDA VS. ALLOPATHY: WHICH ONE IS BETTER-SUITED FOR YOU?

Ayurveda is an age-old traditional Hindu method of therapy. It adopts a holistic approach and uses natural ingredients to treat diseases arising out of imbalances in the body. On the other hand, allopathy is a system that emphasizes on diagnosis and treatment of disease using well-researched evidence-based medicines and medical procedures. For a long time, there has been a persistent conflict between ayurvedic and allopathic medicines. Ayurveda has recently gained much popularity owing to its natural methods of treatment. This article will look at the differences and benefits of Allopathy and Ayurveda and help you decide on the treatment method most suited for you.

What is the difference between Ayurveda and allopathy?

Ayurveda is a centuries-old science that uses naturally occurring ingredients to treat diseases. Ayurvedic remedies are made using natural ingredients sourced from a wide range of plants that effectively treat several illnesses.

Ayurveda is a holistic healing technique, that believes in removing the disease from the root. The therapy methods used are generally non-invasive and do not include synthetic chemicals.

On the other hand, Allopathy employs a systematic, comprehensive, and scientific approach to addressing and controlling health issues. It relies upon diagnosing a medical condition based on scientifically well-established medical tests and procedures and treating the symptoms with approved medications.

To comprehend the differences and determine the best treatment depending on one's medical condition, here is a comparison of Ayurvedic and Allopathic systems of medicine.

Diagnosis:

Ayurveda: 

Diagnosis of the disease condition is crucial in Ayurveda. Ayurveda relies on the psychosomatic integration of an individual to gain a state of good health. According to Ayurveda, the three doshas of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha make up the basic constitution of an individual. An imbalance in any of these manifests in the form of diseases. Physical examination of the patient considers several aspects, such as body consumption, physique, tissue quality, diet intake capacity, exercise capacity, mental strength, and age. The dosha levels and their imbalances, family history, patient symptoms, and diagnostic tests are considered to provide an accurate and thorough diagnosis of the disease and the root cause of the condition.

Allopathy: 

In allopathy, diagnosis involves an examination of symptoms and the medical history of the patient. Various screening and diagnostic tests and procedures are employed to effectively diagnose the disease based on evidence and decide on the mode of treatment.

Treatment mode and benefits

Ayurveda's benefits include its healing procedures founded on natural treatments. Natural herbs, secretions, and plants used in Ayurvedic medicine have few side effects when administered by an Ayurvedic practitioner. It offers panchakarma, a physical method of detoxifying the entire body. Other herbal remedies, massages, relaxation techniques, and yoga asanas are prescribed to prevent and treat physical and mental health conditions, even chronic ones, such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, and cancer. Treatment is aimed at eliminating the disease from the root through diet, lifestyle, medication, and exercise and thus it requires time.

On the other hand, allopathy uses standardised laboratory tests for diagnosis; it employs well-researched, FDA-approved medications, technologically advanced medical procedures, and scientifically validated therapies to treat patients. Treatment is aimed at quick and efficient relief of symptoms and their long-term maintenance. Emergency and trauma care often require these advanced procedures to save the life of a patient. Separately, antibiotics and other medications, vaccines, and tests are provided by allopathic physicians as prophylactic measures. They advise patients on injuries, health issues, and illnesses, as well as educate them on preventive care practices such as nutrition, and exercise.

Adverse effects:

Both Ayurveda and Allopathic medicines have their own set of benefits, depending upon the disease condition. Ayurvedic medicines derived from plants are generally safe with few or no side effects. However, some preparations contain metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic, which may cause toxicity. Therefore, one must consult a physician before administering them to avoid any kind of adverse effects. In contrast, allopathic medicines are associated with general side effects in some individuals that usually subside with regular use. Adverse events are reported but are few. In cases of certain allopathic medications, such as those used in cancer, side effects may be many, but they are still administered because the advantages of the medication outweigh the risks associated with the medical condition.

Why should you use allopathy?

Allopathic medicine has numerous advantages, such as:

• Physicians have access to cutting-edge technologies for diagnosing and treating acute and life-threatening illnesses and injuries.

• Allopathic practitioners are highly qualified physicians who treat diseases and injuries as well as perform assessments to improve their patient's quality of life.

• Patients get access to the most effective healing treatments available.

• All allopathic nurses and doctors are licensed, guaranteeing that patients are legally protected and receive only the best care.

• Research and development receive significant funding. Every day, new therapies and medications are developed.

In every community, there are medical facilities. There is always a place a patient can go for medical assistance.

Why should you use Ayurveda?

Ayurveda medicines have numerous advantages, such as:

• A balanced diet, lifestyle changes, and an exercise regime that is given along with medications aid in the loss of extra body fat and improved overall health. Food restrictions prescribed by Ayurveda often lead to better management and prognosis of the disease.

• Ayurvedic skin and hair remedies are organic and natural methods to get healthy skin and scalp.

• Ayurveda emphasises achieving a balance in both physical and mental health. This is based on the premise that all diseases have a deep connection with the mind; thus, mental wellness is key to physical well-being.

• Ayurveda may be used as a complementary treatment alongside conventional allopathic treatment. Dietary restriction, exercises, and relaxation techniques prescribed in Ayurveda may lead to a reduction in allopathic medication dosage and better management of the disease.

Important takeaways

• Ayurveda and Allopathy differ in how medications are made, treatments are administered, and how both sciences approach health.

• Ayurveda and Allopathy each have their own set of advantages. The dispute over whether Ayurveda is superior to Allopathy might last for a long time, although considerations such as diagnosis, methodology, side effects, and treatment emphasis can help to narrow the gap. It is important to note here that both methods may be used hand in hand to reap the maximum benefits of each.