1 Ayurveda is a comprehensive system of natural health care that originated in the ancient Vedic times of India. Its primary emphasis is on prevention of disease and maintenance of health. It also provides treatment for disease. Ayurveda translates as the ‘Science of Life,’ and it addresses all aspects of life, including consciousness/mind, physiology, behaviour, and environment (Sharma and Clark, 2012). 2 Concepts of Evidence in Ayurveda
The original knowledge base of Ayurveda is evidence based. Ayurveda is not merely a collection of traditional experiences. Ayurveda expects logic and proof of causality in every therapeutic decision. The chance effect is not accepted in Ayurveda. Ayurveda describes evidence in context of *Pramana*, in four main categories. The term *Pramana* literally means “right perception” and “means of acquiring knowledge” [69]. The first category is known as *Pratyaksha*, or evidence generated from actual and direct observations. This is very similar to experimental evidence. This evidence is based on measurable parameters, which could be based on direct feelings, or understanding through the five senses. Measurements using any instrument are also included in this category. Essentially, what is measured using instruments ultimately has to be read and understood by our senses. In a way, instruments are extensions of our senses. The Western philosophy of scientific positivism only considers this category as evidence. 3 The second category of evidence is known as *Anumana*. This involves analyzing the observed and measured data, with the help of logic and causality. The third category is *Apta*, which comes from experiential wisdom, and the unbiased opinions of experts. According to Ayurveda, *Apta* are the authorities who are distinguished, enlightened, and absolutely free of bias and ignorance, and who have state-of-the-art knowledge pertaining to the past, present, and future. *Apta* is not necessarily applicable to any one individual, rather, it is a continuum of knowledge traditions. Ayurveda gives maximum evidence weightage to *Apta*. 4 The fourth category is *Yukti*, which is a tactical analysis. *Yukti* actually considers multiple variables, confounding factors, and systematic reviews of available knowledge. The sum and substance of these categories is used as evidence for any decision making. Obviously, this process may involve subjectivity and qualitative variables. However, any outcome is expected to be judged in the context of causation and association. Ayurveda emphasizes a critical assessment of cause and effect through reproducible and unbiased evidence. It expects a consistent, reproducible association in every causality analysis. The reliability and validity of evidence is considered as proof of its theories. Any reliable association with proof of causation assessed in multiple trials by various observers is considered as theory. 5 Ayurveda has evolved through documentation of observations from nature: the results of experiments designed to test assumptions and documented clinical experiences. Ayurveda, in its true spirit, is open to questions and critique. The knowledge of Ayurveda is not restricted to the particular person, or a book. Any demonstrated conclusion of an argument is termed as *Siddhanta*, which requires sound proof through multiple, critical scrutiny before it is widely accepted. The *Siddhanta* term covers the following concepts related to evidence: • Unbiased enquiry by impartial authorities • Testable hypothesis • Multiple and reproducible tests • Consistent observations established by causality • Overcoming counterfactual evidence • Any statement requiring proof 6 Ayurvedic sage Charaka discusses the definition of management in the context of logic, and proof of efficacy. He terms any management “effects following certain logic and rules,” rather than chance or haphazard phenomenon. He further condemns any practice that does not follow this approach as “quackery,” and castigates the doctor who spreads diseases rather than providing health. The expectations in EBM match the qualities of a good doctor detailed in the *Samhita*, and there is no conceptual divide. Sushruta states that evidence endorsed by unbiased authorities, and which is perceived in direct observation, can be practiced as a truth, and treated as a sacred *mantra*. Yoga describes a new paradigm for evidence in terms of self-realization; in Sanskrit self-realization is *Aatmanubhooti*. In addition to any external evidence, Yoga suggests “self-experiencing” as the highest level of evidence. It suggests eight steps to gradually move toward self-realization. In simple terms, before convincing others, the concerned individual should be convinced about the value of the knowledge; this conviction can be considered as evidence. For example, any doctor should prescribe only such drugs and procedures which he or she will be willing to accept as a safe and appropriate treatment. This requires a high level of professional competency and ethics. Therefore, self-experiencing is an acid test <https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/acid-tests>, which should be considered as the highest level of evidence. 7 Ayurveda has its own EBM. The key challenge is to strengthen its evidence base further to produce *Vaidya* scientists in the professional community who are Ayurvedic physicians (*Vaidya*) as well as well-versed with modern science. This is similar to physician–scientists who simultaneously undertake scientific research and clinical practice. Admittedly, the arguments for and against EBM and Ayurveda are based on Western biomedical standards. This includes systematic drug discovery, development with the help of RCTs, and statistical analysis to show that the prescribed drug prevails over a placebo. However, it is important to recognize that Ayurveda has a holistic approach based on thousands of years of experience. It is an integrated system that considers body, mind, and spirit. Ayurvedic therapeutics are not restricted to the mere use of drugs. While herbal drugs <https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/herbaceous-agent> are used, lifestyle modification remains the bedrock of Ayurvedic therapeutics. Lifestyle modification prescribed by Ayurveda is not just diet and exercise, but encompasses the entire process of personality—including mental attitude and personal philosophy. This is how Ayurveda approaches diseases, and attempts to treat the root cause—by introducing change in the environment within a *milieu intérieur*, as described by Claude Bernard. This approach goes beyond eliminating or decreasing symptoms with drugs. In fact, RCTs for Ayurveda could be considered an oxymoron, and experts are questioning the validity of these models to holistic systems like Ayurveda . This has to be kept in mind when we talk about EBM for Ayurveda. There are no existing models to follow, and this is a great challenge for holistic systems. 8 The treatment is either preventive or current treatment will take some time, unlike the allopathy; on the contrary, allopathy hides the symptoms to get repeated; Ayurvedham kills the source and the current diseases. KR IRS 14922 On Wed, 14 Sept 2022 at 07:05, Rangarajan T.N.C. <[email protected]> wrote: > > > The more you let Ayurveda & Yoga.... become the Basis for your living, the > easier living gets.🙏🏼🪷🌟✨ > > *Here are Some Ancient Indian Health Tips*. > - *Quotes in Sanskrit* > > 🚩1. *Ajeerne Bhojanam Visham* > > If previously taken Lunch is not digested, taking Dinner will be > equivalent to taking Poison. Hunger is one signal that the previous food is > digested > > 🚩2. *Ardharogahari Nidhraa* > > Proper Sleep cures half of your Diseases > > 🚩3. *Mudhgadhaali Gadhavyaali* > > Of all the Pulses, Green grams are the best. It boosts Immunity. Other > Pulses all have one or the other side effects. > > 🚩4. *Bagnaasthi Sandhaanakaro Rasonaha* > > Garlic even joins broken Bones. > > 🚩5. *Athi Sarvathra Varjayeth* > > Anything consumed in Excess, just because it tastes good, is not good for > Health. Be moderate. > > 🚩6. *Naasthimoolam Anoushadham* > > There is No Vegetable that has no medicinal benefit to the body. > > 🚩7. *Na Vaidhyaha Prabhuraayushaha* > > No Doctor is Lord of our Longevity. Doctors have limitations. > > 🚩8. *Chinthaa Vyaadhi Prakaashaya* > > Worry aggravates ill health. > > 🚩9. *Vyayaamascha Sanaihi Sanaihi* > > Do any Exercise slowly. Speedy exercise is not good. > > 🚩10. *Ajavath charvanam Kuryaath* > > Chew your Food like a Goat. Never Swallow food in a hurry. Saliva aids > first in digestion. > > 🚩11. *Snaanam Naama Manahprasaadhanakaram Dhuswapna Vidhwasanam* > > Bath removes Depression. It drives away Bad Dreams. > > 🚩12. *Na Snaanam Aachareth Bhukthvaa* > > Never take Bath immediately after taking Food Digestion is affected. > > 🚩13. *Naasthi Meghasamam Thoyam* > > No water matches Rainwater in purity. > > 🚩14. *Ajeerne Bheshajam Vaari* > > Indigestion can be addressed by taking plain water. > > 🚩15. *Sarvathra Noothanam Sastham Sevakaanne Puraathanam* > > Always prefer things that are Fresh. > > Old Rice and Old Servant need to be replaced with new. (Here what it > actually means in respect of Servant is: Change his Duties and not > terminate.) > > 🚩16. *Nithyam Sarvaa Rasaabhyaasaha* > > Take complete Food that has all tastes viz: Salt, Sweet, Bitter, Sour, > Astringent and Pungent). > > 🚩17. *Jataram Poorayedhardham Annahi* > > Fill your Stomach half with Solids, a quarter with Water and rest leave it > empty. > > 🚩18. *Bhukthvopa Visathasthandraa* > > Never sit idle after taking Food. Walk for at least half an hour. > > 🚩19. *Kshuth Saadhuthaam Janayathi* > > Hunger increases the taste of food. In other words, eat only when hungry. > > 🚩20. *Chinthaa Jaraanaam Manushyaanaam* > > Worrying speeds up ageing. > > 🚩21. *Satham Vihaaya Bhokthavyam* > > When it is time for food, keep even 100 jobs aside. > > 🚩22. *Sarvaa Dharmeshu Madhyamaam* > > Choose always the middle path. Avoid going for extremes in anything. > > This is Ayurveda a simple way of living a healthy life > > *Breathe in calmness, Breathe out stress and anxiety.* > > > 🙏🙏🙏 > > > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/CAL5XZorLWhOr-6OppvhOX5kBsVQT6qV7tPUK6SNZAGmePY1W1w%40mail.gmail.com.
