History and Growth of Ayurvedic Pharmocology

“The term Ayurveda is used today as a generic term for traditional Indian medicine. By combining organoleptic (sense based) empirical medicine with religious ritual perspectives, Ayurveda is a complete medical system. It deals with health in all aspects; physical health, mental balance, spiritual well-being, social welfare, environmental considerations, dietary and lifestyle habits, daily living trends, and seasonal variations in lifestyle, as well as treating and managing specific diseases. Ayurveda teaches respect for nature, appreciation of life and the means to empower the individual. It is holistic medicine at its best. (Ayurvedic Medicine, Sebastian Pole, Chapter 1, Pg 5)

Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as we know it has been practiced for more than a few thousand of years. They have both evolved to a new dimension and through experience, wisdom and practice acquired throughout the years, these two systems of natural healing have expanded throughout the world. In China, TCM has undergone phenomenal development in the 21st century through theory and practice. Therefore, many view TCM as an equal to western medicine. There are now numerous TCM universities in China which have combined the basic foundations of modern science and the ancient holistic nature of TCM to create a new system of learning and healing. Similarly in India, the Indian Government created the Indian Medical Council Act which aims to standardize qualifications for Ayurveda. There are now accredited institutions which are solely involved in research and study of Ayurveda. These Universities now also offer Bachelor up to Doctorate degrees which cover anatomy with cadaver dissections, physiology, pharmacology, modern clinical medicine and surgery together with subjects like Charaka Samhita and Dravyaguna (usage of herbs).
As the world is returning to its ancient roots of natural healing, Ayurveda as well as TCM have garnered enough positive attention to be considered if not as an equal to modern medicine, they are being hailed as a complementary aid to modern science. The 21st century is a time for opportunities and challenges for both Ayurveda and TCM. Ayurveda as we can clearly see has grown out of a dynamic tradition that has survived and thrived in the face of much intervention, influence and change. From being held as solely divine knowledge Ayurveda and its research is now being intertwined with modern science. It can hence be regarded as a complete healing system dealing with health in all aspects; physical health, mental balance, spiritual well-being, social welfare, environmental considerations, dietary and lifestyle habits, daily living trends, and seasonal variations in lifestyle, as well as treating and managing specific diseases.
Ayurveda has stood the test of time. With its worldwide revival, and also facing many challenges from legislations of other countries and socio-cultural factors, Ayurveda, together with other natural healing systems, will undoubtedly be in the limelight for centuries to come.

Rita Lal