Health

Features of Indian Medicine: Ayurveda vs. Conventional Medicine

India boasts a rich history of medical practices, encompassing two main systems – Ayurveda and conventional medicine, also known as Modern Western Medicine. Both systems have their unique philosophies, methodologies, and treatment approaches.

Comparable to traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda represents a life science rooted in experiential knowledge. It underscores the significance of individualized healthcare and a comprehensive approach to well-being.

This guide delves into the features of Ayurveda and conventional medicine, comparing their advantages and disadvantages, and exploring how they coexist in India’s healthcare landscape.

What Is Conventional Medicine (or Modern Western Medicine)?

Conventional (allopathic) medicine, or modern Western medicine, refers to the mainstream medical practices prevalent in many parts of the world. This system is primarily based on scientific research, evidence-based treatments, and the use of pharmaceutical drugs, surgical interventions, and radiation therapies to manage diseases and ailments. It relies on conducting clinical examinations and screenings to verify a diagnosis, prioritizing a person’s symptoms and signs before initiating treatment.

Modern Western medicine emphasizes specialization, and healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, and specialists play crucial roles in diagnosis and treatment. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandates the approval process for drugs, during which the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CEDR) meticulously assesses all drug testing data [1].

Allopathic physicians have the authority to prescribe meds that necessitate a prescription. Consequently, they strive to adhere to current literature guidelines and may request multiple diagnostic tests to determine the most appropriate treatment approach. FDA-approved meds have undergone years of rigorous development and testing through extensive clinical trials to ascertain their efficacy and safety.

What Is Ayurveda (or Indian Traditional Medicine)?

Ayurveda, which translates to ‘the science of life,’ is one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems, both preventive and curative, that’s widely practiced in parts of Asia. Originating in India over 3,000 years ago, Ayurveda is one of the ways of traditional Indian medicine & focuses on maintaining balance and harmony between the body, mind, and spirit.

Ayurveda works on the basis that the mind & body influence each other, & together can overcome disease. It categorizes individuals into three doshas – Kapha (water and earth), Pitta (fire), and Vata (space and air) – and seeks to identify and correct imbalances in these elements to promote overall well-being.

Kapha governs and oversees all constructive functions within our body. Pitta is in charge of all biochemical processes in the human body and manages the efficient force of digestion.

Vata is accountable for motion and sensory functions, serving as the driving force for communication. Ayurvedic treatments often involve a combination of herbal medicines, dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, yoga, and meditation.

Today it remains a favored form of health care in large parts of the Eastern globe, particularly in India, where a large percentage of the people use this system exclusively or mixed with modern medicine [2].

Ayurveda and Conventional Medicine: Friend or Foe?

While Ayurveda and conventional medicine have distinct approaches to healthcare, they need not be seen as adversaries. Indeed, there is an increasing trend toward integrating both systems to provide more comprehensive and personalized care to patients. Ayurveda’s focus on prevention and natural remedies can complement the disease-centric approach of modern medicine.

Integrative medicine centers and collaborations between Ayurvedic practitioners and conventional healthcare professionals are becoming more prevalent, offering patients the best of both worlds.

Rather than being antagonistic, the different approaches of Ayurveda and conventional medicine can complement each other. Ayurveda’s emphasis on prevention, lifestyle modifications, and natural remedies aligns well with the concept of primary healthcare.

Ayurvedic practices like yoga and meditation can be beneficial in managing stress and promoting overall well-being, which can be integrated into conventional health-promotion programs.

Conventional medicine, with its advanced diagnostic tools and treatments, is highly effective in managing acute and life-threatening conditions.

In emergencies, such as severe infections, injuries, or surgical interventions, modern medicine undoubtedly plays a crucial role. Ayurveda, however, may offer support during the recovery phase or help manage any potential side effects of conventional treatments.

The concept of Integrative Medicine has gained traction in recent years, emphasizing the combination of Ayurveda and conventional medicine to deliver patient-centered care.

Integrative Medicine centers and healthcare facilities have emerged, where Ayurvedic practitioners collaborate with allopathic doctors to develop personalized treatment plans for patients. The collaboration between Ayurveda and conventional medicine allows for a more holistic and comprehensive approach.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Ayurveda

Ayurveda has several strengths. Its holistic approach addresses not only the physical symptoms but also the emotional and spiritual aspects of health. It emphasizes disease prevention through lifestyle and dietary recommendations, promoting long-term well-being.

Ayurveda recognizes that each individual is unique, with different body constitutions and susceptibilities. This personalized approach leads to tailored treatments that consider a person’s specific needs, lifestyle, and medical history.

Such individualized care can be highly effective, especially in chronic and lifestyle-related conditions. Ayurveda medicine offers a range of benefits in promoting health and treating various common and chronic diseases.

It can aid in promoting longevity, preventing aging, and addressing ailments like the common cold, ulcers, cough, fever, gastric issues, gastrointestinal problems, and more.

Ayurvedic compounds have also shown efficacy in treating conditions like urinary tract infections, liver diseases, asthma, arthritis, and eye diseases. Additionally, Ayurvedic medicine has demonstrated positive effects in managing chronic conditions like cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory diseases, cancer, and kidney diseases.

Furthermore, Ayurvedic drugs are effective in dealing with emergencies such as severe diarrhea, poisoning, typhoid fever, vomiting, delirium, burns, threatened abortion, and miscarriage [3].

Additionally, Ayurvedic treatments usually have minimal side effects, as they predominantly use natural substances, such as herbs, minerals, and plant-based preparations. Ayurvedic Treatment, solely relying on herbal medicines, offers a safe and natural approach suitable for people of all age groups.

The remedies used in Ayurveda are entirely devoid of chemical compositions, making it a healthy option for treatment. Unlike modern medicine-based treatments, Ayurveda ensures protection against harmful or reactive chemicals.

This makes it an affordable and accessible option for everyone, regardless of their age. Additionally, Ayurvedic treatment does not involve any surgical procedures, thus reducing potential risks and complications for patients.

However, some of the challenges of Ayurveda lie in its reliance on subjective diagnostic methods and a lack of rigorous scientific validation for some remedies. Ayurvedic treatments often take time to show results, especially in chronic conditions.

The lack of proper regulation and standardization in Ayurvedic practices can be a concern. Also, the precise dosages of Ayurvedic remain uncertain & require specialized knowledge.

Besides, Ayurveda isn’t well-suited for emergency medical care or acute life-threatening conditions, where immediate intervention is necessary. In such cases, modern medical treatments and interventions are essential for saving lives.

Benefits and Disadvantages of Modern Medicine

Modern medicine has made significant advancements in medical treatments and technologies. From sophisticated imaging techniques like MRI and CT scans to minimally invasive surgeries, these innovations have revolutionized healthcare and improved patient outcomes.

The development of pharmaceutical drugs has been a cornerstone of modern medicine. These meds have proven to be highly effective in managing and treating various diseases, leading to significant improvements in the quality of life for patients.

For instance, modafinil is known for its remarkable success in treating various health conditions, including sleep disorders, and healthy individuals using it as a cognitive augmenter.

If you are seeking pharmaceutical treatments like modafinil, India has become a prominent supplier. It’s essential to highlight that modafinil should only be used under the guidance and prescription of a qualified physician.

If prescribed, you can find reliable sources to buy modafinil from India. However, it’s crucial to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of the supplier to ensure product quality and safety.

If you want to buy modafinil from India, comprehend that Indian companies produce generic drugs at lower costs, have a large production capacity, maintain quality standards, and offer a diverse range of meds. India’s intellectual property laws allow for generic drug production, and global regulatory approvals enhance credibility.

Further, the establishment of well-equipped emergency rooms and trauma centers, coupled with highly trained medical professionals, has saved countless lives in critical situations.

Through vaccinations and antibiotics, modern medicine has been successful in controlling and eradicating many infectious diseases, significantly reducing mortality rates and preventing widespread outbreaks. The field of pain management has progressed significantly, providing relief to patients suffering from chronic pain conditions.

Innovative techniques, such as nerve blocks and epidural injections, offer respite from pain and enhance patients’ quality of life. Organ transplantation has become a life-saving procedure, giving hope to patients with end-stage organ failure.

Advances in surgical techniques and immunosuppressive drugs have improved the success rates of transplant procedures. The understanding of cancer biology and the development of targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and precision medicine have revolutionized cancer treatment. These advancements have increased survival rates and reduced the side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy.

However, it also has disadvantages. While pharmaceutical drugs can be effective, they often come with potential side effects. These side effects can range from mild discomfort to severe reactions, leading to complications and the need for additional medical attention.

Modern medicine sometimes focuses on managing symptoms rather than addressing the underlying root causes of diseases. This approach may lead to temporary relief but not necessarily long-term solutions.

Advanced medical treatments and technologies can be expensive, making healthcare unaffordable for many individuals. This issue is particularly concerning in countries without universal healthcare coverage.

Besides, the overuse and misuse of antibiotics have led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing a significant global health threat. Antibiotic resistance makes it challenging to treat common infections effectively.

In some cases, modern medicine may not place enough emphasis on lifestyle changes and preventive measures. Addressing factors such as diet, exercise, and stress management could play a more substantial role in disease prevention and management.

Despite the advancements in medical care, medical errors, and misdiagnoses still occur, leading to adverse patient outcomes. Improving patient safety remains an ongoing challenge in modern healthcare.

The reliance on pharmaceutical drugs can create dependency issues for some patients, leading to a cycle of ongoing medication use that may not address the root cause of their condition.

How Conventional Medicine and Ayurveda Combine in India?

In India, a country with a diverse healthcare landscape, both Ayurveda and Conventional Medicine coexist harmoniously. Patients often seek Ayurvedic treatments for chronic illnesses or to complement their conventional treatments.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in India increasingly offer integrative medicine services, where Ayurveda and Modern Medicine work together under one roof. This integration allows patients to benefit from the strengths of both systems and receive personalized care according to their needs and preferences.

In many cases, patients opt for Ayurvedic treatments alongside their conventional medical treatments. Some mainstream hospitals in India have integrated Ayurveda into their healthcare services. This integration is particularly prevalent in government hospitals and research institutions.

Ayurvedic clinics within these hospitals provide specialized care for patients seeking alternative treatments or looking for additional support alongside their conventional medical treatments.

The collaboration between modern medical professionals and Ayurvedic practitioners ensures a holistic and patient-centric approach. Ayurveda is often sought after for chronic conditions, lifestyle-related disorders, and conditions where conventional medicine may have limitations.

For example, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy may use Ayurvedic therapies to manage side effects and improve overall well-being. Ayurvedic treatments like Panchakarma (detoxification) and herbal remedies are believed to enhance the body’s ability to cope with illness and improve quality of life.

Institutions in India now offer educational programs that combine Ayurvedic principles with modern medical knowledge [4]. This encourages cross-disciplinary learning and helps bridge the gap between the two systems. The Indian government has been proactive in promoting Ayurveda and integrating it into the mainstream healthcare system.

The Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) was established to oversee and promote traditional systems of medicine, including Ayurveda. Government initiatives include setting up Ayurveda wings in hospitals, supporting Ayurvedic research, and integrating Ayurveda into national health programs.

Across India, there has been a surge in the establishment of wellness centers that offer holistic healthcare services. These centers often incorporate elements of both Conventional Medicine and Ayurveda, along with other traditional healing practices like Yoga and Meditation.

They cater to individuals seeking preventive care, stress management, and overall well-being, providing a range of treatments and therapies to address physical, mental, and emotional health.

In Closing: Modernizing Ayurveda Is the Future of Indian Medicine

As India progresses into the future, modernizing Ayurveda becomes crucial to keep pace with the changing healthcare needs of its population. By combining the strengths of Ayurveda’s holistic approach with the scientific advancements of conventional medicine, the country can achieve a more comprehensive and patient-centric healthcare system.

This will enable individuals to access personalized treatments that address their unique health concerns effectively, promoting a healthier and happier society. Both Ayurveda and conventional medicine have their benefits and disadvantages, and the integration of both systems can lead to a more balanced and robust healthcare approach.

As we move forward, respecting the traditional wisdom of Ayurveda while embracing the advancements of modern medicine will be pivotal in shaping the future of healthcare.

References

What to know about allopathic medicine. By Lauren Martin. Published: October 14, 2021. Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson. Medicalnewstoday.com.
Ayurveda. Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. Last Updated: Jun 23, 2023. Retrieved: July 20, 2023. Britannica.com.
Traditional medicine in India. By Yu Shi, Chao Zhang, and Xiaodong Li. Published: November 2021. Sciencedirect.com.
Ayurveda education in India: Addressing the human resource barriers to optimize the delivery. By Sanjeev Rastogi. Published: May 27, 2020. Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

Health

Report Causes Pfizer Stock to Climb Approximately $1 Billion Acquired by Starboard

(VOR News) – According to a rumor that activist investor Pfizer Starboard Value has taken a holding in the struggling pharmaceutical business that is expected to be worth around one billion dollars, the stock of Pfizer (PFE) is on the increase in premarket trading on Monday.

This comes after the report was made public. The report was made available to the general public following this. Starboard Value was successful in moving forward with the acquisition of the position.

Starboard is said to have approached Ian Read, a former chief executive officer of Pfizer, and Frank D’Amelio, a former chief financial officer, in order to seek assistance with its goals of boosting the performance of the company, according to the Wall Street Journal. Read and D’Amelio are both former Pfizer executives.

The purpose of this is to facilitate the accomplishment of its objectives, which include enhancing the overall performance of the firm.

In their previous jobs, D’Amelio and Read were chief financial officers.

It is stated in the report that the hedge fund is of the opinion that Pfizer, which is currently being managed by Albert Bourla, who succeeded Read as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in 2019, does not demonstrate the same level of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) discipline that Read did. Bourla took over for Read in 2019. Read was succeeded by Bourla in the year 2019.

Pfizer, a multinational pharmaceutical conglomerate, has made substantial investments in the acquisition of more companies that are involved in the research and development of cancer medicines.

These businesses have been acquired for billions of dollars. The biotechnology company Seagen, which was acquired by Pfizer in the previous year for a price of $43 billion, is included in this category. One of the businesses that can be classified as belonging to this category is Seagen.

In spite of the fact that the S&P 500 Index experienced a 21% increase in 2024.

No major trading occurred in Pfizer stock that year.

Due to the fact that the demand for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccines fell after the firm reached its pandemic peak in 2021, the share price of the corporation has decreased by over fifty percent since that time.

This drop has occurred ever since the company’s shares reached their maximum peak, which was during the time that this decline occurred. Not only have they not changed at all, but they have also remained essentially stable. This is in contrast to the S&P 500, which has gained 21% since the beginning of this year.

Recently, the corporation was forced to take a hit when it decided to recall all of the sickle cell illness medications that it had distributed all over the world.

Fears that the prescription could lead patients to experience severe agony and possibly even death were the impetus for the decision to recall the product. In spite of the fact that Pfizer’s stock is increasing by almost three percent as a result of the news that followed the company’s decision, this is the circumstance that has come about.

SOURCE: IPN

Health

New Study Reveals Drinking Soda Pop Increases the Risk of Stroke

If you drink too much soda, fruit juice and coffee, beware!

A recent report from global research indicates that excessive consumption of coffee or soda pop is associated with an increased risk of stroke, although the intake of black and green tea is correlated with a reduced risk. Excessive consumption of soda pop or coffee warrants caution!

Recent research indicates that it may substantially elevate the risk of stroke.

Consuming four cups of coffee daily elevates the risk of stroke, according to studies, although ingesting 3-4 cups of black or green tea daily typically offers protection against stroke. Additionally, consume more coffee; it may reduce your risk of mortality.

Recent findings from global research studies co-led by the University of Galway and McMaster University, alongside an international consortium of stroke researchers, indicate that soda, encompassing both sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened variants such as diet or zero sugar, is associated with a 22 percent heightened risk of stroke. The risk escalated significantly with the consumption of two or more of these beverages daily.

Stroke Risk Fizzy Drinks and Soda Pop

The correlation between fizzy drinks consumption and stroke risk was most pronounced in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South America. Women exhibit the most elevated risk of stroke from bleeding (intracranial hemorrhage) associated with fruit juice beverages. Consuming over 7 cups of water daily diminishes the likelihood of stroke due to a clot.

Researchers observed that numerous items advertised as fruit juice are derived from concentrates and have added sugars and preservatives, potentially negating the advantages often associated with fresh fruit and instead elevating stroke risk.

Fruit juice beverages were associated with a 37 percent heightened risk of stroke resulting from bleeding (intracranial hemorrhage). Consuming two of these beverages daily increases the risk thrice.

Consuming over four cups of coffee daily elevates the risk of stroke by 37 percent, although lower consumption levels do not correlate with stroke risk. Conversely, tea consumption was associated with an 18-20 percent reduction in stroke risk. Additionally, consuming 3-4 cups daily of black tea, such as Breakfast and Earl Grey varieties, excluding green and herbal teas, was associated with a 29 percent reduced risk of stroke.

Consuming 3-4 cups of green tea daily was associated with a 27 percent reduction in stroke risk. Notably, the addition of milk may diminish or inhibit the advantageous effects of antioxidants present in tea. The lower risk of stroke associated with tea consumption was negated for individuals who added milk.

Disclaimer: This article is intended solely for informational reasons and should not be considered a replacement for professional medical counsel. Consistently consult your physician regarding any inquiries pertaining to a medical problem.

Starbucks Faces Sales Decline Amid Price Fatigue and Rising Competition

Starbucks Faces Sales Decline Amid Price Fatigue and Rising Competition

Health

Following a Diagnosis of Breast Cancer, What Else Should You Know?

(VOR News) – Even though breast cancer affects one in eight American women, receiving a diagnosis can make a woman feel isolated.

Experts in breast cancer from the American College of Physicians (ACS) advise patients on how to manage their disease so that they may better cope with this awful information.

First, the kind and stage of breast cancer dictates the course of your care.

In addition to immunotherapy and chemotherapy, there are various surgical options available for the treatment of breast cancer.

Women of African descent are disproportionately affected by triple-negative breast cancer, an extremely aggressive form of the disease that has never proven easy to treat.

According to the American Cancer Society, pembrolizumab (Keytruda), an immunotherapy, has been shown to be helpful when combined with chemotherapy and is currently the recommended course of treatment for certain combinations of triple-negative breast cancer.

In her presentation, Dr. Katharine Yao said, “It’s really important that the patient and physician discuss the patient’s preferences and values when deciding what type of treatment to pursue and that they have an honest, individualized discussion with their care team.”

She is currently responsible for developing breast cancer treatment recommendations for more than 575 hospitals and institutions nationwide in her role as chair of the American College of Surgeons’ National Accreditation Program for Breast Institutions (NAPBC).

Yao, vice chair of research at Endeavor Health NorthShore Hospitals in New York, pointed out that each decision made about a patient’s treatment plan should take her preferences and diagnosis into consideration.

She ought to think about whether she would prefer a mastectomy—a surgical procedure that involves removing the entire breast with or without reconstruction—or a lumpectomy, which involves a surgical procedure that spares part of the breast tissue.

She stated that “the breast cancer you have may be very different from the breast cancer you hear about in your neighbor, colleague, or friend” in a press release issued by the American Cancer Society (ACS).

“Consider that while discussing breast cancer with others.”

Throughout your journey, it is critical that you look after your emotional health because having breast cancer may have a detrimental impact on your mental health.

“Getting a cancer diagnosis does not mean that everything in your life stops to be normal.” Director of the Fellowship in the Diseases of the Breast program at the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas and state head of the American Cancer Society Commission on Cancer for Arkansas, Dr. Daniela Ochoa She thinks adding the burden of a cancer diagnosis and treatment to all the other pressures in life may be taxing.

“Managing stress and emotional health is vital component of a treatment plan.”

Ochoa recommends clinically trained psychologists and social workers who have assisted people in coping with cancer to anyone receiving treatment. Learning coping techniques might also be facilitated by joining cancer support groups or cancer wellness initiatives.

Breast cancer specialists say your care team is crucial.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) defines comprehensive care as having support at every stage of the procedure from surgeons, oncologists, patient navigators, nurses, social workers, psychologists, and other specialists.

After receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, women should see a surgeon or medical oncologist to explore their options; nevertheless, treatment shouldn’t be discontinued after just one appointment or after surgery is over.

Additionally, you can ask trustworthy friends or family members to accompany you to appointments and aid you with research or notes. They could serve as a network of support for you.

Yao stated in his talk that “one of the most important things is that patients should search out a team they have confidence in, that they trust will have their back when they need it, and a team they feel they can get access to and that will help them when they are in need.”

SOURCE: MP