“Allopathy is just a toddler, but Ayurveda is an age old time tested Life Science”

By Suresh Unnithan

Ayurveda, the science of life, has four pillars (Chatushpada) – Physician (Bhishak/Vaidya), Drug (Dravya), Attendant (Upasthata) and Patient (Rogi).  Vaidya, the key pillar of the four, should have six essential characteristics -learning (Vidya), rationality (Vitarka), profound knowledge (Vijnana), outstanding memory (Smruti), Alacrity (Tatparta) and treating a patient correctly (Kriya). The Vaidya with extensive theoretical knowledge, immense practical experience, deftness and cleanliness, is acknowledged as Vaidyaraja (Physician King).  By all standards Dr Hitesh Jani is a Vaidyaraja.  A celebrated Ayurveda physician with over 35 years of practice and an acclaimed academic and scholar he headed the Gujarat Ayurveda University, one of the renowned medical institutions in the country. Dr Jani has over a dozen research papers of international standing to his credit. Currently he heads Shantam Ayurvedic Covid Care Centre in Rajkot, Gujarat, the lone Government approved Ayurvedic COVID care facility in the country. In an exclusive interview to PNI News, Dr Jani discussed the growing significance of Ayurveda, particularly when the best medical brains across the globe are slogging to contain the dreaded pandemic, COVID. Excerpts:

The proponents of modern medicines consider Ayurveda, unempirical and just a wellness therapy. Recently the Kerala High Court had restricted all AYUSH doctors including Ayurveda Physicians from prescribing medicines for COVID treatment. As an academician and physician how do you see this approach to our traditional therapeutic system?

In Allopathic system treatment is mostly symptomatic and the leading concept is to kill the disease or the organisms causing the illness. On the contrary Ayurveda is a comprehensive Science of Life with perfect care on Health, Medicine, Prevention, and Promotion. Ayurveda is a precise overall health enhancing medical system, based on our ancient traditions and culture.  Ayurveda is not just a system to manage ailments, but it goes deep into the causative factors and gives complete cure. Ayurveda is not just a Medical Science. It is an absolute Science of Life.  We know, the WHO, IMA, ICMR are the three prime Bodies related to Modern Medicine widely acknowledged and they have a history of less than seven decades. On the contrary, Ayurveda was developed over 2500 ago and it is a time tested Science well authenticated by Scholars of outstanding wisdom.

As a medical stream, I fully admire Allopathy, but I do not need to accept any Certificate of authenticity or approval to Ayurveda from this just developed Medical System-Allopathy I feel, the Western Medical System is yet to gain perfection to compete with the Ayurveda that has a longstanding legacy of curing even most critical ailments. 

Regarding the Kerala High Court remark, I think it was more based on the specifics presented by the pleading party. As an academician, I am not convinced with the verdict.

How effective is Ayurveda in treating critical illness like cancer and the diseases damaging vital organs? Is Ayurveda system advanced enough to treat such ailments?

Ayurveda can treat any disease. Tagging and categorization of diseases (be it Cancer/AIDS/COVID), is scarcely done in Ayurvedic system. Ayurvedic physician in general, have sufficient skills to treat any disease based on symptoms, causative factors, correct the imbalance or deflection of humors (Tridosha), PanchMahabhutas, Tissues, etc.

Ayurveda has mention of the Concepts of Diagnosis, Treatment, Wellness, Rejuvenation and more. For instance the Ahmedabad Cancer Institute has over 22 lakh Cancer patients registered for treatment and the number is ever swelling. If there is any permanent cure in Modern Medical Science, why the number of oncology related cases are escalating relentless.

The reason: Modern Science follows Reductionist Theory, whereas Ayurveda does proper Pathogenesis of the virus, bacteria, fungi and all disease causing microbes. Also detects which vital organs are under threat and treats by Lifestyle Modification.  Diabetes, Cancer and many more critical ailments are Lifestyle Diseases.  Hundreds of crores of rupees are spent in Research of medicines to destroy the pathogens, treat the diseases, but our Ancient Ayurveda knows perfect remedial therapy. Ayurveda can cure such critical ailments through Systematic Holistic Approach

Ayurveda is known for its holistic approach. Now, like in Allopathy there are various specializations in Ayurveda. Don’t you feel such specializations are against the ethos of Ayurveda?

To my understanding Ayurveda is never averse to specialization.  The method or SOP for treatment makes Ayurveda superior to other Systems.  In fact, Ayurveda texts have mention of different teachers as well as scriptures for every speciality like Hrishi Nimi for Eye, Hrishi Sushruta for Surgery, etc…

Allopathy Specialisations are based on Reductionist Theory. The specialist physicians will only deal with a particular affected organ or organs. In Ayurveda system the Specialist treats not just the affected organ but the entire body is taken into consideration for a detailed diagnosis before the treatment is prescribed. There are side effects of Steroids; Allopathic Medicines taken for a particular ailment could possibly destroy even the good Bacterial Flora of the body. Proper Ayurvedic medicines and treatments have no side effects and can enhance the vitality of other organs and tissues also. It is good to have Specialisations, but the Concepts should strictly adhere to Ayurvedic Principles.

 In Ashtanga Hrudaya texts, there are elaborations of  8 branches of Ayurveda

• Kaay Chikitsa- General Medicine
• Baala Chikitsa – Pediatric  Sthree Rog – Gynecology & Obstetrics
• Psychiatry/ Grah Chikitsa (Mental Disorders)
• Urdhvaang / Shalakya – ENT (Nose & Ear Surgery), Eye & Mention of Cataract Surgery – Sushruta, the father of f Surgery (World’s 1st plastic surgery mentioned)
• Shalya Chikitsa – General Surgery
• Danshtra Chikitsa – Science of Toxicology
• Jara Chikitsa – Geriatrics & Science of rejuvenation
• Vrishya Chikitsa – Science of Sexology

These are accurately developed branches of Ayurveda and were practiced in India from ancient times. But unfortunately the foreign invaders to a great degree ruined the knowledge and practice of this invaluable Science of Life.  

Genuineness of Ayurveda medicines is often questioned. The reason: millions of bottles of Ayurveda medicines are for sale in the market, but availability of the raw materials for the same is limited. So it is reasonable to question the genuineness and efficacy of Ayurveda drugs. How to address this issue?

I agree with your view on the question of genuineness of Ayurvedic Medicines produced in bulk. Ancient Ayurvedic texts have detailed standards and principles of making medicines. It also elaborates the efficacy and potency of each drug.

However, with the ingress of Modern Medicine, all norms of Drug Manufacturing, Pharmacology, were corroborated with the New Norms of Preservatives, Mass Production, Consumerism and above all Business. Thus, Adulterants were mixed for preserving medicine for longer shelf-life. In fact, mass production is never desirable in Food or Medicines making. It reduces the efficacy of the medicine.  Earlier times production of drugs were Live and freshly prepared formulations were administered to the patients and this was the most desirable and ideal practice for best results. Today’s erratic lifestyle and expectations of instant recovery, has made Ayurveda Pharmacology deplete its sheen and relevance. It is important to hold fast to established procedures of Making Medicines as per the Aurvedic customs.

There is a strong feeling; the Ayurveda is on a modernization spree, trying to compete with the Allopathic system. The traditional way of diagnosing and treatment has taken a back seat. The traditional Vaidyas and their treatment techniques are just vanishing, obliterated and obscured. Don’t you think with the modernization this ancient medical science is losing its sheen and quality?

Absolutely. To begin with, it is very vital to understand the background properly. India has all kinds of labours. England and American systems have invented technology introduced mechanization, with the goal of overtaking human centric systems. Ayurveda is not against adopting any appropriate technology. Modern Medical system introduced verity of equipments, to help the physicians to reduce human efforts. But it never ruled out the role of physicians at any point of time. Today, in the name of development, India along with other countries is a victim of Machine Centric Medical System. However, recently, many have recognised the sense-based methods (using all five sensory organs) for diagnosis. Ayurveda is self-sufficient with Darshan (Sight), Sparsh (Touch) and Interviewing. It is never against technology, provided the physician is involved in diagnosing process and treatment. According to Ayurveda, Physician’s role is of prime importance. The whole responsibility of treatment should only be with the physicians.  

As an academician are you satisfied with the present day Ayurveda curriculum confined to less than six years of study in an academy? For, it’s being told that to have even a minimum understanding of Ayurveda therapy, it takes many years.

It would not be appropriate to confine a study/ gaining Proficiency, to a particular time frame.  In today’s times, there is a contraction according to the Concept, Perception and Method of Practice. As an academician, I would advocate for a change in the current curriculum.  Charaka Samhita elaborates on the qualities of a Student, an Ayurvedic teacher, an Ayurvedic Physician, Eligibility Criteria of an Institute, etc. It is disheartening to see, as to how Western Practices influenced our Ayurveda Curriculum. Western Medical system mainly covers Preclinical, Para-clincial and Final Year of Medical Certification. The physician thus pass out may not be competent enough  to handle Practical cases initially, as only 120 days of Internship has Clinical Training for the students. The whole Medical education system is now following the Western Line of Curriculum.  The system, to a large degree, is under the influence of Pharmaceutical Companies or we can say Industry Oriented. Classical Ayurveda insists on Clinical Practical training from day one and in the second half of the day theory class can be conducted. The entire Medical Education needs to be rewritten as per the Classical Ayurvedic SOP, from choice of students to Mode of Practical based Training. It should not be totally theory based. Then only we could produce competent and resourceful Physicians.

You have been a practicing physician for the past many decades. Have you developed any special method of treatment/drugs?

 In my 35 years of Practice, I have been instrumental in exploring the knowledge within Ayurveda especially in Gau-Vjgyaan and Garbha-Vigyaan. My dream would have been incomplete without the support of Gau-Vjgyaan Shodh Sansthaa and Garbha-Vigyaan Anusandhaan Kendra. We have prepared a Panchgavya based Medicinal Protocol for COVID.  We have successfully prepared an Integrated Panchgavya Encyclopedia, with all reference from Classical Ayurvedic Texts. We are successful in making Panchgavya based Granules, which have been great Immunity Booster in today’s Pandemic times.  Our team has researched and formulated many Panchgavya formulations for various diseases like Asthma, Thalassemia, DM, etc. We have also successfully prepared Gau-mutra (cow urine) based sanitizer, which is Govt Approved and is effectively used against Corona infection. I, with the support of our dedicated Vaidyas, have achieved proficiency in Genetics and Genetic engineering with Ayurveda line of Treatment. This has a vital role in repairing defective genes and upgrading genes quality at the time of Family Planning. Many such clinical trials are in progress on various other concepts of Ayurveda and medicines.

 Integrative approach in human healthcare is getting popular. What is your view?

I differ in the concept of integration of all Pathies. Ayurveda cannot be termed as a Pathy. It is in itself, a Whole Integrative Science of Healthy Life.  According to me, an Integrative approach of Wellness of Mind, Body and Soul together, and also from Individual to Community Health is the real l Integration. The Concepts Ayurveda illustrated for past many centuries are never in conflict or cross purpose to any Pathy. It is actually the Universal Communion of all these concepts. Other Pathies may not have the know-how of Ayurveda. Classical Ayurveda has Comprehensive knowledge about other systems. I would welcome the Integrated Approach for the betterment of Health. It just does not deal with benefits of Antibiotics, but further helps in enhancing the Life Quality in terms of Body, Mind and Soul

In the new educational policy the Union Government proposes to introduce rudiments of AYUSH even from the primary classes. There is also a move to integrate the present medical education with a few lessons from the AYUSH branches. How do you regard this  move of integration?

I welcome the decision to incorporate AYUSH Principles and basic concepts in the New Educational Policy. However, I feel, it doesn’t represent the whole Ayurvedic Medical System.

Let me further reiterate significance of our Ancient Ayurveda as a wholesome Medical System. It is not good to integrate different philosophies into a single one.  However, I welcome the move to teach Basics of Ayurveda concepts and AYUSH fundas, as a default subject. But I am not in favour of integrating this science with rest of the medical systems.

The Union Government is propagating AYUSH systems. But in states like Kerala the administrative head of the AYUSH department are IAS officers who are Allopathics. Allopathics are I general opposed to AYUSH systems.How do you view this contradiction?

I assume, it is just an administrative step to appoint someone to head the department.  As long as objectives of propagation and promotion of AYUSH principles are clear, I do not see any harm (in some Allopathy physician holding a top AYUSH position).  The pertinent question is if the Kerala State Government has any specific agenda behind this appointment to AYUSH.  Kerala State, in itself is an Ayurvedic hub for Panchkarma. If the step has no ulterior motive to marginalize Ayurveda System, I have no reason to worry.