Combating Misleading Advertisements In Ayurveda
Controversial stories are always viewed multiple times in all social media platforms and one such hot story is always Ayurveda and hepatoscience .
Story 1 : Herb induced liver injury
Kerala based hepatologist against Indian system of medicine Controversial interview explained herbs like Giloy is harmful to Liver and called Ayurveda as pseudoscience.
Action taken: Defamation case was filed against hepatologist. Various Ayurveda organizations and Travancore Cochin Medical Council filed a petition against the same.
Story 2 : Youtube channel open defense
10 years before a molecular biology student’s youtube channel openly criticized through his social media platforms and stages on each and every concepts of Ayurveda.
Action – Open challenge was accepted by a renowned Ayurveda physician . As every citizen had their own right , opinions were never crossed. Both parties had equal claps and criticisms.
Hence in the recent 5 years , the word ‘pseudoscience’ was linked to Ayurveda. It was a heart boil situation for every Ayurveda enthusiast but when it was stage for open debate , everyone was silent.
Pseudoscience means something that lacks scientific principles , scientific methods , research , evidence and testing , but yet claims to be scientific.
Scientific principles are siddhantha’s in Ayurveda.And these sidhantha’s are 5 elements connecting to the wide theory ‘’yat pinde tat brahmande “ and loka purusha sidhantha of guna’s / qualities of each food items.But these concepts are not easily understandable for a common man . Hence lack of understanding makes this science a pseudo. The theories of history and science aligns with universe , hence can consider Ayurveda itself is universe!
Let’s discuss some of the myths evolved around Ayurveda science.
- Myth : Ayurveda contains only home remedies and Panchakarma treatments
- Fact : Ayurveda has multiple specialities including general medicine, pathology, preventive medicine, Panchakarma, surgery, paediatrics, gynaecology, ENT, Psychiatry and toxicology medicine.
- Myth : Ayurveda medicines don’t have an expiry date
- Fact : All medicines comes with a stipulated period of use.It varies if packet is open due to loss of active principles and contact with sunlight and air
- Myth : Curd can be consumed any time according to Ayurveda
- Fact : Ayurveda recommends curd very less conditions , instead buttermilk is more preferred . Also curd should not be taken at night time .
- Myth : Only vegetarian food is allowed in Ayurveda
- Fact : Sattwika diet is generally to be followed , but in special occasions , mamsa rasa is used in treatments also
- Myth : Ayurveda medicines and treatments are harmless
- Fact : Due to this thought , most people take self medication. But Ayurveda treatment is depended on person’s prakriti /body constitution , dhatu and dosha.
- Myth : Ayurveda is slow acting
- Fact : Ayurveda focuses on long term healing and not temporary relief
Misleading Advertisements
“Cure diabetes & any chronic disease in days”
“Cure sexual problems with Ayurveda”
Whenever we pass through any public areas in country , thousands of Ayurveda posters are exhibited with magic cure through Ayurveda . Most of the ads are misleading and supreme court intrudes every time with drugs & magic remedies act .
Drugs & magic remedies act 1954 (objectionable advertisements)
You cannot promise cure with magical results thereby controlling misleading advertisements in India . This is a cognizable offence . Recent Patanjali advertisements had a strict ban on many of the Ayurveda and non Ayurveda platforms .
Ayurveda is unique , but most of the myths makes common man unreachable to Ayurveda’s treatments. This Ayurveda day together with ministry of Ayush , let’s propagate good Ayurveda and remove myths existing.
