Ayurveda Over Western Medicines | Dr. B.M HEGDE | TEDxMITE

Summary

This transcript explores the differences between Western medicine and ancient Indian medical practices, emphasizing the holistic view of the human body. The speaker criticizes the reductionist approach of Western medicine and highlights the importance of the mind-body connection, the role of energy, and the influence of consciousness in health. The speaker advocates for a judicious combination of different healing systems, including Ayurveda, homeopathy, and Western medicine, to provide comprehensive and effective healthcare. The future of medicine, according to the speaker, lies in a balanced integration of various medical systems, offering both quick fixes and long-term wellness solutions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Western medicine, often referred to as modern medicine, differs significantly from ancient Indian systems of medicine.
• 😀 The human body is not just a machine made up of different parts; it is a colony of 120 trillion cells, each functioning independently.
• 😀 Wellness comes from a collective state of health in all cells, while illness arises when there is disorganization in this collective system.
• 😀 Human beings are not independent; we are dependent on germ cells, with 10 times more germs than human cells in our body.
• 😀 Genetic inheritance from our parents is minimal (only 23,000 human genes), while the environment plays a much larger role in how our body functions.
• 😀 Modern medicine often involves quick fixes, but many drugs have adverse side effects, which are now the leading cause of death in the West.
• 😀 The more drugs a patient is prescribed, the less likely they are to take them properly, with compliance dropping significantly as the number of pills increases.
• 😀 Painkillers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can lead to serious long-term side effects like heart attacks and kidney damage.
• 😀 Western medicine tends to focus on treating symptoms in isolation, but a holistic, integrated approach is essential for true healing.
• 😀 Quantum physics suggests that energy and matter are interconnected, and the body's wellness is maintained when energy flows properly.
• 😀 Aura, an ancient Indian concept, views the body as a closed system that can heal itself through maintaining a balance in energy and consciousness, rather than relying on external interventions.

Q & A

What is the main difference between Western medicine and ancient Indian systems like Ayurveda?

The main difference is that Western medicine is based on reductionist science, viewing the body as a machine made up of distinct parts. In contrast, ancient Indian systems like Ayurveda emphasize a holistic approach, understanding the body as a unified, interconnected system influenced by the environment and consciousness.

How does the new science of quantum physics challenge traditional Western views on the human body?

Quantum physics suggests that the human body is not made up of fixed, separate parts, as Western medicine often portrays, but rather as a complex network of energy and matter, interconnected in ways that traditional science fails to address.

Why does the speaker argue that humans are not truly independent beings?

The speaker explains that humans are not independent because, while each individual cell is a unique entity, humans are essentially a colony of 120 trillion cells, with 10 times as many germ cells. This interdependence means no individual can function without the support of others, both within and outside the body.

What is the significance of germs in the human body, according to the speaker?

Germs are not enemies, but rather essential companions for human survival. The speaker highlights that for every human cell, there are 10 times as many germ cells, and the body relies on them for various functions. Germs are crucial to maintaining health and preventing disease.

How does the speaker criticize the over-reliance on drugs in Western medicine?

The speaker criticizes the over-reliance on drugs by pointing out that Western medicine often treats symptoms rather than addressing underlying causes. They argue that adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a leading cause of death and that combining multiple drugs can cause further harm.

What does the speaker mean by 'there is no pill for every ill'?

'There is no pill for every ill' reflects the speaker’s belief that medication often only masks symptoms rather than curing underlying health issues. They emphasize that drugs may create additional problems, leading to a cycle of dependence and adverse reactions.

How does the concept of 'reductionism' in Western medicine affect the understanding of health?

Reductionism in Western medicine breaks down the body into isolated parts, neglecting the interconnectedness of systems. The speaker argues that this approach fails to see the body as a whole, which limits the ability to address health issues in a comprehensive way.

Why is Ayurveda considered a more holistic approach to health compared to Western medicine?

Ayurveda takes a holistic approach by focusing on the balance of energy, mind, and body, considering the individual as a whole. It emphasizes the importance of preserving wellness, rather than just treating illness. This contrasts with Western medicine, which often seeks quick fixes through medication.

What is the relationship between consciousness and health, according to the speaker?

The speaker asserts that consciousness (the mind) plays a crucial role in health. They explain that the mind is not confined to the brain but is a pervasive force within the body. When consciousness is balanced and healthy, the body follows suit. Disruptions in consciousness are linked to illness.

How does quantum physics relate to the concept of Aura in medicine?

Quantum physics supports the idea of Aura by describing the human body as energy, rather than solid matter. This energy influences health, and when disrupted, it can lead to illness. Aura-based treatments aim to restore the balance of energy within the body, promoting wellness.