Ayurveda and Homoeopathy are two of the most popular alternative medicine systems in the world. Both are holistic systems of medicine that use natural ingredients and holistic treatment to cure the root cause of a disease, not just the symptoms.
In today’s hectic world, everyone is busy with their tight schedules and often fails to consider their health and well-being. This in turn induces illness and disrupts normal life flow. In their chase to survive and thrive, people are relying on unconventional ways to maintain or overcome the damaging effects of the environment on themselves.
While both Ayurveda and Homoeopathy are ancient systems of medicine with extensive historical backgrounds, they are two very different systems of medicine. This article will attempt to clear the confusion surrounding the two and will also provide a comparison of their working and effectiveness.
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What is Ayurveda?
- Referred to as the pseudoscientific method, Ayurveda is a naturopathic medical system that originated thousands of years ago in India with the sole purpose to harmonize our internal and external worlds.
- It is based on the principles of nature, science, the healing powers of plants, animals, and minerals, and the three doshas.
- Derived from two Sanskrit words, Ayu (Life) and Veda (Science or Knowledge), it is also known as “Science of Life” or “Knowledge of Life”.
- Ayurveda uses herbs and spices to cure the root cause of a disease, instead of just treating the symptoms.
- Ancient Ayurvedic texts describe the relationship between the mind, body, and spirit and offer a unique perspective on health and wellness.
- The practices of Ayurveda guide us in understanding how to nourish the body and maintain its balance and the principles of this ancient wisdom remind us that the entire web of life is intricately interwoven.
- Ayurveda treatment starts with an internal purification process, followed by a special diet, herbal remedies, massage therapy, yoga, meditation, an oil massage, steam bath, salt scrub, yoga posture, or herbal medicine to help your body rid of toxins and improve your health.
Check Courses in Ayurveda:
| Bachelor of Ayurvedic, Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) | MD in Ayurveda |
| MS Ayurveda | Diploma in Ayurvedic Pharmacy |
| PhD Ayurveda | BPharm in Ayurveda |
| MD in Ayurveda - Panchakarma | – |
The Three Doshas of Ayurveda
- Ayurvedic medicine claims that the entire world (living and non-living) is made up of five key elements of the Pancha Bhoota – Prithvi/Bhudevi (Earth), Akasha/Dyaus ( Space/Atmosphere), Agni (Fire), Varuna/Jal (Water), and Vayu (Air).
- These elements when combined produce three components in our body or the Doshas known as Vatta, Pitta, and Kapha.
- The doshas regulate a person’s physiological, mental, and physical health and hence, a harmonious balance of these doshas is necessary for healthy living.
- Vatta dosha is the most powerful of all the three doshas and hence, is referred to as the “king of doshas”.
- It is represented by air and space and is responsible for muscle and joint movement, breathing, heartbeat, anxiety, fear, pain, and various other nervous system functions.
- In addition to governing the physical structure and the immune system of the body, it also controls emotional responses such as calmness, forgiveness, etc.
- Pitta dosha regulates the metabolism and transformation in the body.
- It is the internal energy that helps in the digestion of foods and emotions.
- It allows you to perceive what is going around you and to distinguish between right and wrong.
- It is a combination of fire and water elements and is associated with a feisty personality.
- People with an excess of Pitta, experiences indigestion, acid reflux, excess generation of heat in the body.
- Kapha is one of the three doshas, the primary energy qualities that govern human physiology.
- Kapha energy is associated with the elements earth and water and describes a body type that is heavy, soft and full-bodied and oily, with a cool, liquid, wet feel.
- Among all the doshas, the Kapha types can endure and benefit from the strenuous forms of exercise.
- Kapha is the dosha of stability and the grounding force of the universe.
- It governs all the tissues and bodily fluids.
- It is associated with the organs of the digestive system, the mouth and the throat.
- This dosha is responsible for the secretions of the skin and the mucous membranes.
Branches of Ayurveda
There are eight branches of Ayurveda namely:
- Kaayachikitsa – Internal Medicine
- Baalachikitsa – Paediatrics
- Bhuta Vidya – Psychiatry
- Shalakya Tantra – Ear, Nose and Throat Treatment
- Shalya Tantra – Surgery
- Vishagara Vairodh Tantra – Toxicology
- Jarachikitsa/Rasayana – Geriatrics and Rejuvenation
- Vajikarana — Aphrodisiac Therapy, Fertility, and Conception
What is Homoeopathy?
- Samuel Hahnemann, a well-known German physician pioneered homeopathy in the late 18th century.
- It is based on the principle of “like cures like”, which means that a substance that causes the same symptoms in a healthy person can cure similar symptoms in an ill person.
- In simple terms, it means that a small dose of an illness-causing substance can in itself bring on the symptoms of that illness.
- Homeopathy is a system of medicine that uses highly diluted “similars” of a disease to cure the disease itself.
- Homeopaths have been using this method for more than 200 years to cure a wide variety of ailments.
- The term ‘homeopathy’ literally means ‘similar to disease’ and is used to describe the underlying philosophy and practice of this branch of medicine. It is solely guided by three main principles, “like cures like”, the minimum dosage (the law of infinitesimal – the more diluted the substance, the more potent it is), and the single remedy.
- Homeopathic remedies are extremely dilute versions of natural substances, such as plants, animals, minerals, or even water.
- Homeopathic remedies are prepared by extremely low concentrations of a natural substance and are used to treat the entire person rather than just the symptoms.
- Homeopaths believe that the human body is capable of healing itself and that a person's unique symptoms are a reflection of their unique medical history.
- Homeopaths treat their patients as whole beings, paying attention to their mental and emotional state as well as the symptoms themselves.
- Homoeopaths aim to match the 'drug picture' of the person with the unique symptoms they are experiencing.
- They also take into account the person's lifestyle and environment, as these can all play a role in whether or not they get better.
Check Courses in Homeopathy:
Postgraduate Specialization in Homeopathy
There are several specializations offered in the MD homeopathy course. These are as follows:
- Organon of Medicine with Homoeopathic Philosophy
- Homoeopathic Materia Medica
- Repertory
- Practice of Medicine
- Homoeopathic Pharmacy
- Paediatrics
- Psychiatry
How is Homoeopathy and Ayurveda Different?
| Basis of Comparison | Ayurveda | Homoeopathy |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Ayurveda is a holistic medicine system associated with the concept of bodily system balance and employs diet, herbal treatment, and yogic breathing. | In this type of medicine, similar symptoms of a particular disease are introduced, which automatically activates the immune system and stimulates the body to fight against diseases. |
| History | It is invented thousands of years ago and its origin has been found in the Vedic text, Atharvaveda. | It is created by Samuel Hahnemann in the late 18th century. |
| Derived from | Ayurveda is made up of two Sanskrit words, “Ayu” which means Life and “Veda” which means Science or Knowledge, hence it is also known as Science or Knowledge of Life. | Homoeopathy is derived from two words, “Homoios” meaning similar and “Pathos” meaning suffering, hence is based on the concept of similar suffering. |
| Preparation of Medicine | Ayurvedic treatment uses vegetable drugs and animal products like milk, bones, and gallstones. Also, minerals such as Sulphur, Arsenic, and others are used for internal consumption and external use. | Homoeopathic remedies are extremely dilute versions of natural substances, such as plants, animals, minerals, or even water and are prepared by extremely low concentrations of a natural substance. |
| Place of Origin | India | Germany |
| Conviction | Inclined towards the prevention of disease by stressing on pursuing a healthy lifestyle. | Based on the concept of curing the disease by administering a small dose of the illness-causing substances to build immunity and to cure the illness. |
| Diagnosis | Pulse diagnosis | Symptoms and signs |
| Ideology | It is of the belief that the health of a person is determined by three main doshas namely, Vatta (wind), Pitta (bile), and Kapha (phlegm). | It is based on three principles – “like cures like”, the law of infinitesimal, and the single remedy. |
| Other procedures | It provides Panchkarma therapy, Kshar Sutra and emphasizes Yoga and meditation. | No such procedures are used during homoeopathic treatment. |
| Side Effects | Little or no chances of side effects as it uses minerals | No chances of side effects |
| Allopathy | Compliments allopathic medicines | Strictly against allopathic medicines |
| Individualistic | Ayurvedic medicines are not individualized and can be given to different people suffering from the same disease. | Homoeopathy medicine is individualized and offers one-of-a-kind treatment for each individual. |
Check: How to Become an Ayurvedic Doctor?
Difference between Homeopathy and Ayurveda: FAQs
Ques. Can Homoeopathy and Ayurveda be taken together?
Ans. Homoeopathy is considered a subset of Ayurveda and also complements other medical systems. Hence, homoeopathy can be safely administered alongside any other branch of medicine. However, it is important to discuss your plans with a healthcare professional before taking them further.
Ques. Can a homoeopathic doctor administer an injection?
Ans. Homoeopathy is a drugless, holistic, gentle and painless treatment, which works through the subtle energy force of substances. It uses the body's own self-healing ability, not external drugs to treat or heal.
Homoeopaths understand the difference between an injection and a homoeopathic remedy. Homoeopaths don't administer injections. If they did, they would be acting illegally.
Ques. Is an MBBS required for homoeopathy?
Ans. No, you don't need MBBS to practice homoeopathy. An undergraduate degree of BHMS (Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery) is required for studying homoeopathy.
However, it is generally accepted that having a degree in medicine, such as MBBS, is an advantage, as it allows you to understand the broader framework in which homoeopathy is practised.
Ques. What is the qualification required for an Ayurvedic doctor?
Ans. To become an Ayurvedic doctor, the candidate must have a BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurveda Medical and Surgery) degree. Candidates who aim to pursue higher education opt for an MD in Ayurveda after completion of their graduation in the relevant stream. MD in Ayurveda is a two-year full-time degree course. Similarly, there are two-year full-time MPhil and PhD in Ayurveda courses too.
Ques. Is NEET required for BAMS and BHMS?
Ans. A NEET score is a must for getting admission to BAMS and BHMS courses. No government or private institution can grant admission without a NEET score.
Ques. Which is better BHMS or BAMS?
Ans. Both BHMS and BAMS are highly competitive medical courses and will fetch a good income. The BAMS doctor treats patients using the Ayurvedic medical system whereas a BHMS doctor treats using the homoeopathic medication.
Ques. Can BHMS doctors perform surgery?
Ans. No, a doctor with a BHMS degree is not licensed to perform any type of surgery. They are only allowed to treat patients with drugs and does not have the authority to perform operations.
Ques. Are there any side effects of Ayurveda?
Ans. As ayurvedic medicines are prescribed on the basis of a patient’s lifestyle, physical, mental and emotional balances, there are hardly any side effects of these medicines.
Ques. What is the major difference between Homoeopathy and Ayurveda?
Ans. Ayurveda is traditional, Indian medicine, which uses medicinal herbs to prevent health problems. On the other hand, homoeopathy is an alternative system of medicine, which is based on the Law of Similars (like cures like), that similar symptoms indicate similar diseases, and that symptoms caused by the disease can be cured by the disease.
Ques. What is the average annual salary of a Homoeopathic and Ayurvedic Doctor?
Ans. The average salary of a Homoeopathic doctor is somewhat between INR 0.4 lakhs to INR 5.7 lakhs per annum, with an average annual salary of INR 2.5 lakhs, whereas the average annual salary of an Ayurvedic doctor is INR 3.6 to INR 4.2 LPA.
Ques. What is the aim of Ayurveda?
Ans. The aim of Ayurveda is to establish a holistic relationship between the physical, emotional and spiritual life and to maintain a balance between these. Its philosophy is based on the belief that the universe is a system of energy and matter that is interrelated and interdependent but not in opposition to one another. The Ayurveda worldview is based on the premise that human beings are microcosms of the universe and that a well-balanced and healthy body is the basis of a balanced and healthy mind.
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