photo: Archive Kumar/Dr. Senthil Arun Kumar
TCM in modern understanding is a package of methods that are acceptably scientifically validated and researched. But certainly no one considers it a miracle solution to anything.
And competition is emerging! The Chinese basics are seen to have no boundaries, and Japanese, Korean and other forms of TCM are also developing successfully. And, of course, Ayurveda.
With the development of India, we can expect the sharing of medical information and knowledge to take on a new dimension. Indian medical scientists are keeping pace with the rest of the world, and are transforming their own historical legacy into 'sharing' in a big way.
TCM is spread virtually all over the world. What is the situation in India, are the indigenous Chinese methods known, are there relationships between universities and research centres?
TCM is practiced in India but is limited to a few health problems like migraine, inflammation of nerves and body and stress. Acupuncture and moxing are popular methods here. Several Chinese medicinal herbs are used to treat serious ailments such as cirrhosis, inflammatory bowel diseases, nerve joint pain and cancer. Relationships are growing stronger between traditional Ayurvedic centres in India and Chinese medicine universities across India. Across India, they are teaming up with Chinese TCM universities to share and exchange Ayurvedic medicine experiences, including TCM medical information between the two countries at a scientific level.
Ayurveda was born in India, as far as I know. Do you have training centers where you can invite students from abroad?
Yes, I agree with you that Ayurvedic methods and medicines were invented by Indians. We have really many centres of siddha medicine and Ayurvedic medicine all over India.
What are the main principles of Ayurveda, is there anything fundamentally different from TCM?
Ayurveda and TCM have similar goals and objectives in terms of treating and curing serious diseases using natural herbs and indigenous healing modules. Both Ayurveda and TCM rely heavily on natural medicinal herbs and their bioactive substances to treat communicable and non-communicable diseases. The two healing methods may differ slightly in methodology, but not significantly. The treatment modules have similar ideology, treatment goals and outcomes that bring long-term benefits to patients, especially for respiratory and skin diseases.
Is it possible to use the ayurvedic method in the prevention or post covid syndrome?
Yes, according to research evidence and medical reports published by siddha/ajurvedic medical centers, it is possible to effectively control or control adverse symptoms after COVID-19. We have promising clinical results. However, there is still a lack of sufficient data to conclusively recommend Ayurvedic medicines for the treatment of symptoms after COVID-19.
What school did you graduate from? Do you have your own treatment center?
I received my Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology and Master's degree in Drug Discovery, specifically for my dissertation that revealed the anti-diabetic effect of the Indian medicinal herb Gmelina asiatica, used to treat jaundice and other liver disorders. My PhD thesis concerned the use of functional foods, particularly seaweed, to treat diet-induced metabolic complications associated with obesity in obese rats. Overall, my research work has deeply focused on natural food components and herbs to address serious diseases. I would like to work on other research objectives that explore the therapeutic values of various unknown medicinal herbs and natural therapeutic methodologies to treat and resolve deadly diseases prevalent in all countries of the world. I find this opportunity promising and reliable so that we can work together towards our goals. I am focused on scientific research. I don't have a conventional practice with clients for my own use.
Are the methods included in the health care system in India?
Ayurvedic medicine has indeed been included in our health care system. We have government Ayurvedic universities and government-aided Ayurvedic universities all over India that treat serious diseases of patients similar to allopathic medicine.
Can you summarize the reasons why and how you use Ayurveda methods?
Ayurvedic medicines are natural and effective. Their curative effect depends entirely on the types of Ayurvedic medicines and their preparation. Several medicines have been found to be more effective than allopathic medicines in treating these particular ailments. We need to carefully select herbal medicines and their formulations that could show promising recovery with minimal side effects in the patient. Moreover, I believe that Ayurvedic medicines can have a long lasting effect on patients, more pronounced than allopathic medicines. I have personally seen patients with severe skin diseases and recurrent respiratory problems for whom Ayurvedic medicines have shown promising recovery.
Can you describe the effects of combining Ayurvedic medicine and TCM?
Both TCM and Ayurvedic medicines can potentially benefit patients with minimal treatment requirements and side effects. In addition, patients with persistent disease relapses and uncontrolled adverse symptoms can be effectively treated with an appropriate combination of methods. They can recover in the long term with minimal recurrence, if allopathic medicines do not help. However, we must carefully select formulations and combinations to confirm a promising therapeutic effect on the respective patients studied.
By JAN HOVORKA
Photo: Kumar