Main Difference – Homeopathy vs Ayurveda
The modern world is developing faster towards an advanced western medicine system, yet it has not been able to replace the herbal remedies. Their applications are still used worldwide due to the proven benefits and lack of side effects. Homeopathy and Ayurveda medicine are two forms of alternative medicine which differ from each other mainly by their fundamental philosophy and modes of interventions, practiced. Homeopathy was introduced by the German physician Samuel Hahnemann in the late 18th century. Ayurveda is an ancient Hindu science of health and medicine. This is the main difference between Homeopathy and Ayurveda.
This article explains,
1. What is Homeopathy?
– History, Basis, Medicine and Treatment Methods
2. What is Ayurveda?
– History, Basis, Medicine and Treatment Methods
3. What is the Difference between Homeopathy and Ayurveda?
What is Homeopathy
Homeopathy was introduced by the German physician Samuel Hahnemann in the late 18th century. It’s comparatively less invasive nature which showed an immense success rate, made it highly popular among people over several other alternative types of treatments available at that time.
However, this popularity did not last long; the colleges which were involved in advocating homeopathy and training students were closed down around the late 1920s due to continuous criticism by other medical practitioners and physicians who didn’t believe in the theories of Homeopathy.
However, during the late 1970s, Homeopathy came back to the scenario of alternative medicine and widely spread throughout the world.
The main belief of Homeopathy lies on the “vitalist” philosophy; those who practice homeopathy believe that various external and internal factors tend to disturb the “vital force” and negatively affect the health of an individual.
Homeopathy also targets the psychological and physical states of a person and the main method of intervention follows the “laws of similars” where a person is expected to get rid of a disease by administrating drugs which are capable of producing the symptoms similar to that of the disease.
Homeopathic remedies mostly involve the use of various plants, animal products, synthetic and mineral substances which are further prepared by diluting the substance in alcohol or distilled water followed by vigorous shaking – succession. This process is supposed to pass the properties of the initial substances into the dilution.
This interesting mode of alternative medicine is now popular worldwide and has being engraved into regular medicine.
What is Ayurveda
History of Ayurveda medicine runs back to the 4th century; the roots of it have been explained in Hindu Vedic text, Atharvaveda.
Fundamental philosophy involved with Ayurveda explains that good health of a human body depends on the balance between three key components namely wind, bile, and phlegm. In fact, any significant imbalance between them can result in associated diseases.
Furthermore, there are 8 major disciplines of treatment involved in Ayurveda known as internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, psychiatry, toxicology, preventive medicine and treatment involving the enhancement of immunity and resistance of the human body.
Main drug treatment of Ayurveda involves vegetable and herbs, minerals like sulfur, arsenic, copper, lead, gold and animal products like milk, bones, and gallstones.
Moreover, this also targets on other spiritual interventions such as meditation, exercise, yoga, and massages for healthy living.
Difference Between Homeopathy and Ayurveda
Medicine
Even though both these practices fall into the category of alternative medicine, homeopathic remedies mostly use the essence of a wide variety of plants, animal, synthetic substances and minerals. The medicinal mixtures are prepared by diluting them either in alcohol or distilled water.
In contrast, Ayurveda medicines are mainly prepared with herbs and vegetables; animal materials are used only occasionally.
History
As far as the histories of both these forms are considered, homeopathy was initially discovered by Samuel Hahnemann during the late 18th century whereas Ayurveda was introduced earlier than that, as mentioned in the Vedic text, Atharvaveda. In fact, the earliest manuscripts of Ayurveda runs back to 4th century.
Philosophy
The essence of the belief in Homeopathy involves the vitalist philosophy, whereas Ayurveda believes in the balance between three major components wind, bile, and phlegm in the human body.
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