Homeopathy Vs Ayurveda: Differences, Benefits & Side Effects
- Author :
- TATA AIG Team
- ●
- Last Updated On :
- 28/05/2024
While allopathic medicines are widely used due to their short duration course and effectiveness, they can cause serious side effects. This is why many people seek alternative options for treating various conditions. Homoeopathy and Ayurveda are two prominent alternatives to modern medicine.
This article draws a contrast between the two so that you can decide which is the best ayurvedic or homoeopathic treatment for your health conditions.
What is Homeopathy?
Homoeopathy refers to a medical science that aims to improve your body’s natural immunity. It believes that the human body can cure itself. Developed in the 1700s by Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician, Homoeopathy translated to “similar pathology” in literal terms.
It works on the belief that a substance that causes symptoms in a healthy person can be used in a diluted portion to treat people with similar symptoms. This helps in triggering the body’s natural defences.
The three principles of homoeopathic medicines include- “like cures like”, “single remedy” and “minimum dose”. In homoeopathic treatment, signs and symptoms are observed to diagnose the disease.
Treatments for diseases are made from white arsenic, poison ivy, crushed whole bees, etc. These substances are weakened using water or alcohol. Practitioners of homoeopathy firmly believe that the lower the dose, the more powerful the medicine.
Homoeopathic medicines come in several forms, like liquid drops, sugar pellets, creams, tablets, etc. They can help treat allergies, arthritis, migraines, allergies, depression, PMS, irritable bowel movements and more.
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda in English means “the science of life”. The method of treatment originated in India around 5000 years ago during the Vedic period. It believes that prevention is better than cure. Ayurveda promotes disease prevention by maintaining the right balance between body, mind and consciousness. It aims to restore health and wellness by understanding the internal and external factors that may disrupt the balance.
This field of medicine is based on the belief that three types of energies termed doshas are present in an individual- Vat (wind), Kaf (phlegm), and Pit (bile). According to the Ayurveda, these doshas are the manifestation of your internal and external environment. Changing your eating habits and lifestyle can help restore the balance between the doshas and maintain good health.
Ayurveda uses herbs, vegetables, natural drugs, flowers, etc., for the treatment of diseases. It also aims to promote overall well-being through yoga, meditation and massage. Ayurveda is effective in treating diseases like headaches, asthma, high blood pressure, respiratory issues, obesity, etc.
Homoeopathy and Ayurveda: Benefits
Homoeopathy and Ayurveda have their own set of advantages that are discussed below.
Benefits of Homeopathy
Homoeopathic medicines are derived from plant or animal sources or minerals. This makes them entirely safe to use.
Homoeopathic treatment is effective in diagnosing an array of diseases and curing them.
Homoeopathy medicines are quite effective in curing a disease from its root and preventing its reoccurrence.
They have little to no side effects.
Homoeopathic medicines can be used by people of all ages.
They boost your immune system and promote emotional well-being.
Benefits of Ayurveda
Ayurveda is effective in reducing stress and anxiety.
This approach to treatment improves your overall health.
Ayurvedic treatment releases toxins from your body.
Ayurvedic medicine is safe to use with little to no side effects.
Homoeopathy and Ayurveda: Side Effects
While there are little to no side effects of Homeopathy and Ayurveda treatments, it is essential to know about the potential impacts of both therapies on your body. Here’s a brief discussion about the possible side effects of Homeopathy and Ayurveda:
Side Effects of Homoeopathic Medicine
Homoeopathic medicine has no particular side effects. However, individuals getting the treatment may experience high levels of energy, which may be a sign of overdose. So, always remember not to take the medicines in excess of the prescribed amount.
Side Effects of Ayurveda Medicine
Like homoeopathic medicine, Ayurveda medicine does not have any serious side effects as the treatment is based on natural remedies. However, it may cause allergic reactions in some people.
So, it is crucial to check your allergic tendencies before opting for an ayurvedic treatment. Also, avoid consuming the medicines more than the prescribed dose.
Homoeopathy vs Ayurveda
Here’s all about the difference between Ayurveda and Homeopathy:
Point of difference | Homeopathy | Ayurveda |
---|---|---|
Meaning | Homoeopathy is an alternative approach to treatment that aims to improve the body’s immune system by triggering it to fight the disease | Ayurveda is an alternative form of medicine that aims to balance the body’s system through medication, yoga and nutrition |
Place of origin | Germany | India |
Time of origin | 1700s | Around 5000 years ago |
Main goal | To cure diseases | To prevent diseases |
Ideology | Believes in the philosophy of “like cures like” or “similar pathology” | Believes that balance of Vat (wind), Kaf (phlegm), and Pit (bile) can help avoid diseases |
Diagnosis | Based on symptoms | Pulse diagnosis |
Medications | Homoeopathic medicines are derived from plant, animal and synthetic sources, which are diluted using alcohol or distilled water | Ayurvedic medicines are usually based on plant sources such as vegetables, herbs, and natural drugs. It also focuses on yoga, meditation and massage |
Side effects | No side effects | Little to no chance of side effects. May involve allergic reactions |
Views for Allopathy | Strictly against allopathy | Not against allopathy |
Homoeopathy and Ayurveda: Similarities
Now that you know the difference between Ayurveda and Homeopathy, here are a few similarities between the two:
Homoeopathy and Ayurveda therapies involve late responses.
Both Homeopathy and Ayurveda focus on eradicating the root causes of the disease.
Both therapies use natural remedies to treat conditions.
Homoeopaths and Ayurvedic practitioners consider the psychological state of individuals and not just the symptoms or physical health.
Homoeopathy and Ayurveda: Concerns
Homoeopathy and Ayurveda fields of medicine have been targets of criticism for many reasons.
Scientists believe that homoeopathy medicines are highly diluted. As a result, there is no trace of the original substance left. They consider it a deceptive form of treatment. Any improvement in an individual’s condition is attributed to the placebo effect.
Most physicians criticise Ayurvedic treatment due to the lack of evidence of the effectiveness of the medicines. Moreover, it is believed that some minerals and herbs used in ayurvedic medicines are toxic to human bodies.
Wrapping Up
This was all about Homeopathy and Ayurveda difference. Both methods are good alternatives to allopathic treatments. Instead of treating the ailment, both Homeopathy and Ayurveda aim to promote your overall health and well-being. Despite criticism of their efficacy, they are practised worldwide, successfully curing many people.
While Homeopathy and Ayurveda are widely trusted to cure various health issues, you must be prepared to tackle unannounced medical emergencies in life. You can avail yourself of health insurance to ensure financial security in times of medical distress.
Medical insurance can help keep pace with the rising cost of healthcare services to ensure you are not deprived of quality treatment due to financial crunch.
Tata AIG offers some of the best health insurance plans designed to meet your unique needs. So, pick a suitable health insurance plan with the right sum insured at the earliest.
FAQs
What are the views of homoeopathy regarding allopathy?
The science of homoeopathy is against allopathic medicines. It is the opposite of allopathy and believes that the substance that caused the problem is also the solution for the treatment.
Homoeopathy or Ayurveda, which is better?
When it comes to treatment, Ayurveda treats the cause of the ailment instead of its symptoms. On the other hand, homoeopathy provides medicines to strengthen your body’s immune system.
Both systems are effective and safe as they use natural remedies. However, a cure for a disease depends on the severity of the condition.
How much is the gap between Homeopathy and Ayurvedic medicine?
You should take a 30-minute to 1-hour break between both medicines.
Is Homoeopathy harmful or helpful?
Research in this regard is mixed. While some studies suggest that Homoeopathic medicine is helpful, others do not. It is recommended not to use Homoeopathic medicine for life-threatening ailments like cancer, asthma and heart disease.
You should also avoid relying on them in place of vaccines. While some products called “nosodes” are considered alternatives to vaccines, no research proves their efficacy.
Can Ayurveda and Homeopathy work together?
Yes, Ayurveda and Homoeopathy medicines can work together, but make sure to keep a 30-minute to 1-hour gap between the two.
Is Homeopathy and Ayurveda the same?
No, Homeopathy and Ayurveda are not the same. They are two different alternatives to modern medicine. While Homeopathy focuses on curing an ailment, Ayurveda focuses on disease prevention.
Homoeopathic medicines are derived from plant, animal and synthetic sources, which are diluted using alcohol or distilled water. On the other hand, Ayurvedic medicines are usually based on plant sources such as vegetables, herbs, and natural drugs. It also focuses on yoga, meditation and massage.
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