Ayurvedic Standard Treatment Guidelines

The classical texts of Ayurveda i.e. 'Samhita' were structured thousands of year ago. The Samhita have a set pattern in which first part is narrative of entire text followed by principles, Ayurvedic biology, Diagnosis, treatment, therapies etc. This is probably the most relevant pattern to learn Ayurveda in depth. However, in recent times, practitioners need ready reckoners. This trend might have started since last 3-4 centuries. The texts like Bhaishajya Ratnavali have described disease wise formulation. In the present era, medicines are mostly prepared by Ayurveda Pharma-companies. The diagnosis is largely laboratory based. Often allopathic method of diagnosis is used in clinical practice followed by Ayurvedic formulations as treatment.

The Insurance coverage is getting more and more importance because of rising trend of lab investigations, which has also become a part of evidence to support the claim submitted by the beneficiary. As a matter of fact, typical Ayurvedic terminology is also being replaced by contemporary words. Though it might have facilitated non Ayurveda people to understand the prescription, it has also led to loss of specific knowledge behind the terminology.

In the above mentioned circumstances, disease conditions most frequently observed in general practice have been chosen for preparing this document.The diseases have been categorized on the basis of Ayurvedic method of classification i.e. according the main Srotas involved. It was decided to stick to Ayurvedic nomenclature and put nearest allopathy term in bracket for easy understanding of end user. Often, both the terms cannot be equated. Therefore, to clarify the meaning, case definition is given in each chapter. This is followed by presentation of disease, cardinal symptoms etc. to give weightage to clinical diagnosis. At the same time essential lab investigations have been mentioned wherever felt necessary. Types subtypes based on Dosha have been described. Efforts are made to describe the treatment according to Doshik type of disease. It is not merely a compilation of references from classical text, but lot of brain storming have undergone while preparing the document. The treatment described is evidence based as well as experience based. Various formulations mentioned are indicative and not exclusive. Number of drugs has been listed for each of the disease condition. The treating physician shall have liberty to use any one or more medicines and formulations of his/her choice.

It is expected that an Ayurveda Vaidya working at Primary Health Center may have limited resources. Therefore referral criteria have been mentioned. It must be kept in mind, especially by fresher that successful doctors are those who know when to refer the patient.

**Contents and Sample Pages**