Dr Puneet, Founder Director, Karma Ayurveda explains how Ayurveda and modern medicine share a common goal of promoting kidney health but differ significantly in their methodologies
According to the India Ageing Report 2023, the country’s population of the elderly (aged 60 and above) will double to 20.8 per cent by 2050 as against the 10.5 per cent share registered on 1 July 2022. Such a massive increase in the elderly population also indicates that the burden of end-stage kidney disease will disproportionately increase as was projected by a study published in the Lancet (2013). Kidney health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and different medical systems such as Ayurveda and modern medicine offer discrete approaches to maintaining and treating kidney-related issues.
Ayurveda’s perspective
Ayurveda, a system that originated over 5,000 years ago, views the body as a balance of three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Kidney health, according to Ayurveda, is closely linked to the balance of these doshas as imbalances can lead to various kidney disorders such as stones, infections, or reduced kidney function that could result in kidney failure. Ayurvedic practitioners focus on personalised treatments, including dietary adjustments, herbal remedies, and lifestyle modifications, to restore the dosha balance and promote kidney health.
Ayurvedic herbs like Punarnava, Gokshura, and Varuna possess diuretic properties, aiding in the elimination of toxins and promoting kidney function. Additionally, Ayurveda emphasises the importance of a balanced and wholesome diet, incorporating foods that support kidney health and avoiding salty, spicy, and highly processed ones.
Modern medicine’s approach
Modern medicine approaches kidney health through a scientific lens, utilising advanced diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatments. Nephrologists here employ medical interventions, including medications and surgical procedures, to address kidney-related disorders. Dialysis and kidney transplantation are advanced interventions used in severe cases of kidney failure, providing life-saving solutions that align with the principles of evidence-based medicine. However, the flip side of these interventions is that in a developing country like India, they are only affordable to a handful of people.
Diagnostics like blood tests, imaging studies, and urinalysis are used by both the practitioners of modern and Ayurvedic medicine to identify the root causes of kidney issues and work on the treatment or management of the condition.
Comparative analysis
Ayurveda and modern medicine share a common goal of promoting kidney health but differ significantly in their methodologies. Ayurveda focuses on holistic wellness, aiming to restore balance in the body through personalised lifestyle changes and natural remedies. This approach is rooted in preventive measures and aims to address the root cause of ailments rather than merely treating symptoms.
On the other hand, modern medicine adopts a targeted approach, utilising pharmaceuticals and surgical interventions to manage and cure kidney-related disorders. The emphasis is on quick and precise diagnosis, often relying on technological advancements to promptly identify and treat or manage kidney issues.
The middle ground
The choice between Ayurveda and modern medicine for kidney health ultimately depends on individual preferences, cultural beliefs, and the severity of the condition. Some people find Ayurveda’s holistic approach appealing, incorporating natural remedies and lifestyle changes into daily routines. Meanwhile, others rely on the advanced technologies and evidence-based treatments offered by modern medicine.
In an integrative healthcare approach, people may choose to combine elements of both Ayurveda and modern medicine, under the guidance of healthcare professionals. Regardless of the chosen path, regular medical check-ups, a balanced diet, and a healthy lifestyle are universal cornerstones for maintaining kidney health. Ultimately, the key lies in informed decision-making and collaborative efforts between practitioners and patients to achieve optimal kidney health.
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