Ayurvedic Medicine

Antitoxification Versus Detoxification

Scott Gerson, M.D., P.h.D. being’s power to maximize his or her own the root of an individual’s disea se, we
longev ity. However, it is ne cessary to have to know how that person lives and
encourage patients to follow some simple what that person experiences on a regular
measures to preserve the youthful vigor daily basis. Ayurveda co unsels us to
c co rd in g t o A yur v ed a, yo u th and vitality of the mind and body. We assess effects of toxins on each individual

A ends at age 60. Thereafter, if one

practices proper measures that
slow and prevent the dege nerative
need to tell our patients that the time to
act and invest in health is now. We can
say to them that one does not begin dig-
patient. This requires more than knowing
about the purity of the water supply or a
patient’s constant exposure to car exhaust
changes that can accompany aging, one ging a well upon feeling thirsty. fumes, although these are also important.
can achieve a long and disea se-free old Except in the arena of acute illness, the Do some patients have toxic habits, toxic
age. Th ese p rop er measures take two modern reductionist approach to disease relationships, toxic foods, toxic addic-
principal forms. The first is known as pan- has little relevance to achieving longevity. tions, toxic thoughts and emotions, toxic
chakarma (literally “five actions” in San- Most people do not suffer from acute, life- speech, and toxic lives? Are they happy,
sk ri t), w hi ch en tail s sop his ticate d threatening diseases; they have chronic whole, connected human beings or not?
physical and manipulative massage pro- and debilitating diseases, such as obesity, Until you can understand how each per-
cedures to open the channels of the body arthritis, allergies, asthma, depress ion, son thinks, feels, behaves, resp onds,
and promote the elimina tion of toxins. anxiety, ga stric ulcers, hyp ertens io n, desires, and dre ams you cann ot truly
T h e se c o nd a s p e c t , a u sh a di c hi k i ts a , sinusitis, fatigue, irritable bowels, dys - understand the origins of his or her dis-
involves the use of an array of natural menorrhea, infertility, impotence, and ease. And you will not find an antibiotic,
herbal medicines tha t upreg ulate the diabetes, to name a few. Unquestionably, antidepressant, or antihistamine that will
body’s innate physiologic cleansing pro- in the case of certain acute diseases, West- cure these dis eases; at best allopathic
cesses. ern medicine is effective in identifying the med icine may succeed in masking the
Here in the West, Ayurveda has single cause (i.e., meningococcal bacteria) symptoms temporarily.
become famous for these cleansing meth- of a disea se (bacterial mening itis) and
ods, which have been dubbed the “detox- treating it with an appropriate medicine
Ayurveda
i fi ca t i o n ” p ro ce d ur e s o f A y ur v e da . (penicillin). However, Western medicine
However, Ayurvedi c physicians do not does not address the multifactorial roots Ayurveda is a holistic medical science
agree with the term detoxification, inter- of these much-more-prevalent chronic that provides a unique conceptual frame-
preting detoxification as a solution to a conditions and, therefore, has no theoreti- work for understanding the nature of dis-
problem that has alre ady occurred. In cal framework for curing them. ea se and offers a variety of treatment
co ntrast, the A yurv edic app ro ach to The roots of these diseases are not sin- modalities to promote recuperation. The
health utilizes what could be described as gle strains of bacteria or simple enzyme concepts of health and disease are based
“antitoxification” or a continuous process deficiencies. The roots of these diseases on several fundamental concepts relating
of intern al care and hygien e fueled by are found in the whole picture formed by to the structure of human beings.
appropriate nutrition and carefully select- how a person lives his or her life. What
ed natural herbal medicines. Antitoxifica- people eat; how they digest and assimi-
As Above, So Below
t io n is p re v e nt iv e m ain t en an ce th at late their food; how they breathe; the rate
prevents decay and periodically revital- of their metabolism; what they believe; Ayurveda is a system of human health
izes one’s physiology so that detoxifica- what though ts dominate the ir min ds ; care that is deriv ed from observ ations
tion is never required. Longevity is not what they feel, remember, and aspire to; about the immutable universal laws of
equated with merely a long life; it means what sounds, sensations, sights, smells, nature. One of this system’s most defin-
achieving a long life filled with pleasure tastes they experience—all these things ing concepts is that of loka-purusha-samya
and meaning; a life that is free from dis- contribute to their state of health. or, literally, the “connection between the
ease and misery. It is within every human Thus, if we really want to comprehend individual and the universe.” According
233
234 ALTERNATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES—AUGUST 2001

The primary object of treatment is to

reestablish homeostasis of the five elements within the
individual and between the individual and the environment.

samana –vishesa or similar–dissimila r. Vata dosha comes from space and air;
This principle reflects the observation Pitta do sha fro m fire and water; and
that matter of a specific nature increases Kapha dosha from water and earth.
when acted up on by a su bst ance of a Vata, which governs motion and activi-
similar composition and will decrease ty, is said to be at the base of all move-
with addition of substances of dissimilar ment in physiology. It controls functions
compositions. Thi s exchange between such as blood circulation and the expan-
in dividual and nature proceeds in an sion and contraction of the lung s and
app ro priate and mutually beneficial heart; intestinal peristalsis and elimina-
m anne r as h uman bei ngs eat , dri nk, tion; activities of the nervous system; the
breathe, eliminate wastes, and perform contractile process in muscle; ionic trans-
activities of life. Health is maintained, port across membranes (such as the sodi-
provided that this interaction is harmo- um pump); cell division; and unwinding
nious; when the harmony is disru pted and pairing of DNA during the processes
disease can arise. The primary object of of trans cription and replication. Vata
treatment is to reestablish homeostasis of en ergy i s o f p r ime imp o rt anc e in all
the five elements within the individu al movements at all levels of structure.
and between the individual and the envi- Pitta governs bodily func tions con-
Scott Gerson, M.D., Ph.D., National Institute ronment. cerne d with heat and metabolism and
of Ayurvedic Medicine. directs all biochemical reactions and the
processes of energy exchange. For exam-
The Five Elements
ple, Pitta regulates digestion; the secre -
The Five Elements and Ayurveda understands life to require t io n s o f th e e xo c rin e gl an ds an d t he
Modern Physics four dimens ions that occur together in endo crine hormones; and intracellular
1. Space represents the unified field. space and time: the physic al body, the metabolic pathways, such as glycolysis,
2. Air represents motion and acceleration. mind, the five senses, and consciousness. the tricarboxylic-acid cycle, adenotriphos-
3. Fire represents radiant energy and heat. Thus, every human being is conceived of phate metabolism, and the respiratory
4. Water represents cohesive forces and as a complete psycho-physiologic-spiritu- chain.
gravity. al aggregate that is in a dynamic and con- Kapha governs the structure and cohe-
5. Earth represents mass. stant interrelationship with the universe. sion of the organism. Kapha is responsi-
The five elements of Ayurvedic doctrine ble for physic al and biologic streng th,
represents nothing less than a primitive natural tissue resistance, and proper body
to Ayurveda, the individual (microcosm) energetic theory of physics, which incor- structure. Microscopically, Kapha is relat-
and nature (macrocosm) fall under the porates the five essenti al attributes of ed to anatomic connections in the cell,
same laws. Both humans and the universe matter (see box en titled The Five Ele - such as the intracellular matrix, cell mem-
are comp osed of five basic elements, ments and Modern Physics). brane, cellular receptors, integrins , and
Space (Akasha), Air (Vayu), Fire (Tejas), synapses. Kapha is the energetic principle
Water (Jala), and Earth (Prithivi). that holds things together and connects
The Three Doshas
A constant interrel ationship between us to the intelligence of Nature.
the indiv idual and the univers e and a In livin g sys tems, the five elements In the Ayurvedic view, the human being
constant coexchange of elements main- become organized into three fundamental consists of a physical body with mass and
tains a normal and balanced state (home- biologic energies kno wn as the three density (Kapha) serving as the substratum
ostasis). Furthermore, this exchange of doshas, or tridosha. Their names are Vata, for a milieu of intricate chemical processes
materials reflec ts the princip le o f Pitta, and Kapha. (Pitta), connected by a subtle energet ic
ALTERNATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES—AUGUST 2001 235

According to which one or two energies

predominate in a particular individual, that individual
will display certain physical and psychologic characteristics.

force of movement and motion (Vata). The Vata Types

thre e dosha s coexist dyna mic ally in a Physically, Vata-type (air) individuals
genetically determined proportion for each usually have thin and angular physiques,
individual and function in a harmonious love to be on the move, and have curly or
ma nner for the ultimate ben efit of the frizzy hair. They can be either taller or
whole organism. The qualities of the three shorter than average. Their skin has a
doshas can be perceived at the gross level gray or bluish tone and they can have
of the physical body as a whole (e.g., ner- line s around the ey es and mouth. Air
vousne ss or dryne ss = Vata; febrile or p e o p l e t e n d t o fo rg e t t h i n gs e a si l y ,
inflammatory conditions = Pitta; conges- though they are by nature bright and cre-
tion or lethargy = Kapha) as well as at the ative. Their flow of energy tends to be
cellular, molecular, and atomic levels. unsteady and they often are attracted to
Thus, a neuron in the central nervous stimulants, such as sugar and caffeine, to
system might have a higher proportion of maintain their energy.
Vata energy than the other two doshas,
while an HCl-producing gland in the Pitta Types
stomach would be predominantly Pitta, These indiv iduals are attractive and
and a skeletal muscle cell relatively more have medium-sized physiques. Although
Kapha. Similarly, the mass-possessing a redhead definitely has Pitta characteris- Dr. Gerson harvesting medicinal plants in the
protons and neutrons of an atom repre- tics, Pitta types may also have blond, light Malabar region of India.
sent Kapha energy, the electrons moving brown, or prematurely gray hair. Pitta
within orbitals represent Vata energy, and types have oily skin and hair. Their skin
the potentially explosive force within the may have a yellowish or reddish tint to it. National Institute of Ayurvedic
atom is Pitta energy. Pitta people tend to be ambitious, driven Medicine (NIAM)
584 Milltown Road
people, comparable to the stereotypical
Brewster, New York 10509
Type A personalities of Western psychol- Phone: (845) 278-8700
Constitutional Types (Prakriti)
ogy. Pitta types tend to be intens e and Fax: (845) 278-8215
All people consist of all three of these aggressive individuals who are naturally e-mail: [email protected]
energies but have differing and unique dra wn to po sitio ns of lea dersh ip and Web site: www.niam.com
proportions of the three. According to responsibility. Indeed, fire types have an Scott Gerson, M.D., Ph.D., established
which one or two of these energies pre- affinity for adversity and challenge and the NIAM in 1982, with three principal
dominate in a particular individual, that often seek it out. They may be prone to goals: (1) to provide accurate and authentic
individu al will display certain physical abuse alcohol, drugs, and hot spices in an information about Ayurveda via educational
and psychologic characteristics. The one unconscious effort to infuse their lives seminars and workshops; (2) to conduct
scientific research at the highest level to
energy that is most dominant determines (and meals) with intensity and flavor.
add to the understanding of the efficacy of
a person’s body type or prakriti. this system in the treatment of disease; and
Most individuals have a primary body Kapha Types (3) to provide information about
typ e and a seco nd ary body type. Fo r Physically, Kapha types tend to have Panchakarma detoxification therapy.
ins tance, a pers on may be prim arily a larger and more solid physiques, some-
Pitta (fire) type but also demons tra te times with a tendency to be overweight.
many Kapha (water + earth) characteris- They often have big eyes and beautiful types tend to ha ve a steady supply of
tics as well. Body types refer to a person’s dark hair. The skin is generally healthy, en erg y and an easygoing disposition.
physical characteristics as well as his or with a rosy complexion and the teeth are Because of a love of food and a tendency
her mental and emotional qualities. white and straight. Thickly built, water towards heaviness, water types benefit
236 ALTERNATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES—AUGUST 2001

A principal concept in Ayurveda is that of

internal hygiene, or preservation of a toxin-free physiology.

from eating lightly and getting plenty of of life. Thus, Ayurveda is not only a med- through these channels that information
exercise. Unfortunately, water types espe- ical approach to health—this approach and intelligen ce flo w spontaneo usly.
cially hav e an affinit y for heavy and can also be the foundation for achieving When the flow of appropriate nutrients
sweet foods, such as ice cream, breads, spiritual balance. and energie s through these channels is
and pasta. Kapha types also have a rela- A principal concept in Ayurveda is that unimpeded, there is health; when there is
tive aversion to physical exertion, prefer- of internal hygiene, or preservation of a excess, deficiency, or blockage in these
ring to relax and enjoy life. toxin-free physiology. This is because one chann els disease can take roo t. Some
of the earliest stages of disease involves shr otas have o bvious corr elates with
the obstruction of the body ’s various Western concepts (e.g., both Ayurveda
Panchakarma Chikitsa
channels (shrotas) by accumulated impuri- and allopathy recognize the anna vaha
The Ayurvedic tradition offers practical ties. shrota, or gastrointestinal channel, and the
and reliable knowledge about the preven- Shrotas, meaning channels or pores, are prana vaha shrota, or respiratory passage-
tion and treatment of disease, the mainte- present throughout the visible body as ways. Other shrotas have no Western cor-
nance of he alth, and the promotion of well as at the subtle level of the cellular, relate: for example, artava vaha shrota or
longevity. Ayurveda defines health not molecular, atomic, and subatomic strata. udaka vaha shrota, which carry, respective-
only in terms of a balanced physiology of It is through these channels that nutrients ly, the monthly menstrum and pure water
the physic al body but also as a state of and other substances are transported in in the body.
harmony and contentment in every aspect and out of the hu man bo dy. It is also Panchakarma is comprised of five thera-
pies that promote clean physiology. These
therapies are phy sical mani pulations,
such as massages, enemas, and other pro-
Characteristics of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha Types cedures described below, which corre-
spond to the body’s own natural
Vata type • Ambitious and focused in nature cleansing functions. Normally, the body
• Light, thin physique • Excellent speaker and leader can cleanse itself without assistance; how-
• Tends toward dry skin • Prefers cool foods and beverages ever these innate functions often become
• Moves and performs activities quickly • Average memory and speed of dysfunctional because of modern dietary,
• Aversion to cold temperature performing activities
environmental, and emotional stresses.
• Quick to grasp new information, also • Tendency towards reddish complexion,
Panchakarma therapies are designed to
quick to forget moles, and freckles
• Tendency toward worry and loosen and eliminate accumulated impu-
nervousness Kapha type rities in the shrotas to create a profound
• Can experience constipation • Large, heavier physique internal cleansing.
• Has light or interrupted sleep • Very muscular and broad These treatments are extremely enjoy-
• Has irregular eating times and habits • Tendency toward obesity ab le a nd ca n be d es cri be d as a c ro ss
• Talkative • Slow and methodical in activities between a spa treatment and a medical
• Enjoys being active but can tire easily • Slightly oily skin procedure—the re are aspects of both.
• Needs more time to learn, but retains Each indivi dual panchakarma sessi on
Pitta type well re q ui re s be t w e en 2 and 4 ho urs and
• Moderate physique • Difficult to irritate, excite, or agitate
patien ts ma y be advised to have two,
• Dislikes hot weather • Sleeps deeply and for long periods, if
• Experiences strong onset of hunger undisturbed four, eight, or more sessions depending
• Cannot miss meals • Eats relatively small amounts of food on the individual’s state of health.
• Tendency toward anger, irritability, • Calm and reliable personality The therapies are available in two set-
and impatience • Hair is thick, dark and abundant tings. One option is for patients to attend
a Panchakarma retrea t at an authentic
ALTERNATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES—AUGUST 2001 237

The removal of a small quantity of blood from a

patient may be valuable if there is toxicity in the blood.

A yurv edi c cen te r. The adv ant ag e o f • Snehana–Virechana (oleation–purga -

retrea t-based Panchakarma is that the tion)—Thi s tw o-part procedure
fo od is sp ecially p rep ared, yoga and involves an initial consumption of an
meditation sessions are provided, exer- oily or unctuous substance followed by
cise periods are indiv idualized, and a consumption of an herbal laxative. The
senio r vaidya (i.e., wise physician) is oleation step dissolves and mobilizes
always present for questions and sup - certain toxins in the body and promotes
port. The serene and peaceful surround- strength, a good complexion, efficient
i n g s re d u c e s t r e ss a n d p ro m o t e t h e digestion, and proper functioning of
positive emotional aspects of antitoxifi- the sense organs. The subsequent laxa-
cation. tive step eliminates the toxins loosened
The second option for receiving Pan- by the oleation and causes a maximal
chakarma treatments is to have patients dila tio n of the he patic , biliary, and
receive them on an outpatient basis in a other channels, thereby facilitating the
qualified physician’s fully equipped Pan- removal of lipid-soluble impurities.
chakarma office facility. The treatments a • Basti (herbalized enema ta)—Gentl e,
patient receives in an office are identical herbalized enemas cleanse the rectum Patient receiving a Shirodhara treatment in
one of the Institute’s treatment rooms. For
to those provided at a retreat center, with and lower colon and eliminate excess
t hi s t re a t m e n t , w a rm , he rb a l iz e d o i l is
the difference being that the patient can Vata dosha from the body. dripped over the “third eye” region of the
go home after each session. The patient • Raktam okshana (blo odletting) —The patient’s head.
simply returns the next day to receive the removal of a small quantity of blood
next treatment. Instructions are provided from a patient may be valuable if there
to patients about how to eat, exercise, and is toxicity in the blood. The procedure
rest during the treatment period. also stimulates p roduction of fresh sweat glands. This treatment also opti-
A description of seve ral of the more blood cells from the bone marrow. Tra- mizes the circulation and dissolves
common Panchakarma therapies follows ditionally, this was accomplished with impurities.
below: special jaluka, or leeches, but the con- • Shirodhara (pouring oil over the head)—
• Nasya (application of herbalized nasal temporary Ayurvedic practitioner uses This treatment entails the flow of a con-
medicines)—This refers to the applica- modern sterile techniques. tinuous stream of warm, herbalized oil
tion of specially herbalized nasal drops • Abhyanga (friction massage)—One or from an overhead vessel through a
to cl ean se t he s in use s and r em o v e more therapists, working in perfect uni- small aperture onto the forehead. This
impurities from the throat, facial, and son, massage a p atien t’s body with treatment is said to purify the
supraclavicular areas. warm, herbalized oils. This promotes mind–body, and relax the nervous sys-
• Vamana (controlled therapeutic eme- deep relaxation and gently stimulates tem profoundly. Individuals experience
sis)— Em et ic her bs may be used t o the marma points (areas of increased twilight st ates of consciousness
in duce thera peutic v omit in g o f the vital energy in the body, akin to Chi- between waking and dreaming. Most
stomach’s contents. Treatment is pre- nese acupuncture points) leading to a people find it very meditative and plea-
ce de d b y t he co n su m p t io n o f co o l state of mental balance and heightened surable.
water or specific teas to fill the stom- awareness. This is the renowned “syn- • Udvartna (external poultice applica-
ach. Thi s treat ment is excellent fo r chronized oil massage” of Ayurveda. tion)—This general term refers to thera-
treat ing all Kapha-t ype conditio ns • Swedana (foment ation therapy)—An pies in which herbal pastes (or muds)
including asthma, bronchitis, allergies, herbalized steam treatment promotes are applie d to all parts of the body.
depression, and many digestive prob- perspiration and elimination of toxins Patients are wrapped in warm blankets
lems. from the fatty tissues and nerves via the an d t h e p a s t e i s r e m o v e d w h e n i t
238 ALTERNATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES—AUGUST 2001

Normally the body has the natural ability to process

and eliminate toxins and products of metabolism efficiently.

becomes dry. This treatment exfoliates at the liver where it undergoes the two pro- ment was observed in 16 patients (80 per-
the skin, penetrates to the muscles and cesses of functionalization and conjugation. cent) and significant improvement was
fat tissues, and removes impurities. It is These processes convert the toxin from a o bserved in 4 patients. The patients’
useful for stimulating weight reduc- lipid-soluble to a water-soluble form, which serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transami-
tion. can be eliminated in the urine or feces. nase, serum glutamic pyruvic transami-
Additional specialized therapies are For these important processes to pro- na se, and biliru bin levels returne d to
administered when medically indicated. ceed effectively, many specific complex normal levels within 1 month. 3
Not all individuals will require all proce- enzymes are required in proper propor-
dures. t io n s and an m ust be i nv o lv ed in an
Picrorhiza kurroa (Royle x Benth)
orderly release sequence, including the
Family: Scrophulariaceae
mixed oxidase p-450 enzyme system. If
Herbal Medicines
the liver is properly nourished and in a This p eren ni al woody herb with its
Normally the body has the natural abili- clean state, the pesticide in the apple will grayish, irregularly curved roots has been
ty to process and elimin ate toxins and be eliminated from the body before it can used for centuries as a liver stimulant,
products of metabolism efficiently. If one is exert a neuro- or immunotoxic effect. The laxative, appetite stimulant, febrifuge,
careful about diet, stress management, and ancient vaidyas were not aware of these and treatment for bronchial asthma and
exercise Panchakarma alone can prevent details, but fully understood the impor- arthritic pain.
the bioaccumulation of toxins, maintain tance of the liver for maintaining health Recent studies have isolated a bitter
one’s vital energies, and prevent the occur- and avoiding premature mortality. glucosidal principle, kutkin, which has
rence of disease. However, many people Three herbal medic ines in particular demonstrated both protective and thera-
are prone to repeated dietary indiscretions, were, and still are, useful for maintaining peutic effects against diverse models of
poor exercise patterns, environm ental liver function: Andrographis paniculata, liver damage. The crude root extract has
stresses, and modern lifestyles that upset Picrorhiza kurroa, and Phyllanthus niruri. shown hepatoprotective activity against
the homeostasis of the body and result in carbon tetrachloride, paracetamol, galac-
accumulation of waste products. This situa- tosamine, and alcohol.4
The Andrographis paniculata (Nees)
tion may be beyond the point of repair by The powdered root given in divided
Family: Acanthaceae
Panchakarma therapies alone. This is when dosages of 4 g/day to 55 patients with
Ayurvedic herbal medicines can be useful. The ancient Ayurvedic medical texts documen ted infectious hepatitis for 6
There are myriad tissues and organs in describe the use of the leaves of this common weeks resulted in complete clinical resolu-
the human body that are important for and ubiquitous plant in the treatment of jaun- tion in 50 patients (91 percent), a satisfacto-
t h e r e mo v al o f t o x i n s: t h e li v e r, t h e dice and other liver ailments. The leaves and ry response in 3 patients, and no response
spleen, the kidneys, the lungs, the lym- leaf juice have also been used traditionally as in 2 patients. The conclusion was that P.
phatics, the intestine s, the skin, and the a remedy for flatulence, loss of appetite, chil- kurroa root powder appeared to be a useful
m uc o us me m b ra ne s , t o n am e a fe w . dren’s bowel complaints, dyspepsia, and agent in the treatment of jaundice for infec-
Ayurveda recognizes each of these and general debility. The hepatoprotective action tious hepatitis.5 This very–well-researched
p rescribes an array o f plant -d erived of A. paniculata and its active principle, herb is useful, not only in liver disease, but
medicines to assist them in their cleansing andrographolide, has been studied.1 also in promoting routine liver protection
functions. The liver is the major untoxifi- These studies show that the leaf water and immunocompetence.
er, thus, to conserve space, this paper cov- extract significantly redu ced expected
ers how to support the liver’s functioning. liver damage from carbon tetrachloride,
Phyllanthus niruri (Hook f.) Family:
T o a p p re ci at e t he im p o rt an ce o f t h e a known hepatic toxin. 2 Free-radical for-
Euphorbiaceae
liver’s role in purifying the body, consid- mation via microsomal lipid peroxida-
er the following modern example: tion was also shown to be reduced. The aerial parts of this plant have been
When one eats a (nonorganic) apple con- A leaf decoction of A. paniculata was found to contain lignans, which are known
taining a toxin, the chemical is absorbed studied in 20 patients with viral hepatitis. to modify the immune sys tem. 6,7 Fiv e
into the bloodstream and eventually arrives After 24 days, complete clinical improve- flavonoids with known antioxidant activity
ALTERNATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES—AUGUST 2001 239

The new explanation of the universe is, in a

word, more holistic than the old reductionist view.

have also been isolated, including quercitin, verse is, in a word, more holistic than the old References
quercitrin, isoquercitrin, astralgin, and rutin. reductionist view, which explained events in 1. G o v i n d a c h a r y a , T .R . , et . a l . C h e m i c a l
In what has now become a classic and terms of separate, unrelated components. i nve stig atio n of A. pa ni cula ta . Ind J Chem
much-quoted collaborative study at the In the same way, the medical paradigm 7:306, 1969.
Madr as Hospital For Child ren, Ind ia, shift that we are experiencing today repre- 2. Roy Chaudhuri, B., Podar, M.K. Hepato-
protective activity of Andrographis paniculata
and the Madras Governm ent Gene ra l sents a movement toward holism. The old
in CCl4 toxicity. IRCS Med Sci 12:6, 1984.
Hospital, India, physicians treated carri- medical paradigm viewed the human
3. Chaturvedi, G.N., et.al. A. paniculata in the
er s o f hep at it i s B w it h e x tra cts o f P . being as a machine, with separate systems,
treatment of infectious hepatitis in twenty
niruri for 30 days. 8 Three weeks after the organs, and tissues; that paradigm separat-
patient. Ancient Sci Life 2:208, 1983.
herb was discontinued fifty-nine percent ed mind and body into distinct categories.
4. Pandey, V.N., Chaturvedi, G.N. Effect of
of the patients seroconverted to noncar- The ne w p ara digm acknowledge s the different extracts of P. kurroa on experimen-
rier status, i.e. neither the virus itself nor mutual interdependence of the physical tally induced abnormalities in the liver. Ind J
antibodies to it could be found in their body, mind, emotions, and the environ- Med Res 57(3):503–512, 1969.
sera. ment in creating health and disease. 5. Chaturvedi, G.N., Singh, R.H. Treatment
Blumberg et al. found that the extract Ayurveda is not a static, cut-and-dried of jaundice in infectious hepatitis w ith
inhibited hepatitis B DNA polymerase and system of rules that apply to everyone in Picrorhiza kurroa. Curr Med Pract 9:451, 1965.
had a viral-agglutinating activity.9 Dixit all circumstances. Rather it is a system that 6 . Row , L .R ., S ri n i v as ul u, C ., S mi th , M. ,
and Achar observed that Phyllanthus niruri recognizes the paramount importance of Subba Rao, G.S.R. New lignans from Phyllan-
was effective for treating children with individual differences and characteristics. thus niruri. Tetrahedron Lett 24:1557, 1964.
infectious hepatitis without causing side- Ayurveda is a flexible, dynamic framework 7. Ajaneyulu, A.S., Jaganmohan, R.K., Row,
effects.10 that dep end s o n self-adjustment and L.R. Isolation and structural elucid ation of
idiosyncrasies of use. Within every individ- th re e n ew l i g n a ns f ro m P. ni ru ri l e a v es .
ual there will arise a particular interpreta- Tetrahedron 29:1291, 1973.
Conclusion 8 . T h ya g a r a ja n , S .P ., e t. a l . Tr ea tm en t of
tion of each prescription. No two people
We are in the midst of a global paradigm will perform an identical self-massage, or infect io us h ep atit is w it h P. n iru ri. Lan cet
shift in modern medicine. Quickly emerging prepare a spicy kichadi (an Ayurvedic rice 825:764–766, 1988.
into the center of this change is Ayurvedic and dal recipe), or exercise vigorously in 9. Blumberg, B.S., et al. Effects of an extract
medicine, a healing system that promotes quite the same way. In this sense, Ayurve- from Phyllanthus niruri on hepatitis B and
health, using natural nontoxic substances; da is much more of an art than a science. woodchuck hepatitis viruses: In vitro and in
places emphasis on detoxification therapies; Ayurv eda overcomes the tyranny of vivo studies. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA
and recognizes the important role of the Western redu ctionist medic al thought, 84:274–278, 1987.
10. Dixit, S.P., Achar, M.P. Phyllanthus niruri
mind and emotions. New paradigms emerge which breaks everything down into sepa-
and ja undice in c hild ren. J. N at Integ Med
because of the evolution of humanity’s rate parts for isolated analysis: mind and
Assn 25(8):269, 1983.
understanding of the world. The best exam- body; heart specialists, lung specialists, kid-
ple of paradigm shifts is in the field of mod- ney specialists, liver specialists, cancer spe-
ern phys ics. The classical Newt onia n cialists, woman’s health specialists, etc. In its
explanation of the world, which, for 200 place, Ayurveda presents a holistic and Scott Gerson, M.D., Ph.D., is the medical
director and founder of the National Insti-
years, was accepted as reality, has now been organic understanding of the human being
tute of Ayurvedic Medicine, Brewster, New
replaced by quantum mechanics, super- that emphasizes the interrelationship of all
York.
strings, and field theory. In the old paradigm, aspects of the body, mind, spirit, and envi-
every event had a definite cause and every ronmen t. This view of humankind can
action had an equal and opposite reaction. In unchain the true intellect and stimulate the To order reprints of this article, write to or call:
the new paradigm, we describe events as creative powers inhere nt in all of us— Karen Ballen, ALTERNAT IVE & CO MPLE-
possibilities instead of as certainties and we practitioners and patients—by connecting MENTARY THERAPIES, Mary Ann Liebert,
recognize now the interconnectedness of all us to the healing power of nature within Inc., 2 Madison Avenue, Larchmont, NY 10538-
phenomena. The new explanation of the uni- and around us. 1961, (914) 834-3100.