Table of Contents
1. Introduction to a comparative study of alternative therapies at the level of action
1. Introduction to a comparative study of alternative therapies at the level of action
Here we compare the maximum possible depth of action of each of the therapies. The therapies have been arranged in an ascending order of depth of action. Each subsequent therapy acts at all the previous levels in addition to the action mentioned against it. This means that Allopathy acts only on the physical body, Yunani medicine on the physical body as well as on the energy flow in the physical body and so on. Thus Ayurveda acts on the physical body, the subtle body as well at an even more subtle level, i.e. at the level of the spaces between the organs and cells. The deeper the level of action, the more comprehensive and effective is the therapy. Below is a diagrammatic representation of what we are comprised of and the relationship between the physical and subtle body.
2. Allopathy
This therapy acts at the level of the physical body. This means that
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At a preventive or curative level, Allopathy is directed at the cause of the illness limited to the physical body. Hence psychosomatic illnesses that have an associated cause deeper than the physical body, e.g. in the mind, like Heart disease and Stomach ulcers cannot be comprehensively and completely cured by Allopathy.
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As the therapy is directed at the physical body that is the grossest of all our bodies, it does not cure the effect of the illness on the subtler bodies like the mind. This is because action directed at a gross body cannot cure the illness in the bodies more subtle than it. However action directed at a subtle body can influence the bodies grosser than it.
3. Yunani (Unani) medicine
This therapy in addition to acting on the physical body also acts on the energy flow in the physical body. The energy referred to here is the gross or physical metabolic energy in the body. Thus Yunani (Unani) medicine acts at a deeper level than Allopathy.
4. Accupressure
This therapy is directed at the Chetanaa in the energy flow in the physical body. Chetanaa is that aspect of the Divine Consciousness that governs the functioning of the body and mind. As Acupressure acts at a level beyond gross energy, its action is even deeper than that of Yunani (Unani) medicine. However to be able to actually deliver the therapy at the Chetanaa level the therapist needs to be highly skilled, experienced and doing the procedure with utmost concentration.
5. Mudras
This therapy acts by activating the energy flow in a certain part of the body or a set of body organs depending on where the mudra is directed. For example if one is having stomach ache and the mudra is directed at the point of pain, then the energy flow in the stomach will be activated. However if the mudra is directed at the Manipur chakra, then the energy flow in the organs related to this chakra, i.e. the entire alimentary system (oesophagus, stomach, small and large intestine) as well as the excretory system (kidneys, ureters, bladder) is activated. Yunani (Unani) medicine also acts at the level of energy flow in the body; however Mudra therapy is placed higher because the same effect is achieved without using any medicines.
6. Homeopathy
This therapy acts on the physical body along with the energy flow as well as the subtle body.
7. Ayurveda
This ancient therapy acts on all the aforementioned levels as well as at an even deeper and subtler level, i.e. at the level of spaces between organs and cells.
