An Introduction to BAMS Philosophies and Methods

Introduction

Ayurveda is one of the oldest medical philosophies in the world, originating in India more than 5000 years ago. It is based on the principle of balance between the body, mind, and spirit, and uses natural remedies, diet, lifestyle, and yoga to prevent and treat diseases.

In today’s post-covid, pre-financial crash era, people seem to have realized that modern medicine is not the final answer and that many illnesses can be mitigated by wellness systems like Ayurveda. It is for this reason that our government, through the AYUSH Ministry, has launched BAMS – a degree that trains students in the ancient system of holistic healing known as Ayurveda.

In this blog post, we will explore some of the philosophies and methods that are taught in a typical BAMS course, and how they can benefit your health and well-being. Read on to find out more about this course in Ayurvedic medicine.

All About BAMS

A BAMS program is typically a five-and-a-half-year program that consists of four-and-a-half years of academic study and one year of compulsory internship in a BAMS course duration. The curriculum of this course covers both Ayurvedic and modern medical subjects, such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, surgery, obstetrics, and gynecology, as well as Sanskrit, history of Ayurveda, principles of Ayurveda, diagnostics, therapeutics, and preventive medicine.

The aim of a BAMS program is to produce competent and qualified Ayurvedic practitioners who can integrate the best of both systems and provide holistic care to patients. BAMS graduates can work as doctors, teachers, researchers, or consultants in various fields related to health and wellness.

To get more insight into BAMS course details, take a look at the table below.

Underlying Principles In Ayurveda and BAMS

One of the fundamental concepts in Ayurveda and the BAMS program at Mansarovar Ayurvedic Medical College Bhopal is that every individual has a unique constitution or Prakriti. This is determined by the combination of three bio-energies or doshas: vata (air and space), pitta (fire and water), and kapha (earth and water). These doshas govern all the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of a person, and their balance or imbalance determines the state of health or disease.

Another key concept is that everything in nature is composed of five elements or Panchamahabhutas:

• Akasha (space)
• Vayu (air)
• Agni (fire)
• Jala (water), and
• Prithvi (earth)

These elements are present in different proportions in different substances, organs, and tissues, and influence their functions and interactions.

Ayurveda and BAMS also recognize that health is not just the absence of disease, but a state of harmony between the individual and the environment. Therefore, factors such as diet, lifestyle, seasons, climate, emotions, and relationships also play a vital role in maintaining or disturbing the balance of doshas and elements.

Ayurvedic Methods Taught in BAMS

BAMS courses teach various methods of diagnosis and treatment based on Ayurvedic principles. Some of these methods are:

• Nadi Pariksha: This is a pulse diagnosis technique that involves feeling the pulse at different points on the wrist to assess the condition of the doshas and organs.
• Prakriti Pariksha: This is a constitution analysis technique that involves observing the physical features, behavior, preferences, and tendencies of a person to determine their prakriti or dominant dosha.
• Ashtavidha Pariksha: This is an eight-fold examination technique that involves checking eight aspects of a person: nadi (pulse), mutra (urine), mala (stool), jihva (tongue), shabda (voice), sparsha (touch), druk (vision) and akruti (appearance).
• Panchakarma: This is a detoxification and rejuvenation therapy that involves five procedures: vamana (emesis), virechana (purgation), basti (enema), nasya (nasal administration), and raktamokshana (bloodletting). These procedures aim to eliminate toxins from the body and restore the balance of doshas.
• Shodhana: This is a purification therapy that involves cleansing the body channels or srotas through various methods such as snehana (oleation), swedana (sudation), lekhana (scraping), etc.
• Shamana: This is a palliative therapy that involves alleviating symptoms through medicines, diet, and lifestyle modifications.
• Rasayana: This is a rejuvenation therapy that involves enhancing immunity, vitality, and longevity through herbal formulations, dietary supplements, etc.
• Vajikarana: This is an aphrodisiac therapy that involves improving sexual health and performance through medicines, diet, etc

Career Scope with BAMS

Before applying to a BAMS program, one needs to have a clear idea of what their future career might look like. Will they get a return on investment on the considerable BAMS fees structure?

A graduate with a BAMS degree, can practice medicine as a doctor, or employment in various other industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, f&b manufacturing, nutritional supplements, education, hospital management, wellness tourism, and many more.

A graduate from an ayurvedic college in Bhopal may also study further and either get an MD (Doctor of Medicine) or an MS (Master of Surgery) degree to increase their knowledge and career scope. Ph.D. degrees in Ayurveda are available too for those who want to go into research.

Here are some common jobs that BAMS graduates often end up doing.

Conclusion

BAMS is a comprehensive course that teaches students how to apply the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda to modern health challenges. By learning the philosophies and methods that are taught in a BAMS course, students can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and others, as well as how to promote holistic wellness for themselves and their patients.

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