Ayurvedic medicine is based
on a Hindu approach to both the body and life in general. Its reliance
upon Hinduism, an occultic religion, is what makes it attractive to many
New Age therapists. Ayurvedic medicine allegedly originated through
revelations from the Hindu gods. Its concern is not merely physical
health, but also maintaining mental and spiritual health as defined by
Hinduism. Thus, Ayurvedic medicine is a spiritual method (the
development of spiritual life according to Hindu beliefs) which
incorporates physical concerns.
Ayurvedic medicine is not
based upon traditional anatomy, but rather the spiritual (occult)
anatomy of Hinduism (e.g., chakras). Because the ancient Indian
physicians were also metaphysicians and because Hinduism teaches that
the body is created out of consciousness, the medicine of Hinduism is a
"medicine" of consciousness. Thus, looking at the "anatomical" charts of
Ayurvedic medicine, one does not see the typical organs pictured in
Gray’s Anatomy, but rather a diagram of where the mind’s
consciousness is flowing as it "creates" the body. It is this alleged
"psychic flow" that Ayurvedic medicine attempts to treat. This is why
the Ayurvedic doctor does not merely treat the body, but also the more
important mind/spirit.
Because each physical symptom
is allegedly under the regulation of consciousness and/or the psychic
energy flow known as prana, the goal is to modify the
consciousness to cure the disease. In essence then, Ayurvedic medicine
is the application of the occultic philosophy and practice of Hinduism
(e.g., Brahman realization through yoga meditation) to medical practice.
Dr. Deepak Chopra is the
founding president of the American Association of Ayurvedic Medicine.
His Quantum Healing: Exploring the Frontiers of Mind/Body Medicine,
along with Chandrashekhar G. Thakkur’s Ayurveda: The Indian Art
and Science of Medicine, and Baba Haridas and Dharma Sara
Satsang’s Ayurveda: The Yoga of Health clearly demonstrate the
metaphysical and occultic nature of Ayruvedic medicine.
Thus, whatever else he
practices, the Ayurvedic doctor practices an occultic religion which
requires that his patients make an inner journey into the depths of
Hinduism.
