Ayush admin | Nov 24, 2020 | 410
Role of Ayurveda in Sports Medicine
SPORTS MEDICINE:
What is Sports Medicine?
Although, there is no universal definition of Sports Medicine; Sports medicine is that branch of medicine which clearly delineates itself from traditional medical specialties. Sports medicine can incorporate a range of specialties, which include Cardiology, Pulmonology, Orthopaedic surgery, Psychiatry, Biomechanics and Traumatology.
Role of Ayurveda in Sports Medicine : Sports injuries are that which happen due to over exertion when playing a particular sport or exercising. It could even result from accidents, poor training practices and use of unscientific and improper gear. Not warming up before you play or exercise can also lead to injuries. The most common sports injuries are:
- Sprains
- Knee injuries
- Achilles Tendon
- Dislocation and Fractures
There are enormous possibilities in Ayurveda to provide relief to athletes from injuries. As a matter of fact, Kerala Government has worked out a scheme to explore the potential and effectiveness of Ayurveda and other indigenous healing systems as Sports medicine.
Major sporting nations such as China, Japan and Latin American countries have made huge strides in applying indigenous medical systems in the field of sports. Ayurveda infact was used to treat sports related injuries and has a long tradition of application native medical systems.
Exponents of Kalaripayatu were also experts in treating injuries and healing wounds, physical disorders by applying preparations made of medicinal plants, medicated oil and herbs. Ayurveda for off season and for early recuperation. There are a lot of rejuvenative treatment modalities undergone by sportsperson during off season to maintain their fitness and prepare for the season ahead. This could prepare him to efficiently handle the physical and mental stress involved in different sports.
Ayurveda prescribes certain rules to athletes to gain competitive edge in Sports:
- Prakruti (Constitution of Body): The constitution of the body plays a major part in influencing the physical fitness and performance.
- Sara: Sara means essence. Depending upon the dominance of the Dhatus; individuals are divided into Tvak, Sara, Rakta, Mamsa Sara, Medo Sara, Ashti Sara, Majja Sara, Shukra Sara and Satva Sara. Among these Dhatus, sports persons who are high on Asthi Sara and Shukra Sara excel in sports.
Sportspersons can also nourish these dhatus by consuming foods. Adequate replenishment can be taken to increase their fitness levels. The Sports Ayurveda Unit of the Indian Systems of Medicine Department in Kannur organized Drona – 2015 a two day workshop for doctors, trainers, physical education teachers and students to promote the efficiency of Ayurvedic sports medicine.
The workshop highlighted the role of Ayurveda in the brilliant performance by Kerala Women Basketball team, which went to win the gold medal at the National games. Unlike other forms of medicine – which uses artificially stimulating drugs; Ayurveda treats most injuries without invasive surgical procedures and has proven to be highly effective for the treatment of injuries to soft tissues such as ligaments, tendons and meniscus.
A study has revealed that 30% of Indian population are engaged in various sports. About 60% of sportsmen sustain various injuries on the field. More than 30% of the above are rendered unfit to pursue their career due to Injury aggravation, improper medication and unscientific rehabilitation.
Using Ayurveda form of medicine for treatment of sports related injuries is known to be highly effective. Condition of the body and mind by practicing Ayurvedic life style which includes meditation, yoga, dietary and seasonal regimens has already proven its excellence in enhancing the potential outcome.
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