Ayurveda Not Just Cures But Saves People: Dr. Ashok Pareek

Dr. Ashok Kumar Pareek has just arrived as an Ayurveda practitioner after passing his B.A.M.S. from Rajasthan. He works as Ayurveda medical officer at Pipaliya Kalan Government Primary Health Centre (PHC). He is committed to bringing health and wellness to his patients through Ayurveda treatment. A keen learner and scholar, Dr. Pareek believes that continuous hard work and the pursuit of knowledge go hand-in-hand and he keeps talking to experts and seniors to enrich his insights and experience in his day-to-day practice. His energy and enthusiasm as a young doctor is an exemplary motivation for all the students who want to understand and propagate Ayurveda as the best medical system in the entire world. Read our interview with Dr. Ashok Kumar Pareek:

Please tell us about your educational background and professional qualifications.

I did my SSC in 2005 and HSC in 2007 from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Jodhpur, Rajasthan. I completed my B.A.M.S. from Punjab Ayurvedic Medical College, Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan in 2015.

Dr. Pareek, why did you choose Ayurvedic practices?

I like Ayurveda and its concepts. It teaches us how to find the root cause of any disease and treat it accordingly. Practicing Ayurveda instills some sort of tranquility and harmony in my mind. For patients, Ayurveda not only cures but saves people. It doesn't incur side effects, overt expenses such as in the western medicine treatment, etc.

What is your experience when it comes to treating patients? Do they trust the treatment?

The patients having pulled out all the stops in vain come finally to Ayurveda thinking it is their last ray of hope. They have been desperate to find a remedy and expect us to cure them completely. At times, they lose the patience and stop taking any treatment. It is my responsibility as an Ayurveda Doctor and their only glimmer of hope to convince them by explaining how Ayurveda treatment works and why it is so effective. If you have the confidence, yes, the patient trusts the Ayurvedic treatment.

Any challenge that you face as a practitioner?

There are some important challenges that I’d like to highlight:

• Shortage of medicines prepared precisely according to Ayurveda postulates
• Low-quality medicines manufactured by many pharma companies
• Haste in the patients to get cured immediately
• Patients not following Pathya-Apathya (What to eat/what not to eat) advice properly

Any out of an ordinary situation that you have faced while treating a patient?

Sometimes I face some difficulty wherein the illness seems complex. In such a case, I recommend the patient to see senior Ayurveda Doctors at the National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, or Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Rajasthan Ayurved University, Jodhpur.

How effective is traditional medicine as a cure in your experience?

Traditional medicine is highly effective, however, accurate diagnosis of causative factors (Purna Nidaan) and correct Aushadhi Yog (Medicinal Combinations) is critical for proper treatment. This is rare among Ayur-Vaidyas in today’s times. I am committed to addressing this challenge and I hope that Nirogstreet will do something concrete in this direction too.

Definitely, Dr. Pareek. Do you think Nirogstreet is making a difference by striving to connect Ayurveda Doctors as well as students together by building a dedicated technology-led knowledge platform?

What Nirogstreet is trying to do, the sheer scale and scope of it are incredible and unimaginable. The platform is proving to be a well-organized knowledge center for all the newcomers and young Ayurveda practitioners like us. With its information resources and technology tools, it will act as a remarkable stepping stone in accelerating and enhancing our career as Ayurveda experts. I already saw a trailer of its significance and future role on 24-25 February at the Delhi CME Program.

What do you think of Ayurveda’s future and its role in integrated medicine?

The future of Ayurveda is definitely bright because there are Vaidyas who have been working Blood, Sweat, and Tears after learning Ayurveda to its very depth. Such Ayurveda experts are always willing to teach and share their experiences and wisdom with other practitioners.

Apart from this, I think there is major improvement needed at the curriculum level for Ayurveda students. About Ayush and integrated medicine, while people are bothered by the collateral cost of taking Allopathic treatment, the many side effects, the natural medicine system of Ayush can be a great boon for everyone.

Any hobbies or activities you engage in, outside your professional life?

In my leisure time, I watch podcasts and videos related to Ayurveda or read Articles on Sanatan Dharma since Ayurveda has evolved from it only. I also like to watch cricket.

What message would you like to convey to the people on Wellbeing?

I’d like to suggest, as I suggest my patients, some best practices as per Ayurveda, such as:

• Follow Dinacharya, such as waking up before sunrise, Something which miraculously improves the bowel movement.
• Do not drink water immediately after meals.
• Drink 2-3 glasses of water immediately after waking up.

Stay healthy and well by simply following the Natural and Harmonious Ayurvedic Lifestyle. 

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