Among the Indian systems of thought, it is Ayurveda that openly recognizes reasoning as an independent and important instrument of knowledge (known as pramana). This naturally marks a point of departure from the primitive mentality of reliance on magic and signifies the dawn of what may be called the “scientific” spirit. The methods of Ayurveda are interesting: observation (pratyaksha) examination (pariksha), inference based on reason (yukti), discussion with colleagues (sambhasha), formulation of hypotheses (pratijna) and diagnosis (nidana). There is a special value assigned to advice from a competent authority (aptopadesha).
While Ayurveda may be classified as “alternative medicine” we recognize it as the original medicine, which ushered in the scientific method – long before lab tests and microscopes.
Reason is the foundation of the knowledge and guides our practice of healthcare – the Roots of Wellness way.
