It is true that many objects and compounds now found in our environment did not exist in 4000 BC. This does not mean that the principles of Ayurveda are redundant and cannot be applied to modern life. In fact, the ancient wisdom and guidance of Ayurvedic practitioners can prove more valuable when we are confronted with a constantly evolving environment on earth. It just requires an appreciation of the basic and universal concepts, in order to see how everything around us is still governed by the fundamental theories the ancient sages understood so well. This can help us evaluate everything around us and determine the beneficial and adverse impact they have on our mind and body. Alcohol is one such substance that has caused so much sickness in the modern world due to excessive consumption.

Ayurvedic practice recognizes the use of alcohol only for medicinal, not recreational or social purposes. It is a highly valuable substance when used therapeutically, and was originally obtained from naturally fermenting plant sources. Ayurvedic medicine actually uses over eighty different types of herbal wines to treat specific diseases and conditions. But this is in very small quantities of no more than a couple of tablespoons twice per day after meals.

We already know that alcohol causes disease and distress, but perhaps you can think about it in the context of the four points mentioned above. Humans have taken a naturally occurring drug and overdosed on it. Is it natural to consume alcohol in quantities that creates numerous physical and psychological side effects, such as loss of memory, dehydration, vomiting and ultimately complete unconsciousness (or "black outs") in the short term?

Does it allow all your organs to function according to their proper role? The kidneys and liver cannot cope with its processing and elimination. Does it enhance the appreciation and operation of all of your senses? You may have heard the slurred speech of someone who is drunk, or noticed their lack of coordination, coherence, appetite or alertness. Or you may have experienced enough intoxicated evenings and hangovers the next morning to already know exactly what I am talking about! Again, if alcohol consumption cannot be eliminated from lifestyles and diet, it should at least be moderated for the benefit of health.

You may now be able to see clearly how Ayurveda works in the modern world just as validly as it did five thousand years ago. You can consider any other example and apply the principles above to see what an Ayurvedic perspective on it would be. Processed, packaged and frozen foods, genetically modified foods and carbonated beverages are other revealing examples. This approach will become useful in guiding you in your daily life, or when deciding whether to replace something natural with an artificial source.

• Does it naturally occur in this form in my environment?
• How does it effect the relevant organ and its functions?
• Does it aggravate or stimulate my senses or soothe them?
• Is my intake or association with this substance excessive or too limited?
• Does using this substance pollute my body or my environment?

Ayurvedic medical theory and science, although ancient, has enduring relevance and wisdom for human beings in any age. It has been used to treat millions of people worldwide over centuries, and will continue to offer insight well into the 21st Century - that is-, if we choose to appreciate the core messages that the original practioners chose to impart for our benefit.

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