Evidence and Scope of Statistics in Ayurveda

Abstract

Statistics is a form of applied mathematics, in general sense statistics refers to the information we get from data. Data or numbers are all around us and if we make the data mean something it becomes more useful to us. Statistical methods and analysis are often used to communicate research findings and to support hypotheses and give credibility to research methodology and conclusions. Ayurveda, a medical science developed in India as other various ancient sciences based on the simple concept of hetu, linga and oushadha. Various methods like observing the nature, behaviour of animal and similarities in feature where observed, data was collected and conformation of their health benefits are the evidence where statistics was part as a tool to develop this science competent to compete with the modern world challenges. Statistics can be applied and this has a wide scope in many Ayurvedic research works such as in literary research, clinical research, pharmacological research, observational study, survey study etc. Standardization of the variables or charts for assessing concepts like Dosha, Dhatu, Prakruti, Agni, Ama, Bala etc. will help Ayurvedic scholars to get accurate results and hence global acceptance of Ayurveda as an authentic science. Use of modern statistical tools and theories will revalidate the earlier observations.