On analysis, it is revealed that this is due to a lack of scientific validation by modern standards. Modern medicine relies on large-scale randomised controlled trials, peer-reviewed research, and measurable biological mechanisms. It is claimed that Ayurveda, although rich in traditional knowledge, lacks widespread scientific studies that meet current global medical standards. Many Ayurvedic treatments have not been rigorously tested in ways accepted by regulatory bodies such as the FDA or WHO.
Modern drugs are highly standardised—each pill contains the same chemical formulation. Ayurvedic medicines often vary in preparation, dosage, and ingredients, hence making them hard to test, regulate, and trust in clinical settings, it is claimed.
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine that originated in India 5,000 years ago. Ayurveda comes from Sanskrit: Ayur means life and Veda is knowledge. Ayurveda is the knowledge of life. It is a holistic approach to health that focuses on balancing mind, body, and spirit using diet, herbal treatments, yoga, meditation, and lifestyle practices. It is based on the concept of three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, which govern the physiological and psychological functions in the body.
Ayurvedic medicine is a traditional Indian practice that focuses on balance between the mind, body, and spirit. When these areas are properly balanced, the body can naturally self-heal. The primary goal of this practice is to promote good health, rather than fighting disease. That said, it is also sought out for particular health issues like psoriasis, bloating, and tinnitus.
The original Sanskrit texts on Ayurveda break it down into eight unique areas:
- Kāyachikitsā: general medicine
- Kaumāra-bhṛtya: paediatrics
- Śalyatantra: surgery
- Śhālākyatantra: ears, nose, and throat (ENT)
- Bhūtavidyā: spiritual possession
- Agadatantra/Vishagara-vairodh Tantra: toxicology
- Rasāyantantra: rejuvenation
- Vājīkaraṇatantra: sexual energy and treatment
Ayurvedic medicine involves the use of a variety of substances and techniques, including herbal medicines, yoga, prescribed diets, and massage. It is used by around 80% of people living in India and Nepal.
Ayurvedic practices such as meditation, massage, acupuncture, and certain herbal medicines have many science-backed health benefits. They are used to treat a variety of conditions and disorders, in addition to promoting overall health and well-being. Other practices like dietary recommendations and panchakarma are lacking in research, but may still provide health benefits through the placebo effect.
Ayurveda is believed to have come directly from the Hindu god Brahma, who gave it to Dhanvantari—the “physician of the gods”—sometime in the 2nd millennium BCE. Combining this information with the philosophical teachings of Vaisheshika and the logical teachings of Nyaya, the god-given concepts were laid out in the Atharvaveda text and later extended in the medical treatises Caraka-samhita and Sushruta-samhita. These are now core texts for Ayurvedic practice.
According to Ayurvedic philosophy, everyone is born with a particular constitution called prakriti, which determines their physical and psychological characteristics. This is influenced by various internal and external factors like day and night, the seasons, and lifestyle choices, which Ayurveda attempts to balance to achieve good health.
Prakriti contains three doshas—energies that have a specific impact on your body. These doshas are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, and they each relate to particular elements of the earth:
- Vata = air and space. Vata is related to muscle and joint movement, heartbeat, and breathing. It also controls fear, pain, anxiety, and other nervous system functions.
- Pitta = mainly fire. Pitta is related to bodily functions like digestion, metabolism, and intelligence. It also governs jealousy, anger, and hate.
- Kapha = earth and water. Kapha is related to the physical structure of the body, and the immune system. It also governs love, forgiveness, calm, and greed.
It is founded on the core principles of balance, individualisation, preventive care, and natural healing. Health is seen as a state of balance between body, mind, and environment. Treatments are tailored to a person’s unique constitution (prakriti). It follows the time-honoured dictum: prevention is better than cure. Emphasis is on maintaining health rather than only treating disease. It also extensively uses herbs, oils, and natural therapies to support healing.
Modern medicine is backed by universities, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and governments worldwide. Ayurveda is mostly confined to India, through institutions like the Ministry of AYUSH. During colonial rule, Ayurveda was systematically sidelined in favour of Western medicine. Post-colonial global health systems were built around the biomedical model, not traditional ones. Ayurveda did not receive the international expansion and institutionalisation that Western medicine did.
Modern medicine benefits from massive pharmaceutical investment enabling drug development, research, clinical trials, marketing, and political lobbying. Ayurveda has a long way to go—it lacks the global industrial infrastructure and reach, especially outside India. Like Big Pharma, you need “Big Ayurveda” to give it a fillip and a boost.
Ayurveda promotes daily routines (dinacharya) and seasonal regimes (ritucharya) that support overall well-being. It could be a valuable tool in managing lifestyle-related conditions like diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. Some herbs and formulations have shown promise in conditions like arthritis, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), asthma, and mental health issues. Examples are Ashwagandha for stress/anxiety, turmeric for inflammation, and Triphala for digestion. Ayurvedic techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises (pranayama), and specific herbs can support emotional resilience and reduce stress.
Ayurveda’s focus on individual constitution aligns with modern trends in personalised healthcare and genomics. There is growing interest in integrating Ayurvedic practices with modern medicine for a more comprehensive, patient-centred approach.
In the West, Ayurveda is often categorised alongside complementary or wellness practices like aromatherapy or herbal supplements. This perception limits its use in mainstream healthcare, even when treatments may be effective.
However, the future augurs well for Ayurveda. Wellness tourism and spas using Ayurvedic principles are booming. Digital health platforms offer Ayurvedic consultations and health tracking. Research collaborations are increasing between Ayurvedic and biomedical institutions, and there is tremendous potential for developing plant-based medicines and nutraceuticals from Ayurvedic formulations.
India can promote medical tourism in a big way.
India is known as the birthplace of Ayurveda and offers numerous Ayurvedic centres, hospitals, and resorts for treatment and wellness. Some of the leading centres include Dhanvantari Hospital in Coimbatore, Kairali Ayurvedic Healing Village, Somatheertham Ayurveda Resort, Soukya Holistic Health Centre, and Arya Vaidya Shala. These centres offer various Ayurvedic treatments, including Panchakarma, detox therapies, and yoga retreats.
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🌿#Ayurveda, India's holistic healing system, faces modern scepticism due to lack of scientific validation. 🧪 While some practices show benefits, standardisation & global acceptance remain challenges. 💊 Potential grows in wellness tourism. #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/EKMvgEPgSu
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