Beyond wellness: Why the world is turning to Ayurveda
This ancient method of self-massage allows him to cope with stress. These aren't individual choices; they are part of a quiet revolution.
Ayurveda
's journey to the mainstream parallels what happened with Yoga a few decades ago, and is gaining a healthy foothold on its terms. It is no longer regarded as folklore, but an evidence-supported and credible way to adopt holistic health choices, bringing balance into our lives.
There were days when people in the West considered yoga to be quirky stretching practices.
Far from being just a 5,000-year-old tradition, Ayurveda's focus on prevention and natural healing is being widely adopted by those who prioritise prevention and want to heal naturally.
Not just faith, Ayurveda is fact-based
Unlike earlier, Ayurveda is now gaining recognition as a research-based practice. It is being supported by science. The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) in India has now proven the beneficial results of Ayurveda in treating diabetes, arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.
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Scientific studies and trials highlight the role of Ashwagandha in reducing stress, Triphala's benefits for improving digestion and Rasayana treatments for enhancing the body's immune function.
Commonality between Ayurveda and Yoga
Historically, Ayurveda and Yoga always had a deep-rooted connection. Today, yoga is integrated into daily routines by multiple people across the world. Its effectiveness as a clinical tool for health intervention shows that yoga is now seen as a fact-based practice in clinical settings.
Similarly, Ayurveda too has traversed from being a mere traditional health system to being recognized in the world of medicine.
For example, yoga teaches Ayurvedic principles of dinacharya and shuddhi kriyas (cleansing processes), while Ayurveda integrates yoga into "vihara" (regimen) for holistic wellness of the mind, body, and spirit.
What happens when you combine integrative prevention with tradition
In the wake of rising chronic diseases and healthcare expenditures, Ayurveda's prevalence has only increased.
This particularly reflects the leadership of India in providing holistic and functional healthcare. As reported by Invest India, the global Ayurvedic market is projected to reach $14.62 billion by 2026. Unlike in the past, contemporary seekers of wellness do not wish to resort to quick-fix solutions.
Instead, they now demand a more personalized approach. For instance, it has been found that when patients consume herbs and Ayurvedic diets during their medical treatment, the healing is fast, as well as natural.
This integrative model is already showing progress in some countries. For example, our hospital in Ernakulam Kerala, specialises in blending advanced diagnostics with classical treatments. Similarly, Germany-based Evangelical Hospital adopts Ayurveda alongside Western medicine and has effectively treated patients with Parkinson's diseases and multiple sclerosis.
In addition, scientific studies have demonstrated that Ayurveda provides a cost-effective approach to managing chronic ailments.
Integrated care comparative studies, including a study published in the International Journal for Research Trends and Innovation (IJRTI), across a cohort of 847 patients with chronic ailments, showed a 38% overall reduction in treatment costs with therapeutic benefits intact.
With the rise of healthcare costs, Ayurveda is gaining global attention not just for its clinical efficacy, but its economic advantage in building sustainable, long-term healthcare systems.
The road ahead
Ayurveda is more than a wellness trend. Just like yoga, Ayurveda is also transcending borders, thanks to its cultural significance and modern evidence. Even as the world continues to seek long-term health solutions, there is a need to establish a more equal and balanced healthcare system. I strongly feel Ayurveda is here to stay. Going forward, it will drive the new shift towards sustainable and preventive healthcare.
Authored by: Dr. A.V. Anoop - Managing Director, Sanjeevanam Ayurveda Hospital (AVA Group)
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