Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on why ayurveda needs modern validation
As conversations around integrative healthcare grow louder, spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar opens up about the role of traditional systems in today's healthcare landscape, emphasising the need to keep an open mind and a more holistic view of health.He recalled his early efforts in bringing ancient and modern medicinal systems together."In 1980, I brought ayurvedic and allopathic doctors onto one platform to examine ayurveda through the lens of modern science," said Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in an interview with Sneha Mordani.advertisement
He narrated how ayurvedic doctors praised turmeric for its 'vayosthapan' or anti-ageing properties, while their allopathic counterparts dismissed it as mere pigment without nutritional value."Decades later, we know turmeric has anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing benefits, backed by extensive scientific research. This is a clear example of why we shouldn't reject something just because it's old or blindly accept something because it's new," he said.The spiritual leader cited another instance: the demonisation of butter."For years, people believed butter was bad for heart health. An entire generation gave it up, and now TIME magazine says butter is good again. This shows how science evolves. We must not be fanatical. We must keep an open mind," he said.He added that alternative medicine like ayurveda need to modernise, through documentation and research.advertisement'Alternative medicine needs scientific validation. That's what we're doing in our ashram, conducting research so ayurveda can be presented in a globally acceptable, evidence-based format,' he said.He lauded the Indian government for institutionalising traditional medicine through the Ministry of Ayush.'Ayurveda is now being standardised and appreciated worldwide. It's no longer just ancient wisdom, it's emerging as a recognised system, thanks to proper channels and policy support," Gurudev said.His appealed not to choose one form of medicine over another, but to integrate the best of both.The founder of the Art of Living Foundation said in the midst of a hustle culture, one should understand to enjoy life and spend time in nature."Spend some time gardening, listening to music. People with left-brain-dominant jobs, like accountants, must balance this with right-brain activities. Appreciate flowers. Reflect on your true nature. Who are you?' he said, underlining that wellness is not just physical, it's also emotional and spiritual.
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