The Rising Popularity of Ayurveda: Exploring Ancient Wisdom for Modern Wellness
Ayurveda: meaning and popularity
“Ayurveda” is a Sanskrit word that translates to “Ayur,” which means life, and “Veda,” which means knowledge or science. In the Indian subcontinent, Ayurveda is considered of great value as it is connected to cultural and historical roots. It is an alternate medicine system that is highly practised in India and Nepal. India has a rich heritage and traditional knowledge, especially of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homeopathy. Over the past few years, Ayurveda has observed tremendous growth. One of the benefits of Ayurveda is that it works great without any side effects.
As Ayurveda has grown, its growth is because of many factors. To begin with, conventional medicines have a lot of drawbacks and side effects, due to which people explore this alternate approach. Furthermore, it focuses on personalised healthcare wellbeing and holistic well-being, which aligns well with the increasing demand for an integrated health approach. In addition, globalisation and advancements in technology have made ayurvedic knowledge accessible to everyone. It is assumed that the market for ayurvedic medicines will significantly grow in India in the coming years.
Ayurveda connection with history and modern wellness:
The human body is made of four fundamental components: “Dosha,” which is body type; “Dhatu,” which is tissue; “Mala,” which is waste products; and “Agni,” which is digestive. The balance of these components is very important for maintaining health and preventing and treating disease and illness. Ayurvedic medicines are made of medicinal herbs, spices, and plants to treat various illnesses and disorders. Common herbs like aloe vera, turmeric, tulsi, pepper, cardamom, and ginger are the best herbs believed to have potent healing properties.
Every plant and herb has a unique characteristic that can help treat various illnesses and disorders. This is why the use of medicinal herbs is crucial in ayurvedic medicine. In today’s world, ayurveda is increasingly being recognized, especially for managing lifestyle illnesses and mental health. Ayurveda is based on the connection between the body, mind, and spirit. The balancing of three life forces, or doshas, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, which can be achieved through a personalised diet, herbal remedies, yoga, and meditation, lies at the core of Ayurveda.
Science about the effectiveness of Ayurvedic medicine:
Some of the well-designed clinical trials and systematic research reviews have suggested that the Ayurvedic approach is effective. These studies include:
- A 2013 clinical trial compared two plant extract ayurvedic formulations against the natural product glucosamine sulphate and the drug celecoxib in 440 people with knee osteoarthritis. Similar results and reductions in pain were provided by all four.
- A small NCCIH-funded 2011 pilot study that included 43 people concluded that rheumatoid arthritis treatment with ayurvedic and conventional medicines provided similarly effective results. The conventional drug tested was methotrexate, and the ayurvedic treatment consisted of 40 herbal compounds.
- Results from a small, short-term clinical trial that consisted of 89 men and women suggested that a formulation of five ayurvedic herbs may be able to help people with type 2 diabetes. However, other researchers were of the opinion that, due to insufficient business designs, researchers were not able to draw firm conclusions about Ayurveda for diabetes.
- Turmeric, an herb often used in ayurvedic preparations, may be helpful in treating ulcerative colitis, but the two studies-one published in 2005, which included 10 people, and the other published in 2006, which included 89 people were small studies.
Ayurveda in and outside the Indian Subcontinent:
- In a report, it was found that approximately 80% of people use Ayurveda exclusively or combined with conventional medicines.
- In 1970, the Indian Medical Central Council Act, whose objective was to standardise practitioners of Ayurveda and provide accredited institutions for its study and research, was passed by the Parliament of India.
- Ayurveda is a traditional medicine system that was developed during the mediaeval period and can be compared with pre-modern Chinese and European medicine systems.
- In the 1960s, Ayurveda began to be advertised as an alternative to conventional medicine in the western world.
- In 2016, Switzerland introduced a federalized diploma in Ayurveda.
Ayurveda and various illnesses:
- For lifestyle and stress reduction: Ayurveda offers seasonal regimens (Ritucharya), daily regimens (Dincharya), detoxifications (Panchkarma), and rejuvenation (Rasayana) therapies.
- For heart diseases: In Ayurveda, the heart is viewed as a vital organ that circulates the life force (Prana) and nourishes the entire body.
- For hypertension and diabetes: To address hypertension and diabetes, Ayurveda offers a natural and inclusive approach.
To conclude, Ayurveda not only cures illnesses and diseases; it also helps prevent multiple mental and physical health problems. It uses herbs and natural ingredients, due to which it doesn’t have any drawbacks or side effects.