Ayurveda in the West.
The Ayurvedic way of assessing the patient fully allows practitioners to not only treat diseases but also prevent them. The traditional approach to medicine is often criticised for being reactive because it only treats the person once is already sick. This massive gap in the medical system often leads to chronic illnesses that could have been prevented with a more proactive approach, such as Ayurveda. This approach is particularly relevant in Western societies, where lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease are rising (NHS, 2023).
In the UK, for example, the NHS (National Health System) is struggling to cope with the growing number of patients with chronic illnesses. According to the NHS, in 2019, over 80% of deaths in England were due to chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, cancer, and respiratory disease (NHS, 2023). The NHS is under immense pressure to provide care for these patients, and many people are seeking alternative healthcare approaches that offer a more promising solution by focusing on prevention, for example. By focusing on lifestyle and diet changes, Ayurveda can help to reduce the need for expensive medical treatments and hospitalisations. This can ultimately lead to cost savings for public health systems and better patient health outcomes. Therefore, including other medical systems can reduce the burden on traditional public health systems.
Many new studies demonstrate the efficacy of ayurvedic medicines in managing diseases such as COVID-19, AIDS and Diabetes. A study by Sharma et al. (2021) reviewed the potential use of Ayurvedic treatments for COVID-19, including herbal remedies such as Ashwagandha, Giloy, and Turmeric. The authors suggest that these remedies may have immunomodulatory effects and can potentially reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms.
Another study by Kumar et al. (2013) investigated the efficacy of an Ayurvedic herbal formulation (Arogyavardhini Vati) in improving CD4 counts and viral load in patients with HIV/AIDS. The results showed significant improvement in both CD4 counts and viral load after treatment with the herbal formulation, suggesting a potential role for Ayurvedic treatments in managing HIV/AIDS.
A review article by Akhtar et al. (2016) explored the potential use of Ayurvedic treatments for diabetes, including herbal remedies, dietary modifications, and lifestyle changes. The authors found that some Ayurvedic treatments, such as bitter gourd and Gymnema Sylvestre, may have hypoglycemic effects and can help improve glycemic control in patients with diabetes. This only confirms the potential of this system of medicine in the Western world. However, as Manohar et al. (2015) explained, integrating Ayurveda into mainstream healthcare is hindered by a lack of awareness and understanding of the system among healthcare professionals and policymakers.
Greater public awareness about Ayurveda achieved through media campaigns, community outreach programmes, public seminars, and workshops may be an essential step to enable the advancement of Ayurvedic medicine in the West.
In conclusion, Ayurveda offers a unique and valuable approach to healthcare that emphasises balance and harmony in all aspects of life. While there is a need for greater awareness and education about Ayurveda in the West, the benefits of this ancient medical system are becoming increasingly recognised and integrated into modern healthcare. As we continue to face the challenges of chronic disease and the overuse of pharmaceutical drugs, Ayurveda offers a promising and sustainable approach to health, treating the root causes of illness and preventing further imbalances.