More than a Wellness Trend : Why Ayurveda Is Gaining Global Popularity

Historical Origins and Philosophical Background

The Ayurvedic science of medicine is a part of a complete system of knowledge from the early Indian subcontinent. Ayurveda is a part of the 'Vedas'. Vedas are the collection of ancient religious texts and auxiliary sciences that are the foundation of Indian civilisation. They are the oldest layer of Sanskrit literature. 

Among these are the textbooks of the science of medicine, which all together comprise the knowledge of Ayurveda.

The development of this science has led to the discovery of different methods for validating medicines and interventions. Here, clinical outcomes are analysed rigorously, and treatment protocols are generated based on rationale, retrospective, prospective , and cross-sectional observation. 

The best outcome of this ancient knowledge, that still stands tall, is the personalised approach to treatment. Even though hundreds of treatment principles for different health conditions are mentioned in the traditional textbooks of Ayurveda, the advice given at the end to the experts who learn the subject is that - you must always understand the patient as a whole and then treat.

The overall philosophy of treatment is as follows;

"Darshana sparshana prashna pareeksheta cha roginam"

This means you must not skip any of the steps - Inspection, examination and history taking - while looking for a diagnosis.

And these steps involve everything from local examination of the health condition to enquiring about the overall well-being of an individual, including whole body physical and mental health.

These teachings of in-depth knowledge were passed down through generations, evolving a sophisticated system of integrated medicine that focuses on natural healing, preventive care, and balance of mind and body, along with an understanding of the technology in modern medical science.

Philosophical Foundation: Prakriti and Three Doshas

At the core of Ayurveda is the concept of Prakriti. This is something that makes Ayurveda a personalised healthcare system. 

As per Ayurveda, a person is born with distinct characteristics which are different from each individual on the earth, but also can be categorised into some groups. These characters determine their physical,mental and emotional characteristics.

This constitution is shaped by the balance of three bioenergies in the body - Vata, Pitta and kapha.

To know how to understand the concept of Prakriti or Body type, don't skip this article on Ayurvedic Prakriti Analysis.

The practice of Ayurveda is not just about treating the symptoms that are seen in front of your eyes, but cultivating a way of life that will balance your inner energy and foster self-awareness.

Differentiation from Modern Medicine and Wellness Trends

If you ask how this personalisation (prakriti) differs from personalised prescription and surgical techniques in modern medicine and wellness trends, the answer is - in a lot of ways!

• Understanding the energy levels and unique constitution is the first step of this differentiation. Without knowing how your body changes in response to the dosha balance in your body, it is hard to understand why a health condition takes root inside.
• Ayurveda is a medical science that tries to point out what health conditions you are prone to, even before your symptoms occur. This particular trick is called the understanding of "Shat Kriya Kala" by Ayurveda experts. Shat Kriya Kala is the six stages of disease formation, where the first stage is seen as a symptom of mere dosha imbalance.

For example - the first symptom of you being prone to haemorrhoids in future can be loss of appetite. This symptom is further related to your body type, diet and lifestyle, depending on which the outcome can be different. Such a prediction cannot be even found out using the tools of microbiology or radiology. That is why knowledge of Ayurveda is essential for the prevention of disease.

• Additionally, once the disease or symptoms have manifested in your body, the treatment protocol does not start with prescribing pills. The focus is on finding the balance within using diet, lifestyle and mind therapies. This is different from modern wellness principles where pharmaceutical drugs and surgical interventions are considered as the first and best resort. WHile highly effective ein acute emergency care, this symptom-focused approach may overlook the underlying causes of chronic conditions.
• The approach of Ayurveda to health is rooted in sustainability and long-term well-being rather than adopting quick fixes, fad diets, extreme detoxes and supplement-heavy regimens. 

"These wellness trends may provide temporary relief but definitely do not address the deeper imbalances", says Dr Naveen Chandran, Chief Medical Officer at Nirva.

Why is Ayurveda Becoming Popular?

In recent years, we have seen a significant trend shift towards natural and holistic healing. From influencers to celebrities to healthcare professionals, everyone keeps pressing the statement that letting your body heal naturally is the best way of taking care of your overall well being. 

Some of the major reasons for the recent popularity of ayurvedic science may be because of the;

• Growing side effects from pharmaceutical drugs and invasive treatments.
• Recognition by the WHO and acceptance of integration into global healthcare opened the way to scientific research in Ayurveda.
• Integration of mental wellness and spiritual health into the global wellness movement. This popularised parts of Ayurveda such as yoga and meditation.
• Awareness of modern food products with a lot of chemicals and processing that stand as the root cause of many health conditions.

Now that with enough research back-up, Ayurveda has become a one-stop option of holistic healthcare, it resonates with the needs of the modern world.

Benefits of Ayurveda Beyond Physical Health

"It is proposed that the personalised lifestyle habits of Ayurveda also utilise epigenetic mechanisms to create greater balance and adaptability in the physiology."

- Neuro Adaptability and Habit: Modern Medicine and Ayurveda, PubMed

Unlike what conventional medical science aims to do which aims to cure a person of their health condition or give relief of their ongoing symptoms, Ayurvedic medical science goes with unique approaches that focus on mind and body simultaneously.

1. Mental Clarity: Cognitive Function and Mental Well-Being

While taking care of your physical health, one major part that ayurvedic treatment protocols take care of is that you are also healing from your mind. Ayurveda gives you a unique blend of approaching mental clarity and cognitive function through tailored dietary recommendations, herbal supplements, and practices like yoga and meditation.  Ayurveda aims to nourish your mind as much as your body. 

Ayurvedic daily routines for your lifestyle promote habits that reduce stress and enhance mental focus, like waking early, practising mindfulness and engaging in calming rituals like abhyanga (self-massage). 

Read more about how to practise Ayurveda and yoga for mental health - Finding Balance Within: Ayurveda and Yoga for Mental Health is the Key.

2. Emotional Balance: Cultivating Resilience and Inner Calm

The impact of emotions on overall health cannot be pushed back in today's era. With an increased level of stress from lifestyle, career and other factors, taking charge of each others' emotions has taken a back seat. This has led to an increased occurrence of many health conditions, especially the autoimmune ones. 

Ayurveda deeply recognises the impact of emotions on overall health. Ayurvedic routines such as consistent meal times, regular sleep, and calming evening rituals help regulate the body's natural rhythms which help in creating a stable emotional foundation. Practices like yoga and breathing meditation puts your emotions in balance by reducing stress hormones.

3. Spiritual Growth: Deepening Self-Awareness and Mindfulness

One of the most important parts of Ayurvedic medicine is prioritising spiritual health and self-awareness, which goes beyond the physical self.

Ayurveda's first step towards health is to create harmony from within and with the environment around us. By encouraging mindful living and understanding your body and mind type, you can find your needs with inner wisdom.

The focus on understanding Prakriti helps you honour your uniqueness, cultivating a deeper connection with yourself.

With all this in depth knowledge out there, if you are wondering how to get hands on it then you are in the right place! Nirva can be your master stroke to self-care.

Need more reasons to learn ayurveda? Read - Why Everyone Should Learn Ayurveda - and find your path to a holistic healthcare goal.

How Nirva Can Help You Learn Ayurveda?

Nirva is a team of registered ayurvedic experts from India who gained knowledge of this traditional Indian medical science from 10+ years of learning and practising.

By joining them, you will be able to get;

• Hands-on knowledge by learning directly from the Ayurvedic masters.
• Personalised guidance and tailored advice are based on your prakriti and doshas.
• Practical knowledge of integrating Ayurveda into your daily life.

So why wait? Join Nirva Academy now to be your own health coach and also help your loved ones - in the most natural way!

Final Takeaway!

The growing popularity of Ayurveda is a testament to the rising demand for natural healing. The recognition of its effectiveness by the WHO and its integration into modern wellness practice is a way of knowing that a natural cure is the best option for your health.

Nirva makes Ayurveda accessible to everyone through virtual hands-on courses led by experts to take control of your health.

Start this journey of your well-being with Ayurveda.