Feature
Traditional Medicine
Is ayurveda the key to universal healthcare in India?
BMJ 2015; 350 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.h2879 (Published 28 May 2015) Cite this as: BMJ 2015;350:h2879- Neena Bhandari , journalist, Sydney
Many Indians, including Prime Minister Narendra
Modi, think that integrating the ancient medical system of ayurveda with
allopathic medicine is the key to providing universal healthcare,
perhaps because practitioners of traditional medicine remain the primary
healthcare providers for millions of people in South East Asia,
especially in rural areas.
Ayurveda is one of the world’s
oldest medical systems. “Ayur” means “life” and “veda” means
“knowledge” in Sanskrit. It is based on the concept that each person’s
body (prakriti) comprises three doshas or bodily humours (vata, pitta,
and kapha) and that disease results from their imbalance. However, there
is no conclusive scientific evidence to support the literal existence
of doshas. Ayurvedic practitioners prescribe individualised preventive
and curative interventions, such as herbal formulations, diet, massage,
exercise, yoga, and lifestyle recommendations.1
Medical pluralism has existed for generations in
India. Allopathic medicine has made great strides in acute conditions,
infection, and surgical interventions, but treatment options are limited
for the growing epidemic of non-communicable and lifestyle related
diseases. Some practitioners say that ayurveda can help.
The World Health Organization has launched its Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014-23.2
It aims to support member states to develop policies and to strengthen
the role of traditional medicine in keeping populations healthy.
