Traditional Medicines Spotlight: Ayurveda

Stay informed about traditional medicine practices, like Ayurveda. They’ve been around for thousands of years – providers need to know how to best counsel patients utilizing these therapies along with Western medicine.

Ayurveda means “science of life.” It originated in India and utilizes diet, herbs, exercise, meditation, yoga, and bodywork to achieve optimal health at all levels: physical, psychological, and spiritual. Its practitioners believe disease occurs when there is imbalance in the three bodily "humors" (doshas) that regulate bodily function. Specific combinations of herbs and other remedies may be used to treat illness and re-establish balance. 

Evidence of benefit for Ayurveda relates to the specific therapies used. For example, yoga and Shirodhara, a technique that involves pouring different liquids over the forehead to heal various conditions, have been studied independently for specific uses. Some studies have also evaluated their use in combination with other Ayurvedic remedies such as herbal mixtures. Review the evidence based on specific use cases to best evaluate whether they may be beneficial for certain patients.

Potential safety concerns of Ayurveda will relate to whatever remedy is prescribed, and whether that remedy may delay the use of more proven therapies. But keep in mind that there are known quality concerns with Ayurvedic herbal products – including contamination with prescription medications and high concentrations of heavy metals. Advise patients to be cautious about where they source their herbal products and to seek out those with quality certifications. And as always, keep an eye out for potential interactions with medications.

Check out our Ayurveda monograph to learn more.