Ayurvedic medicine, with its holistic and natural approach to health and well-being, offers valuable insights and solutions to address many modern problems. This Indian medicine system is over 5000 years old – but how is it still with us and relevant to the issues that crop up in modern life? We’ve delved into the ways Ayurvedic medicine is still relevant for modern lifestyle issues and diseases.

Stress Management

If you’re not stressed, you are probably not alive in 2023. From financial pressure to constantly evolving work ways, this decade is placing people under new pressure all the time. Ayurveda has always emphasized the importance of mental well-being and offers various relaxation and stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation, yoga, and Pranayama (breathing exercises), as well as herbal ingredients that combat the effects of oxidative stress and lowers cortisol levels, the hormone secreted by the body when it is stressed. All of these revered practices are now more useful than ever for modern stress management.

Digestive Health

Gluten intolerance, IBS, and an array of digestive issues are more prevalent than ever. Ayurveda places significant importance on proper digestion and offers dietary guidelines and mindful eating practices. Herbal remedies like triphala are commonly used to support healthy digestion.

Weight Management

No fad diets or extreme weight loss methods, please! Instead, Ayurveda focuses on maintaining a balanced metabolism through proper nutrition and exercise tailored to an individual. Ayurvedic dietary recommendations consider factors like body type, season, and age, and sustainable weight management at different phases of life.

Sleep Disorders

Insomnia and sleep disturbances are also widespread, prevalent issues in modern life. Ayurveda advocates for a regular sleep schedule and relaxation techniques to improve sleep quality. Herbal remedies, such as Ashwagandha and Brahmi, can help calm the mind and promote restful sleep and recovery.

Immune Support

Post-pandemic health and immunity remains a major concern across the globe. Ayurveda utilises herbs like tulsi, turmeric, and amla, which are known for their immune-enhancing properties. These natural remedies have been shown to strengthen the body’s defense mechanisms.

Lifestyle Diseases

Diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease are rampant, fueled by high stress lifestyles of course. Add to that poor sleeping and irregular eating habits, and it becomes clear why modern lifestyle diseases are multiplying. This is where Ayurveda shines – stress-reduction techniques, promoting a balanced diet that fits into your lifestyle, and detoxification herbs and practices make it more relevant than ever.

Mental Health

The global diagnoses of new anxiety disorders increased by over 50% in 1990-2019. In the decade of 2011 – 2022, global suicide rates increased by more than 15%. Ayurveda considers the mind and emotions as part of health – this means Ayurveda emphasises therapies with calming effects and herbs that alleviate mental stress.

Skin and Hair Care

Aloe vera, coconut oil, and natural treatments like neem are not new to the world of haircare and skincare – and Ayurveda played a large role in bringing that about. Ayurvedic facial (skin) and hair treatments are rapidly rising in popularity with the attraction to natural products. As a bonus, using natural hair and skincare products is also kinder to the environment making it even more relevant to mindful consumers.

Detoxification

In Ayurveda, it is believed that regular detoxification prevents chronic diseases. Ayurveda prescribes practices like Panchakarma – a series of cleansing therapies – to reset the body’s natural balance.

Environmental Sustainability

One of the ways in which Ayurveda is making itself extremely relevant to modern life is its ancient focus on an eco-friendly lifestyle. Ayurvedic herbal remedies have a much lower environmental impact than synthetic drugs and thus align perfectly with the consumer who wishes to reduce their use of synthetics and harmful chemicals. Typically, Ayurvedic products also consider the environment when producing their packaging and supply chains.