Ayurveda, originating in India and over 5000 years old, is often positioned as an “alternative” medicine system – as a different option to modern medicine. But can a rich, natural system of healing interact with modern medicine to make both these approaches stronger?

A combined approach using modern medicine and traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda is often called an “integrated” or “complementary” – it acknowledges the strengths of Ayurveda and modern medicine and combines the treatment to the benefit of the patient.

A perfect balance…

As a manner of collaborative patient care, a holistic treatment plan is often to the benefit of the patient. For example, lifestyle and dietary changes prescribed by Ayurveda are often used to support patients undergoing modern medical treatment. Chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity, hypertension, etc. can be treated with modern medicine to a life-saving degree, but the severity of the symptoms of chronic conditions can be drastically reduced through Ayurvedic treatments.

Prevention, then cure

In Ayurveda, prevention is a core component of patient health. Preventative healthcare and taking steps to maintain good health through dietary changes, lifestyle changes, and herbal supplements make this one of the most sustainable medicinal systems available in modern times. This particularly benefits modern medicine because it allows for early detection and prevention of diseases. A healthier lifestyle, a stable mental state, and a focus on overall wellness make modern treatment, when necessary, more effective.

Long-term relief for chronic conditions

Ayurveda is particularly beneficial in managing chronic health conditions. With modern medicine, symptomatic treatment and pharmaceutical interventions are key – while Ayurveda looks at the root cause of chronic illnesses and improves overall quality of life for patients suffering from chronic conditions.

Personalisation – a growing modern concept

Modern medicine is seeing a significantly growing interest in personalisation – a core tenet of Ayurveda as well. We can see this in tailored supplements and individualised packs of modern medication, available online across the world. This has always been core to Ayurveda – never ignoring the individual’s treatment. Modern medicine is growing in precision, and Ayurveda is a specialist in precision of treatment.

Stress management

Both in Ayurveda and in modern medicine, preventing the severe effects of stress brought about by modern lifestyles is critical. Including Ayurvedic practices for stress relief and herbal supplements for ongoing stress support reduces the severity of intervention and the intensity of treatment required when modern medicine is used. This leads to better patient treatment, more successful patient recovery, and overall enhanced well-being of the patient.

When it comes to an integrated approach, it is always imperative to disclose all treatments, supplements, and medication to your healthcare providers – but combining Ayurveda with modern medicine is a sustainable, effective way to tackle chronic diseases and reduce the effects of stress-related conditions for the modern indivudual.