E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Integrated Approach

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2025 Volume 10 Number 1 JANUARY
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

An Integrated Approach in the Present Era: Scope & Applications

Raina S1*, Navya2
DOI:10.21760/jaims.10.1.20

1* Sumit Raina, Senior Research Fellow, Regional Ayurveda Research Institute, Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, Ministry of AYUSH Govt of India Rajinder Nagar Bantalab, Jammu, J and K UT, India.

2 Navya, BAMS Intern, Government Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital Akhnoor, Jammu, J and K UT, India.

In the contemporary healthcare landscape, the integration of Ayurvedic and modern medicine represents a promising approach to enhance patient outcomes and address complex medical challenges. This paper explores the scope and applications of combining these two systems, emphasizing their complementary strengths. Ayurvedic medicine, with its holistic perspective and natural remedies, offers preventive and personalized care rooted in centuries of empirical practice. Modern medicine, characterized by advanced technology and evidence-based interventions, provides critical diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities. By examining current research, we illustrate how integrative practices can improve the management of chronic diseases, enhance patient quality of life, and promote sustainable healthcare solutions. Furthermore, the paper discusses the potential for collaborative research, education, and policy-making to support the harmonization of these medical systems. Our findings underscore the need for an open, interdisciplinary approach to healthcare that respects and utilizes the diverse strengths of both Ayurvedic and modern medical traditions.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Integration, EBM, Holistic health

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Sumit Raina, Senior Research Fellow, , Regional Ayurveda Research Institute Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences Ministry of AYUSH Govt of India Rajinder Nagar Bantalab, Jammu, J and K Ut, India.
Email: 		Raina S, Navya, An Integrated Approach in the Present Era: Scope & Applications. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2025;10(1):151-154.
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https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/3784

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2024-12-05 2024-12-16 2024-12-25 2025-01-09 2025-01-22
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
None Nil Not required 12.52

© 2025by Raina S, Navyaand Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

J Ayu Int Med Sci 2025;10(1)151
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Sumit R et al. An Integrated Approach in the Present Era

Introduction

Healthcare is evolving rapidly, with increasing emphasis on integrative medicine that blends traditional practices with modern scientific advances. Ayurveda, a holistic system of medicine based in ancient India, offers comprehensive approaches to get health and wellness from. Modern medicine with its technological advances and evidence-based approaches has made great strides in the treatment of acute and chronic conditions. The integrative approach seeks to align these two paradigms, creating a unified health care system that leverages the strengths of both.

Review of Literature

Historical context and philosophical foundations

Ayurveda is over 5,000 years old is based on the principles of balancing the Doshas of the body (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and encouraging harmony of body, mind and spirit. It includes preventive care, medication for everyone and natural remedies. Modern medicine, or allopathy, developed primarily in the last century, focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases using medicine, surgery, and advanced medical technology. The philosophical foundations of Ayurveda prioritize a holistic approach to health considering the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of the individual.

Based on scientific research and empirical evidence, modern medicine seeks to understand and manipulate biological processes to treat specific diseases. Integrative approach attempts to integrate these philosophies by applying accurate modern medical research and effective treatments along with personalized Ayurvedic preventative care.

Places of integration and solidarity

1. Chronic Disease Management

Chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis pose significant challenges due to multiple complex factors. Ayurveda, which emphasizes lifestyle changes, dietary interventions, and natural therapies, can be a solution to modern pharmacotherapy, and can reduce side effects and increase overall effectiveness. One such study by Sharma R. et al. reveals that Ayurveda intervention, i.e., Mamajjaka Churna (1g),

Amalaki Churna (3g) and Guduchi Churna (3g) two times/day effectively controls blood sugar level in pre‑diabetic and type 2 diabetic patients and improves the disease management with lifestyle modification and Yogasana as well as with allopathic treatment.[1]

2. Treatment of Cancer

Integrative oncology is a growing field that uses Ayurvedic principles alongside traditional cancer treatments. Ayurvedic herbs such as ashwagandha and turmeric, known for their anti-inflammatory and immune boosting properties, are being studied for their ability to reduce side effects of chemotherapy and promote healing effects. This holistic approach supports the body’s natural healing processes and can help manage the emotional and physical stress associated with cancer. Classical approach of Panchkarma, Rasayana, Satwavjay Chikitsa helps in relieving signs and symptoms as well as side effects of chemotherapy and Radiotherapy. It helps to increase the life span of individual and improves quality of life.[2]

3. Mental Health

Mental health problems such as anxiety, depression and stress are areas where the mind-body approach to Ayurveda can be particularly beneficial. The concept of Satvavajaya Chikitsa, Achar Rasayana and techniques such as Yoga, meditation and Pranayama (breathing exercises) are increasingly recognized as effective in improving mental well-being.

These practices can be integrated into modern mental health treatments to provide a comprehensive approach to mental health care. When we integrate the contemporary art of psychotherapy with the ancient science of Ayurveda, it becomes a powerful combination that is called Psycho Veda. The integration of Psycho and Veda is motivated by the complete integration of the immense but fairly contemporary view of the mind, emotions and psyche and how this performs in our lives.[3]

4. Preventive and Public Health

Ayurveda is the greatest choice for achieving the goal of personal health along with public health.[4] Preventive medicine is a cornerstone of Ayurveda, focusing on balancing and preventing disease through lifestyle and dietary choices.


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This is consistent with contemporary public health policies that encourage preventive care to reduce the incidence of lifestyle diseases. Ayurvedic principles can inform modern preventive measures and promote a proactive approach to health care.

5. Geriatric Care

It must be remembered that complete health care to the elderly is possible only by comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach.[5] Ayurvedic modalities and lifestyle practices can be used to improve the quality of life of the elderly by focussing on maintaining balance and vitality. As Ayurveda emphasizes individualised care, the lifestyle practices tailored to the unique needs of older adults can be recommended for overall wellness.

Key treatments include Rasayana Therapy, which aims to rejuvenate body and mind, slow aging process and improve immunity. Ayurvedic practices like Abhyanga (therapeutic oil massage), meditation and Yoga also address common geriatric issues like joint pain, cognitive decline and digestive problems. Ayurveda can play a significant role in geriatric care and ensure healthy and dignified aging process.

Evidence-based research and integration

Integrating Ayurveda with modern medicine requires rigorous scientific research to validate traditional practices, ensuring their safety and efficacy. Collaborative research efforts are needed to address knowledge gaps and build evidence for combination therapies. The study of Ayurvedic herbs, their pharmacological properties and clinical outcomes is essential to gain acceptance among a broader medical community. The integrative approach faces many challenges, including regulatory barriers, differences in educational and training models, and skepticism from traditional and contemporary physicians.

A standardized plan of establishment for the integrative treatment and ensuring the quality and integrity of Ayurvedic products are important steps towards wider acceptance. Future directions for integrative medicine include the establishment of comprehensive educational programs that train health professionals in Ayurvedic and modern medical principles, Interdisciplinary collaboration and continued research are needed to provide that this integrative model has evolved, ultimately leading to holistic and patient-centred health care.

Discussion

The integration Ayurvedic principles into modern healthcare pose both opportunities and challenges. Ayurveda has gained a lot of interest in recent years, as there is growing demand for natural and complimentary therapies that address the root causes of diseases rather than merely managing symptoms. One of the most promising applications of Ayurveda in present era is it’s potential in preventive healthcare. With lifestyle disorders becoming increasingly prevalent, Ayurvedic approach with tailored advices based on person’s unique constitution (prakriti), day-to-day routine and diet aligns with contemporary trends towards precision medicine. In the context of public health, Ayurveda offers valuable framework for community-based health interventions. In resource-limited settings, Ayurveda can prove beneficial with focus on prevention, lifestyle modification, and use of locally available resources, making it a practical and cost-effective option in public health challenges.

However, the primary concern is the need for scientific validation of Ayurvedic practices and treatments. While there is growing evidence in support of Ayurvedic interventions, more high-quality clinical trials and pharmacological studies are needed to establish their safety and effectiveness conclusively. Furthermore, the collaboration between Ayurvedic and modern scientists could facilitate the development of standardized practices and ensure that the Ayurvedic products meet the required safety and efficacy standards. As the research evolves and practices become more refined and standardized, Ayurveda is likely to play an increasingly important role in global health with complementing and enhancing the effectiveness of conventional medical practices.

Conclusion

In the present era, the integrative approach holds great promise for improving healthcare by combining the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda with the rigor of modern medical science. The integrative care can play a pivotal role in management of chronic diseases, oncology, mental well-being, preventive health and geriatric care. This holistic model can deliver effective, personalized and preventive healthcare solutions that address today’s complex healthcare challenges.


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As research continues and collaborations deepen, the integration of Ayurveda with modern medicine is poised to transform the future of healthcare, providing a more balanced and comprehensive approach to health and wellness.

References

1. Sharma R, Shahi VK, Khanduri S, Goyal A, Chaudhary S, Rana RK, et al. Effect of Ayurveda intervention, lifestyle modification and Yoga in prediabetic and type 2 diabetes under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS)–AYUSH integration project. AYU. 2019;40:8-15. [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

2. Rathod SS, Mishra BR, Mishra AB. Ayurveda for Cancer therapy - A Review. J Ayurveda Integr Med Sci. 2023;5:193-6. doi:10.21760/jaims.8.5.32 [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

3. Behere PB, Das A, Yadav R, Behere AP. Ayurvedic concepts related to psychotherapy. Indian J Psychiatry. 2013;55:310-4. [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

4. Alisha, Singh NR, Jitendra V. Role of Ayurveda in Public Health: Compass and Challenges. J Ayu Herb Med. 2019;5(1):28-30. [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

5. Amit et al. Geriatrics: A Ray of Hope Through Ayurveda. World J Pharm Res. 2014;3(9):335-51. [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

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