Ayurveda may not align with the framework of modern scientific medicine, but its emphasis on holistic health and harmony with nature makes it resonate with people seeking sustainable well-being options
Ayurveda has been practised in India for a long time—more than 3,000 years. In that time, it’s been influenced by several branches of medical systems; saw a decline during India’s colonial era; then experienced a revival after the country’s independence. Today, it has gone mainstream and is endorsed by Hollywood celebs like Jennifer Aniston and Julia Roberts.
It’s been quite a journey for this ancient medicine system, but through it all, it has remained unchanged in its core philosophy: the need for a balanced lifestyle. That’s why an increasing number of people, who seek alternatives to Western medicine, are still drawn to Ayurveda.
So, to meet the needs of modern times, many practitioners of Ayurveda are reimagining this ancient philosophy’s wisdom by blending the time-tested principles with contemporary practices. This revitalisation is not merely a trend but a movement that reflects a growing awareness of holistic well-being.
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Ayurveda for everyone
Dried herbs and flowers in wooden bowls—all used in Ayurvedic remedies (Photo: Getty Images)
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Tatler finds out out how Ayurveda can be incorporated into contemporary daily lifestyle through a conversation with Dr Ramkumar Kutty, a renowned expert in this field, who visited Hong Kong to speak about the benefits of Ayurveda as part of the India by the Bay festival in November 2024.
“The practice of Ayurveda is easy to include in our daily lives,” he says. “In fact, most of us do it knowingly or unknowingly.”
At the core of Ayurveda is the idea of moderation, he adds. “Ayurveda says ‘no’ to nothing. No element is universally good or bad, but overconsumption or overexposure to certain elements can be personally good or bad for your health. So, anyone who is eating healthy, sleeping well, overcoming stress and cleansing the body through regular bowel movement, perspiration and exercise is already practising Ayurveda. It’s as simple as that.”
But how does one sustain this moderation in the long run? To provide one with the tools necessary for long-term self-care, many experts—Dr Kutty included—have set up Ayurvedic healing communities, wellness retreats and more where people can not only go for a short-term detox but also take the learnings and apply them to lifelong practices.
