According to World Health Organization statistics, 74 percent of global deaths are caused by non-communicable diseases. High blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, cancer, heart attacks, respiratory problems, mental health issues, and other non-communicable diseases are among the major high-risk ailments. The primary causes of non-communicable diseases are disordered lifestyles and unhealthy dietary habits.
The Importance of Ayurveda in Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
From the very beginning of Ayurveda’s development, measures that can be taken for health promotion and protection, along with dietary behaviors, have been described.
Charaka Samhita is considered one of the most ancient texts of Ayurveda. The Charaka Samhita clearly mentions under the purpose of Ayurveda that it aims to protect the health of healthy individuals and treat the diseases of sick individuals. The Ayurvedic texts describe various methods and measures that must be followed to remain healthy.
Charaka Samhita’s Approach to Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
The daily activities that must be followed regularly to maintain health are abundantly described in the major Ayurvedic texts. These activities are described under daily regimens (Dinacharya). Since human and environmental qualities, strength, and capabilities vary in different seasons, detailed descriptions of seasonal dietary behaviors, activities to avoid, and foods not to consume are found under seasonal regimens (Ritucharya). The discussion of seasonal transitions (Ritusandhi) addresses the incompatible diseases that occur during seasonal changes and methods to reduce their effects.
Under the three pillars (Trayo Upastambha), detailed descriptions of diet (Ahara), sleep (Nidra), and celibacy (Brahmacharya) are found. The types of diet, methods of food intake, types of grains, methods of grain storage, the favorable effects of proper food on health are mentioned, along with descriptions of contaminated food and the adverse effects such foods can have on health, which are abundantly found in Ayurvedic texts. Following these dietary regulations can help avoid the risk of non-communicable diseases that can affect humans through unhealthy food and dietary practices.
Detailed descriptions of sleep timing, methods of inducing sleep, causes of insufficient sleep, and causes of excessive sleep are found in Ayurveda. Seasonal sleep timing and place descriptions are also provided. Sleep is considered a major pillar for mental and physical rest. Proper observance of sleep and celibacy is said to be necessary for mental, social, and spiritual health promotion. The Ayurveda-compliant practice of behavioral therapies (Achar Rasayana), good conduct (Sadbritta), yoga, pranayama, meditation, concentration (Dharana), and asanas can prove to be a blessing for mental, social, and spiritual health protection, promotion, and regulation.
The health promotion measures described in Ayurveda can be helpful for controlling and managing non-communicable diseases, which have become a global health challenge. The World Health Organization needs to conduct detailed research on the above-mentioned topics described in Ayurveda regarding lifestyle changes and dietary discipline to develop various standards. The scientific basis of the texts compiled nearly two thousand years ago must be explored. Encouraging humanity to adopt all aspects of Ayurveda that were used for health enhancement and promotion in ancient times is a necessity of today’s modern health system.
Developing countries like Nepal have the opportunity to establish themselves as exemplary nations in global non-communicable disease management by developing the Ayurvedic medical system, which has been considered alternative medicine, into a complementary medical system. This represents a unique opportunity for developing nations to lead by example in integrating traditional wisdom with modern healthcare approaches for comprehensive wellness.