Plans To Integrate Ayurveda In UK's Mainstream Health, Know Its Benefits

Will UK Integrate Ayurveda In Its Mainstream Medicine?

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Updated Dec 2, 2024 | 04:00 AM IST

SummaryAdvocates of Ayurveda in the UK push for integrating it into NHS healthcare, highlighting its cost-effective, holistic benefits like stress reduction, immune support, and enhanced well-being through time-tested Indian traditional medicine practices.

UK's All Party Parliamentary Group for Indian Traditional Sciences is relaying for Ayurveda in the National Health Scheme (NHS). They are vouching for the Ayurveda Centre for Excellence, which hosted a summit to persuade the UK government to incorporate ayurveda into its mainstream healthcare framework.

This movement that is advocating for the integration of ayurveda in country's mainstream healthcare system hopes to harness the benefits of Indian traditional medicines and to offer a cost-effective alternative to healthcare. "This initiative will not only seek to enhance public health options but also recognise the potential of traditional practices in addressing modern health challenges. By embracing ayurveda, UK could pave the way for a more holistic and accessible approach to healthcare, drawing on centuries of wisdom while promoting patient well-being," said Amarjeet Singh Bhamra, who is also credited for the formation of Ayurveda Centre of Excellence in UK.

The summit which was held on October 24 and 25 which focused on discussing the integration of ayurveda into mainstream healthcare with health policymakers.

What Is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine that has been in practice for over 5,000 years. It is based on the idea of balancing of the body, mind, and spirit through natural remedies, healthy diets, and lifestyle changes.

It is also gaining popularity to seek alternatives to Western medicine. Research have also shown health benefits of this ancient practices.

What benefits does Ayurveda offer?

Reduces stress and anxiety

One of the fundamental principles of Ayurveda is to maintain physiological and mental harmony. Stress and worry disrupt this equilibrium, resulting in a range of health problems. Meditation, yoga, and massage are all Ayurvedic stress-relieving techniques. These strategies have been shown to reduce cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress.

A 2014 study titled, "Bridging Ayurveda with evidence-based scientific approaches in medicine", proposed that researchers should do more to incorporate the knowledge from Ayurveda with clinically proven, modern medicines.

Boosts immune system

Ayurvedic treatments use natural herbs and spices that help with immune-boosting. These remedies also have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that also protect the body against infection and diseases.

Healthy Guts

It also emphasizes the importance of good digestion. Remedies like triphala, which is a herbal blend of three fruits, and ginger have been found to promote digestion and relieve digestive issues like constipation and bloating.

Improves Skin Health

When your digestive health works fine, it also reflects well on your skin. By helping detoxification, it also improves skin health. There are oiling treatments like abhyanga and herbal steam baths that can help improve skin texture and reduce the signs of aging.

Enhances Brain Function

Ayurveda is also considered to enhance brain functions. There exists treatments like Brahmi, a herb that is used for cognitive enhancement, this has also been found to improve memory, learning, and concentration.

Improves Sleep Quality

It is also a great remedy that can improve sleep quality and reduce sleep disorder like insomnia.

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