Role of Ayurvedic Medicine Approaches in Health Management: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Ayurvedic medicine, an ancient holistic healing system originating from India, is increasingly recognized worldwide as a complementary and integrative approach to health management. Rooted in the philosophy of balance among bodily energies—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—Ayurveda emphasizes personalized medicine tailored to individual constitution (Prakriti) and disease etiology. This review synthesizes contemporary evidence from 2018 to 2025 examining Ayurvedic principles, herbal pharmacology, detoxification (Panchakarma), and mind-body lifestyle practices in the management of chronic and neurodegenerative diseases as well as general wellness.

Key Ayurvedic botanicals such as Mucuna pruriens, Withania somnifera, and Curcuma longa have been validated for their neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and adaptogenic properties, demonstrating efficacy in disorders like Parkinson’s disease and metabolic syndromes. Panchakarma therapies provide unique detoxification mechanisms that promote systemic cleansing, improve metabolism, and support tissue regeneration, which modern studies show to enhance neurological function and chronic disease outcomes. Integrative lifestyle practices including yoga, pranayama, and meditation contribute to autonomic regulation, stress reduction, and cognitive support, augmenting Ayurvedic pharmacotherapy.

The review highlights Ayurveda’s personalized approach, contrasting with conventional symptom-driven treatments by addressing root causes and optimizing host resilience. Recent clinical trials, molecular studies, and real-world case series substantiate Ayurveda’s role in supporting mental, metabolic, and neurological health, while also urging rigorous large-scale studies for wider acceptance and clinical guideline development.

Growing global recognition, policy-level endorsements, and market expansion underscore Ayurveda’s evolving role as a sustainable, natural healthcare paradigm. This synthesis provides an evidence-based framework for integrating ancient Ayurvedic wisdom with modern health sciences, emphasizing a holistic, patient centered approach toward preventive, therapeutic, and rehabilitative care.