Embracing Bharat’s Ancient Health Wisdom

Pummy Pandita

Introduction

With about $800 million in revenue, India has surpassed the US to become Herbalife’s largest market, marking a dramatic shift in the company’s operations. This significant achievement highlights the rising demand in India for wellness and health products and offers a propitious moment to investigate the possibilities of traditional and age-old medical techniques for promoting Bharat’s natural, holistic approaches to health and wellness, especially in light of the market dominance of Western manufactured and processed health products.

Global nutrition giant Herbalife has been a major force in the health and wellness sector for a long time, thanks to its line of health products, meal replacements, and dietary supplements. The foundation of Herbalife’s success is its assurance of health and wellbeing through processed goods and vitamins. Manufactured supplements and processed goods are the main features of the Western health and wellness market. These consist of several kinds of dietary supplements, protein powders, meal replacement drinks, and vitamins. These goods may be more convenient and have specific nutritional advantages, but they frequently don’t follow the holistic perspective on health that views the body, mind, and spirit as interrelated beings. Furthermore, these items’ extensive processing and artificial composition result in unfavourable side effects and long-term health issues.

This situation offers a chance to investigate alternatives that prioritise all-natural, holistic approaches to wellness. Traditional foods and yoga, among other old Indian health and wellness techniques, offer a powerful counterpoint to the Western industralised & processed health and wellness industry.

Bharat’s Ancient Health and Wellness Practices

Unlike the Western method, Bharat provides a plethora of natural health and wellness remedies because of its rich legacy in Ayurveda, traditional foods, and yoga. These methods offer a strong substitute for Western artificial and processed goods by emphasising balance, holistic health, and natural elements.

Ayurveda: The Science of Life

5,000-year-old Ayurvedic medical system focuses on balancing the body’s energies (doshas) through lifestyle changes, herbal treatments, and food. Important elements consist of:

1. Customised Dietary Plans: Ayurveda advocates for customised eating plans based on each person’s unique constitution (Prakriti) and present state of health (Vikriti). This personalisation guarantees that food selections promote general health and wellbeing.
2. Herbal Remedies: Natural herbs and minerals are used in Ayurvedic therapy to treat a range of illnesses. These treatments, in contrast to manufactured medications, try to treat the underlying cause of health problems as opposed to only their symptoms.
3. Detoxification and Rejuvenation: Techniques like Rasayana (rejuvenation) and Panchakarma (detoxification) aim to purify the body and mind in order to increase longevity and vigour.

Traditional Foods

Traditional foods of Bharat offer a balanced approach to health and are a nutritional goldmine. These foods are high in natural components and frequently undergo minimum processing. Important elements consist of:

1. Whole Grains and Millets: These ancient grains, which are high in fibre and nutrients and devoid of gluten, support healthy digestion and lower the risk of chronic illnesses. Examples of these grains are barley, sorghum, and millets.
2. Fermented dishes: Probiotics, which promote gut health and strengthen immunity, are abundant in traditional dishes like idli, dosa, different pickles, and yoghurt.
3. Spices and Herbs: Known for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial qualities, which support general health, turmeric, ginger, garlic, ashwagandha, holy basil, and other spices have been used for ages to promote health & wellness.

Yoga: The Path to Holistic Wellness

An essential component of Bharat’s cultural legacy, Yoga provides a holistic approach to well-being through physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation. Yoga has numerous established advantages, which include:

1. Physical Well-Being: Consistent yoga practice enhances cardiovascular health, strength, and flexibility. Additionally, it assists weight management and aids in the treatment of chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis.
2. Mental Well-Being: Yoga eases stress encourages mental clarity and aids in the treatment of depression and anxiety. Yoga’s meditative elements promote emotional stability and inner serenity.
3. Spiritual Development: Yoga improves one’s general quality of life by fostering an inner sense of calm and connection with oneself.

Bridging the Gap: Integrating Ancient Wisdom with Modern Needs

A balanced approach to wellness can be provided through the fusion of traditional Indian medical methods with contemporary demands. Important tactics consist of:

1. Education and Awareness: Using internet platforms, workshops, and education campaigns, increasing public awareness of the health advantages of yoga, traditional foods, and Ayurveda. Provide case studies and success stories that illustrate their efficacy.
2. Scientific Validation: Performing thorough scientific study to confirm the effectiveness of conventional methods and goods in order to gain the confidence and respect of customers.
3. Sustainable Practices: To guarantee the long-term survival of conventional health practices, eco-friendly production techniques, ethical sourcing, and sustainable farming are encouraged.
4. International Cooperation: Fostering cooperation between conventional medical professionals and contemporary healthcare providers to provide integrated health services.
5. Encourage Accessibility: Make sure that yoga and traditional meals are affordable, available locally, and accessible via internet resources for a wide range of people.

By adopting Bharat’s age-old wellness and health practices, we can offer an effective substitute for the manufactured and processed goods that rule the Western health market. In addition to promoting physical health, this holistic approach also fosters mental and spiritual well-being, leading to a more all-encompassing sense of wholeness. Bharat has a potential to completely transform the field of health and wellbeing by investigating and validating these age-old methods and offering long-term, all-natural solutions.

Closing Observations:

Bharat’s age-old health and wellness practices present a hopeful alternative as the world struggles with the negative effects of processed and manufactured health goods. By utilising the holistic advantages of yoga, the nutritional value of traditional foods, and the wisdom of Ayurveda, we can create a more balanced and health-conscious lifestyle. Adopting these habits can improve one’s own health as well as contribute to a more equitable and sustainable global health system.  

(Author is operations head at Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies, a New Delhi based non-partisan think tank)