Mukul Shah, Founder & CEO, Lifechart Ayurveda and K. Sandeep, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Lifechart explain the role of technology in Ayurveda
The Ayurvedic market in India is undergoing notable growth, expected to reach Rs 1,82,400 crores by 2028, showcasing an estimated CAGR of 19.3 per cent. Ayurveda, deeply rooted in India’s cultural and medicinal heritage, resonates with a growing global desire for preventive and personalised healthcare. However, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity requires new approaches. This is where technology steps in, playing a transformative role in shaping the future of Ayurveda in India.
From Ashwagandha to apps
Traditionally, accessing Ayurvedic knowledge relied heavily on physical consultations with practitioners. Technology disrupts this model by democratising knowledge. Mobile applications offer comprehensive databases of herbs, treatments, and dosha balancing guides. Educational platforms and online courses make learning and practicing Ayurveda accessible to a wider audience, fostering self-awareness and personalised health management.
The tech-health revolution
Technology is a game-changer, bringing Ayurveda and modern medicine together. Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and big data are leading the way. These tools offer deep insights into personal health, predicting diseases, and tailoring treatment plans based on individual data.
Digital health platforms in action
Digital health platforms, powered by technology, are essential in merging Ayurveda with modern medicine. They create a space where ancient wisdom and modern practices meet. Users get access to a mix of Ayurvedic insights and evidence-based medical knowledge, fostering a holistic view of health.
Telemedicine breaking barriers
In a vast and diverse country like India, accessing healthcare can be tough. Telemedicine, thanks to technology, acts as a crucial bridge over geographical hurdles. Integrating Ayurveda into telemedicine ensures that people, no matter where they are, can receive personalised consultations and holistic healthcare advice.
The era of personalised medicine
The marriage of Ayurveda and technology leads to personalized medicine. Using AI and ML, healthcare professionals analyze large datasets to identify individual health patterns, genetic factors, and lifestyle choices. This approach aligns with Ayurveda’s focus on personalised care, making treatments more effective.
Revitalising ancient formulations
Technology and Ayurveda go beyond diagnosis and treatment. Innovative techniques like nanotechnology revive ancient Siddha, herbal, and Ayurvedic formulations. This enhances the potency of herbal compounds for modern therapeutic use.
Virtual reality and wearable tech
Virtual reality (VR) technology can create immersive simulations of Ayurvedic treatments, such as guided meditations or virtual walks through nature, enhancing the patient experience and improving therapeutic outcomes. Wearable devices can track vital signs, sleep patterns, and activity levels, providing practitioners with real-time data to fine-tune treatment plans and empower patients to actively participate in their well-being journey.
Economic growth and global impact
The blend of Ayurveda, modern medicine, and technology isn’t just a healthcare revolution—it’s an economic and global influence catalyst. As India positions itself as a healthcare superpower, the integration of ancient wisdom and modern science becomes a unique selling point. The global demand for holistic wellness opens up opportunities for India to export a comprehensive healthcare paradigm.
Educational and cultural shift
This convergence calls for a revitalisation of education and culture. Integrating Ayurveda into mainstream medical education and promoting interdisciplinary research can bridge the gap between traditional and modern medical practices. This harmonious coexistence can lead to a cultural renaissance, where ancient and contemporary knowledge enrich each other.
Easy access to information
As mentioned previously, to bridge the knowledge gap, online platforms and educational apps are providing accessible information on Ayurveda, and personalised wellness practices. This digital education and awareness drive empower individuals to take charge of their well-being through informed choices.