After the pandemic, the health and pharma industry underwent a significant transition. Many individuals globally have shifted to Ayurveda as their preferred choice of treatment and have embraced a holistic way of living. This shift has significantly increased the demand for India's traditional medicine system. Post-COVID, the economy of Ayurveda, which previously stood at Rs 30,000 crore with a growth rate of 15 to 20 percent, has now soared to 50 to 90 percent.

According to data from the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, drug overdose deaths have been increasing by 30 percent each year. People have come to realize that prescription drugs serve more as a temporary solution and are now relying on lifestyle changes and Ayurveda to address the root causes of their lifestyle disorders. With Ayurveda, the focus starts with dincharya, i.e., daily routine, placing significant emphasis on diet, yoga, and pranayama.

The Ayurvedic treatment approach begins by altering the dietary patterns and choices based on the individual's Vikruti (imbalances) and the prevailing weather conditions. Alongside Ayurveda, the daily practice of yoga and pranayama helps restore balance to the Vikrutis, improves digestion, flexibility, blood circulation, neural responses, and more.

Ayurveda incorporates Abhyanga, a form of massage therapy, systematically on different body parts as part of its treatment approach. Additionally, practices such as panchakarma, which involve a combination of five Karmas, are performed on the body to purify it at a cellular level.

When the term Ayurveda is mentioned, most people tend to associate it with herbs. However, medicine only accounts for 10 percent of Ayurveda. Books like India Materia Medica provide clear definitions of the herbs used for various Ayurvedic treatments. Due to its preventive nature, Ayurvedic medicines are widely consumed by the general population for prevention and nutrition. As a result, the human body becomes more resilient against both chronic and acute disorders.

With the pharma industry continuously innovating and technology advancing, many Ayurveda enthusiasts are embracing the integration of technology into Ayurvedic practices. This integrated approach to medicine is becoming increasingly popular. For instance, in Ayurveda, there is a process called Mardana, which enhances the potency of herbs or formulations. Traditionally, this involved laborious tasks such as pounding and titrating herbs with liquid extracts over several days.

However, with the aid of technology, this process has become much easier and more efficient. Herbs and formulations are now tested for heavy metals, microbiology, nutrient levels, particle size, and more in NABL-accredited laboratories, similar to pharmaceutical medicines. By incorporating technology into one of India's oldest medicine systems, Ayurveda is now able to ensure quality, eliminate toxicity, and help individuals overcome the side effects of improperly formulated medicines. Ayurveda now possesses qualitative measures to validate the safety and efficacy of its medicines.

In the Ayurveda domain, numerous start-ups are using technology for detailed patient tracking. This allows for a better understanding of the effectiveness of treatment plans and formulations. Ayurveda has taken a cue from modern technology in this regard. This practice helps standardize highly personalized forms of treatment to a certain extent, enhancing the overall quality and precision of care.

Let's consider the stigmatized issue of sexual wellness as an example. While there are numerous Ayurvedic products available in the market, what is truly needed is a thoroughly tested holistic treatment plan. Ayurveda has a dedicated branch of treatment called Vajikarana specifically for this issue. Vajikarana, with a history spanning more than 2100 years, follows three pillars of treatment: Nidaan (consultation), Aushadhi (herbs and formulations), and Paramarsh (counseling). These three processes aid in diagnosing the root cause accurately and providing holistic treatment to men. Nidaan, Aushadhi, and Paramarsh collectively optimize treatment effectiveness while focusing on curing the underlying causes to prevent relapse.

At Sukham, all of these measures are implemented to provide overall sexual wellness to men using Ayurveda-based methods that are aligned with modern medical research.

Resource - https://www.expresshealthcare.in/news/incorporating-technology-in-ayurveda-integrated-approach-of-medicine/439850/