Ayurgenomics and Modern Medicine

Abstract

Within the disciplines of modern medicine, P4 medicine is emerging as a new field which focuses on the whole patient. The development of Ayurgenomics could greatly enrich P4 medicine by providing a clear theoretical understanding of the whole patient and a practical application of ancient and modern preventative and therapeutic practices to improve mental and physical health. One of the most difficult challenges today is understanding the ancient concepts of Ayurveda in terms of modern science. To date, a number of researchers have attempted this task, of which one of the most successful outcomes is the creation of the new field of Ayurgenomics. Ayurgenomics integrates concepts in Ayurveda, such as Prakriti, with modern genetics research. It correlates the combination of three doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha, with the expression of specific genes and physiological characteristics. It also helps to interpret Ayurveda as an ancient science of epigenetics which assesses the current state of the doshas, and uses specific personalized diet and lifestyle recommendations to improve a patient’s health. This review provides a current update of this emerging field.

An Ayurvedic approach to sustaining and pampering the feet of healthcare workers

“…47 Excessive use of the feet can lead to pathologies making it imperative to overall health and livelihood to prioritize a proper daily care regimen for the feet. 17 , 30 , 34 As opposed to the often reductionist, symptom-specific approach used in the United States, 49 this article explores simple self-care strategies in support of foot health through an evidence-based Ayurvedic lens which encourages holistic daily lifestyle prevention techniques over treatment of disease. 41 Considering that the average American has walked over 75,000 miles by age 50 years, 1 the information in this article is also relevant to adults with healthy feet, even if they do not serve in a healthcare role.…”

“…Ayurveda, translated as the “science of life [span]”, 40 , 49 is a comprehensive Traditional Medicine System which has been in use for millenniums. 22 An in-depth account of the rich history of Ayurvedic philosophies and treatment complexities is beyond the scope of this article.…”

The Future of Medicine: Frontiers in Integrative Health and Medicine

“…Wallace reviews and provides an update on the developments in Ayurgenomics, the field that integrates concepts in Ayurveda, such as Prakriti, with modern genetics research. He suggests that the Tridhosha theory of Ayurveda (the combination of three physiological modulators-Vata, Pitta and Kapha) correlates with the expression of specific genes and physiological characteristics [37].…”

Neuroadaptability and Habit: Modern Medicine and Ayurveda

“…These types are based on the balance or proportion of three fundamental physiological principles, referred to as the three doshas-Vata, Pitta and Kapha. There are a number of studies which show that there is correlation between Prakriti and gene expression, thus helping to provide a modern scientific understanding of Ayurveda [18]. Proper health depends upon keeping the doshas in balance.…”

“…We will focus on an automatic self-transcending technique, which comes from the Vedic tradition, specifically Transcendental Meditation (TM), because of the large body of research that demonstrates its ability to improve neuradaptability and mental and physical health. We will then consider Ayurveda and discuss how adopting more individualized lifestyle habits can also be used to improve specific areas of neuroadaptability [17][18][19].…”