On National Ayurveda Day, senior journalist Babita Singh speaks to Dr Rajiv Kurele on Ayurveda, lifestyle disorders, evidence-based treatment and the need for responsible healthcare
As changing lifestyles, irregular eating habits, stress, inadequate sleep and declining physical activity contribute to growing health concerns, Ayurveda is once again drawing attention as a system that goes beyond treating disease. The 11th National Ayurveda Day in 2026 was observed with the theme “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow”, focusing on evidence-based Ayurveda, research and innovation, integrated healthcare and community health.
At a time when social media is flooded with health tips and quick-fix remedies, questions also remain about self-medication, viral Ayurvedic remedies and the growing popularity of Panchakarma. Senior journalist Babita Singh spoke to Dr Rajiv Kurele, noted Ayurvedic physician and Academic Superintendent at Uttarakhand Ayurveda University, Harrawala, Dehradun, on these issues. Excerpts:
Q. What makes Ayurveda relevant in today’s lifestyle-driven world?
Dr Kurele: People today are looking not only for treatment but also for ways to remain healthy. Ayurveda focuses on protecting the health of healthy individuals and treating disease. It therefore addresses diet, daily routine, sleep and lifestyle along with medicines.
Q. Is Ayurveda limited to herbs and traditional concoctions?
Dr Kurele: Not at all. Herbs are only one part of Ayurveda. It also covers diet and lifestyle, daily and seasonal routines, sleep, mental wellbeing, medicines and Panchakarma. Treatment also takes into account the individual’s age, physical condition, lifestyle and disease status.
Q. Can two patients with the same disease require different approaches?
Dr Kurele: Yes, in many situations. The disease may have the same name, but the patient’s age, physical condition, lifestyle and stage of illness may differ. Ayurveda therefore gives importance to the individual while planning treatment.
Q. Is there a conflict between Ayurveda and modern medicine?
Dr Kurele: The ultimate objective should be the patient’s health, not competition between medical systems. Where appropriate, different systems can complement each other through scientifically guided care. However, patients should never combine medicines on their own. Medical supervision and patient safety must remain the priority.
Q. Can Ayurveda cure every disease?
Dr Kurele: It would be inappropriate to claim that any medical system can certainly cure every disease. Ayurveda has a broad body of medical knowledge and research is continuing, but the evidence is not equally strong for every treatment. We should neither accept miracle claims nor dismiss Ayurveda without understanding its scope.
Q. Is something safe simply because it is “natural”?
Dr Kurele: No. Natural substances can also have powerful medicinal effects. The wrong medicine, dose or use in an unsuitable person can cause harm. Ayurvedic medicines must therefore be treated as medicines. Medical advice is particularly important for children, elderly people, pregnant women and those with serious illnesses.
Q. What should people keep in mind before following viral Ayurvedic remedies on social media?
Dr Kurele: Going viral is not scientific evidence. A personal experience is also not, by itself, medical evidence. People should rely on credible sources and consult a qualified practitioner before starting any treatment. Self-medication should be avoided.
Q. What role can Ayurveda play in lifestyle-related disorders?
Dr Kurele: Conditions such as diabetes, obesity and hypertension are closely linked with diet, physical activity, sleep and stress. Ayurveda gives importance to diet and daily routine. However, people with serious conditions should not rely only on home remedies. Proper medical evaluation remains essential.
Q. Panchakarma is increasingly marketed as a “detox”. Is that an accurate description?
Dr Kurele: Panchakarma should not simply be presented as a “detox package”. It consists of specific therapeutic procedures and is not required by everyone. Its suitability should be decided by a trained Ayurvedic physician after assessing the patient.
Q. What is the message behind this year’s theme, “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow”?
Dr Kurele: The theme is about connecting Ayurveda with future health challenges. This requires greater emphasis on preventive healthcare, research, evidence, innovation, healthy lifestyles and community health. Traditional knowledge needs to be explored and strengthened through scientific research.
Q. How can Ayurveda connect better with young people?
Dr Kurele: Simply telling young people that Ayurveda is ancient is not enough. They need to understand its principles through reason and evidence. Timely sleep, balanced food, regular physical activity, mental wellbeing and disciplined routines remain important even in modern life.
Q. What is your message to citizens on National Ayurveda Day?
Dr Kurele: Ayurveda Day should not remain a one-day celebration. People should review their daily routine, diet, sleep, physical activity and mental wellbeing. Avoid taking medicines without proper advice and rely on credible information. Health is not created only in hospitals; our everyday habits also shape our health.