Ayurvedic Interventions for Public and Community Health: A Review

Abstract

Prevention, health promotion, treatment, and rehabilitation are some of the strategies used in public and community health to improve population health. India's traditional medical system, Ayurveda, places a strong emphasis on maintaining health and preventing illness through a comprehensive framework that includes behavioural techniques, herbal remedies, dietary control, and lifestyle discipline. The traditional Ayurvedic phrase "Swasthasya Swasthya Rakshanam, Aaturasya Vikara Prashamanam" expresses the dual goals of preserving health in those who are well and curing illness in those who are ill. The relevance and use of ayurvedic interventions in the context of public and community health are examined in this review. In addition to modern scientific literature, classic Ayurvedic treatises like the Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya were examined. Practices like Dinacharya (daily regimen), Ritucharya (seasonal regimen), Sadvritta (ethical conduct), Rasayana therapy, Panchakarma procedures, and Dietary regulations greatly contribute to disease prevention and health promotion, according to evidence from both traditional texts and contemporary research. Government initiatives integrating Ayurveda into public health programs have demonstrated positive outcomes in preventive healthcare and health promotion. Ayurvedic methods are frequently inexpensive, socially acceptable, and simple to implement in local communities. Ayurvedic principles can help improve community health outcomes and lower the prevalence of lifestyle-related disorders when incorporated into modern public health systems.