Complementary Health Approaches
Frequently Asked Questions
14. What is Ayurvedic medicine?
Ayurveda (pronounced “i-yer-VAY-duh”) -- also called Ayurvedic medicine -- originated in India more than 3,000 years ago and remains one of that country’s traditional health care systems. It involves individualized treatments, which may include compounds of herbs or proprietary ingredients, as well as diet, exercise, and lifestyle recommendations.
Research studies have examined Ayurvedic treatments for specific health problems. However, many of these studies included only a few people or did not use rigorous research methods. There hasn’t been enough high-quality research to show whether Ayurvedic treatments are beneficial.