Become A Member

Introduction: Kayachikitsa, the branch of Ayurveda that primarily deals with internal medicine, holds a central place in managing systemic disorders. In recent decades, global healthcare has shifted towards integrative and patient-centered models, opening avenues for traditional medical systems like Ayurveda. This review explores the evolving role of Kayachikitsa in addressing chronic, lifestyle, and psychosomatic disorders within global healthcare frameworks. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, AYUSH Research Portal, and classical Ayurvedic texts including Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya. The inclusion criteria encompassed original studies, systematic reviews, and classical references highlighting Kayachikitsa in prevention, management, and integration with modern medicine. Exclusion criteria were non-peer-reviewed sources and anecdotal reports. Results: Kayachikitsa offers holistic approaches through Dinacharya, Ritucharya, Panchakarma, Rasayana, and Satvavajaya Chikitsa. Evidence indicates significant benefits in lifestyle disorders, metabolic syndromes, mental health, and supportive oncology. Globally, integrative models incorporating Ayurvedic therapies are emerging in areas such as geriatrics, palliative care, and preventive cardiology. However, limitations remain due to inadequate standardization, lack of large-scale clinical trials, and regulatory challenges in global acceptance. Discussion: Ayurveda’s holistic approach resonates with modern trends in personalized and preventive medicine. Integrating Kayachikitsa into mainstream healthcare requires robust scientific validation, interdisciplinary collaborations, and global policy support. Future prospects lie in translational research, AI-assisted Ayurveda diagnostics, and its role in addressing pandemics, chronic non-communicable diseases, and mental health burdens worldwide. Conclusion: Kayachikitsa has strong potential to enrich global healthcare by providing holistic, sustainable, and culturally adaptive solutions. Strengthening research, standardization, and education will ensure its rightful place in the integrative healthcare systems of the future.

KEYWORDS: Ayurveda, Global healthcare, Integrative medicine, Kayachikitsa, Preventive medicine