INTEGRATIVE ROLE OF KAYACHIKITSA IN NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES: AN EVIDENCE-BASED REVIEW
Introduction: Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, cancer, and chronic respiratory disorders, constitute a major global health burden. Modern medicine provides symptomatic and disease-modifying therapies, yet limitations such as side effects, high costs, and incomplete remission necessitate integrative approaches. Ayurveda, particularly its specialty of Kayachikitsa (internal medicine), offers holistic strategies targeting root causes through lifestyle modification, diet, detoxification, and personalized therapeutics. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya), modern databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, AYUSH Research Portal), and gray literature. Peer-reviewed studies, systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and observational studies on Ayurvedic interventions for NCDs were included. Exclusion criteria comprised non-peer-reviewed reports and anecdotal case notes. Results: Evidence indicates that Kayachikitsa principles such as Nidana Parivarjana (removal of causative factors), Shodhana (detoxification therapies), Shamana (palliative treatments), and Rasayana (rejuvenation therapies) significantly contribute to NCD management. Clinical studies highlight benefits of Panchakarma in metabolic syndrome, Rasayana in delaying complications of diabetes, and yoga-pranayama integration in hypertension and anxiety disorders. Dietetics (Ahara) and lifestyle (Vihara) regimens align with modern preventive medicine, showing promising outcomes in risk reduction and improved quality of life. Discussion: An integrative model combining modern diagnostics with Kayachikitsa’s holistic management may enhance therapeutic outcomes in NCDs. However, gaps remain in large-scale RCTs, standardized protocols, and mechanistic studies. Conclusion: Kayachikitsa provides a scientifically relevant and patient-centered framework for NCD management. Its integration with evidence-based modern medicine can address unmet needs in prevention, long-term care, and quality of life improvement.
KEYWORDS: Ayurveda, Integrative Medicine, Kayachikitsa, Lifestyle Disorders, Non-Communicable Diseases