By Claire Taft
Ayurveda or “The Study of Life” is a natural system of medicine from India that dates back almost 3,000 years ago. It promotes a healthy relationship between mind, body, and behavior. Each body type is characterized into three categories, or Doshas; Vata, Pita, and Kapha. Each dosha has a personalized diet, customized to provide specific nutritional nourishment and balance. This natural system is more prevalent across the world than ever before and is becoming known in the West as a special system of natural medicine(Wujastyk,2003).
The practice and beliefs of Ayurveda are spread around the world in many ways. Some are cookbooks, recipes, oral traditions, restaurants, shops, etc. With recent obesity trends in consideration, it is obvious that Ayurvedic diets show a remarkable contrast from American food intake and health. Sources like these emphasize the health and wellbeing of those participating in Ayurvedic practices, this leaves Americans and their dieting habits as an antithesis to these cleansing practices.
As globalization furthers, ideas like these are spread to different places. Ayurveda was specifically a process in India but sources like these influence other locations to adopt their ideas not only for the health benefits and increased diversity but also the economy. The global Ayurvedic Products marker size is projected to reach US $5172.7 million by 2026, from US $4571.1 million in 2020, at a CAGR of 12.0% during 2021-2026 (Industry Research, 2020) . Trends like this make adopting the ideas and practices of Ayurveda more appealing.
This project presents three of these sources and how they influence Americans’ opinions on Ayurveda. The first source is entitled “Ayurvedic Cooking for Westerners” which is directed at Westerners and their unhealthy dieting habits. The second source is “Ayurvedic Healing: A Comprehensive Guide”. The author is very confident and even persuasive in his effort to guide and inform westerners about the healing practices of Ayurveda. Lastly, is a local spa that offers a variety of Ayurvedic therapies and Ayurvedic bodywork training. All of these revolve around the belief that Ayurvedic dieting promotes health and that westerners should stray from their harmful dieting habits and utilize the beneficial practices of Ayurveda.
Industry Research. “Ayurvedic Market and Ayurvedic Products Market 2026: Growing Demand for Organic Products, Consumer Awareness, on-Going Trends, Revenue Generated, Prominent Players, Competitive Landscape, and Forecast.” GlobeNewswire News Room, Industry Research, 6 July 2020, https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/07/06/2057919/0/en/Ayurvedic-Market-and-Ayurvedic-Products-Market-2026-Growing-Demand-for-Organic-Products-Consumer-Awareness-On-Going-Trends-Revenue-Generated-Prominent-Players-Competitive-Landscape.html.
Wujastyk, D. The Roots of Ayurveda: Selections from Sanskrit Medical Writings. Penguin, 2003.
