Indigenous Knowledge Systems in AYUSH: From Traditional Healing Practices to Translational Healthcare

Abstract

Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) represent centuries of experience in the health and human-environment relations. The AYUSH systems in India- Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy are based on these traditions. They emphasize preventive, personalized and holistic medicine. Though these systems are now prevalent and increasingly relevant worldwide, their application in modern biomedical systems remains limited. This is primarily due to a lack of standardized scientific validation.
This review critically analyses the principles of IKS underlying AYUSH and the historical development of traditional healing practices into translational healthcare. A detailed literature analysis of major scientific databases was conducted to evaluate philosophical concepts, treatment approaches, and innovative scientific findings. The findings suggest that AYUSH interventions- including herbal preparations, lifestyle and mind- body practices are multi-component and system-based. Such strategies can be promising for treating complex and chronic disorders.
Translational pathways- reverse pharmacology, evidence-based validation, and integrative healthcare models are also discussed in the review. Although systems biology and interdisciplinary research present new opportunities, significant challenges remain. These include issues of standardization, lack of clinical evidence, regulatory limitations and the loss of traditional knowledge.
In conclusion, the combination of traditional knowledge and modern scientific methods has great potential in creating patient-centred, holistic, and sustainable approaches to healthcare.