There used to be a time when Ayurveda used to be a wellness system, only restricted to homes and certain clinics here and there. Its lineage and centuries old tradition was limited to only a few that understood its depth. But today, Ayurveda has grown as a global wellness industry and its importance is marked across various organisations and platforms.
On the bright side, the growth looks assuring and encouraging. At the same time, marketing campaigns and excessive brandings at times compromise the quality and dilute the efficiency and raise the question of Ayurveda’s credibility.
In a world like today, where the growth and evolution of anything is subject to commercialisation, it becomes important to analyze if the global rise of a certain system like Ayurveda should be celebrated or should be preserved to protect its very essence.
It is very rare to find authentic Ayurveda brands India that offer standard products and treatments that follow the traditions of classical Ayurveda without compromising on authenticity and quality.
The problem: Oversimplification of Ayurveda
Perhaps the largest problem and the most threatened one with Ayurveda is its oversimplification today. Even though Ayurveda has made a reputable place in the global wellness industry, it has also created gaps where it becomes misrepresented. We often find products that even though are labelled Ayurvedic, have very little truth and connection to authentic formulations.
There are a number of ayurvedic brands in the market today who may use a number of herbal ingredients, but often include wrong combinations or properties that would deliver more harm than good.
Many wellness routines that come under the umbrella of Ayurveda, often stress more on terminology rather than delivering the Ayurvedic philosophy.
It is therefore urgent today to reassess our approach towards Ayurveda and understand that it is a comprehensive wellness system that needs discipline, knowledge and contextual understanding. When Ayurveda becomes only a marketing label, it loses its authenticity and most importantly cuts down on the effective benefits that it is known for.
What authentic Ayurveda actually needs?
Authenticity in Ayurveda is based on three important foundations which are –
Classical Ayurveda formulations
The classical ayurvedic formulations take the recipes and teachings of texts such as the Charak Samhita and the Ashtang Hridaya. These ancient texts state about herbal formulations that carefully mention the balanced combinations of herbal plants which are grown under specific conditions and the formulations which are designed to suit specific needs and honed with centuries of practice.
These combinations are therefore important to be followed as it is, to deliver maximum efficiency.
Trained Vaidyas
Ayurveda is not an unscientific or a self prescriptive practice. The practitioners and vaidyas need to undergo standard and stringent Vaidya training. This helps them in detail to understand the balances and imbalances of doshas. An individual’s unique constitution, that is his prakriti functions. How does any kind of disease progress? What is the accumulation of toxins? How can a certain disease be resolved by balancing the doshas etc. Therefore, authentic Ayurveda needs experts and experienced people who are well trained.
Proper sourcing
The proper sourcing of the Ayurvedic ingredients and preparation methods is very important to maintain quality standards and authenticity of the products.
This is so because –
- The sourcing of the herbs will have a huge impact on its quality, its efficiency and potency in the formulations.
- The processing will impact the results and the conditions under which the herbs are harvested.
- The manufacturing will determine whether the formulations prepared out of them will work or not.
Therefore, Ayurvedic organizations like the Kairali Ayurveda Group follow the WHO-GMP and ISO certifications to maintain quality standards as well as authenticity.
The consumer’s dilemma: How to tell the real from the packaged
From the consumer’s point of view, choosing an authentic ayurvedic brand or finding the right ayurvedic product is very difficult, especially in today’s time. This is so because excessive branding, large marketing campaigns, digital Ads and repeated advertising force influences the consumer to make a purchase.
But, whether or not the products are authentic, becomes the real challenge. Although, today there has been a shift in interest in natural health and holistic wellness.
How to choose real Ayurveda?
- Check if the brand follows quality standards. AYUSH certification importance reflects in the efficiency and authenticity of the products.
- Does the brand heeds to classical ayurvedic knowledge?
- Do the practitioners as well as the organisation hold clinical experience?
- What is the qualification of the practitioners, are they certified?
Kairali’s position: 116 years of practice, not 5 years of branding
The Kairali Ayurvedic group stands tall in holding a rightful legacy as well as serving authentic Ayurveda through generations. With more than 117 years of practice, Kairali prioritises practice over promotion. Authenticity has remained the constant focus for the brand throughout the years.
Kairali authenticity also depends on the fact that it has stayed true to classical formulations. All the products and formulations prepared at the Kairali Ayurvedic Group follow the classical text and traditional preparation methods.
In addition to this, Kairali integrates the modern quality standards and certifications without compromising on the core principles of Ayurveda. At the same time the treatments and therapies offered at the Kairali centres are performed under the expert supervision of certified and experienced vaidyas.
Call to industry
Ayurveda is not just about the performance of a single brand or an organisation. It is the responsibility of all the industry members who engage in ayurvedic practices and commercialisation of ayurveda to maintain its authenticity and quality.
Growth, remuneration and profit will happen at their own pace. But how we grow is what matters the most. If Ayurveda becomes compromised or if the processes become diluted, then there is a high chance that its global recognition and efficiency will be diminished and Ayurveda will just fade away like any passing random wellness trend.
But if the right practices are followed, if the classical traditions are used in the combinations and if the sourcing is done in the right manner, with the correct certifications and Ayurveda standards India, then Ayurveda can truly transform the global healthcare perspectives.
Website: www.kairali.com
Call: +91-9555156156
About the Author
Gita Ramesh is a globally respected figure in the world of Ayurveda, known for her groundbreaking work in Ayurvedic spa therapies, wellness hospitality, and diet-based healing. As the Co-Founder and Joint Managing Director of Kairali Ayurvedic Group, she has played a pivotal role in shaping Kairali’s unique blend of traditional Ayurvedic healing with modern wellness sensibilities.
A passionate advocate of holistic living, Mrs. Ramesh is also the celebrated author of “The Ayurvedic Cookbook”, which reintroduces food as medicine through Ayurvedic nutrition. Her deep knowledge of Panchakarma, therapeutic wellness, and women’s health has inspired global audiences to embrace Ayurveda as a sustainable lifestyle practice.
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