Traditional & natural medicine

Ayurveda

อายุรเวท

India's traditional 'knowledge of life', which combines diet, daily routine, herbal preparations and body therapies.

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Origin

Indian subcontinent

History

Ancient: WHO cites about 3,500 years of documented history; the main classical texts are dated in their present form to the early centuries CE

Licence in Thailand

Not required

Where it comes from

Ayurveda, a Sanskrit term meaning 'knowledge of life', comes from the Indian subcontinent. The World Health Organization describes a documented history of about 3,500 years, with an oral tradition thought to be older; historians date its main classical texts, the Caraka saṃhitā, Suśruta saṃhitā and the Aṣṭāṅga works, in their present form to the first centuries CE.

The classical texts organise Ayurveda into eight branches, ranging from internal medicine and children's health to diseases of the head and neck, toxicology and rejuvenation. Ayurvedic terms already appear in early Buddhist texts, and Indian medical knowledge later reached Thailand along with Buddhism, becoming one of the roots of Thai traditional medicine.

In the twentieth century, Ayurvedic education and practice spread worldwide. It remains the main traditional medicine system of India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, where practitioners are university-trained and licensed; WHO reported that by 2012 it was practised in 93 countries, but only 16 had a framework to regulate its practitioners.

The principle

Ayurveda rests on two doctrines. The first holds that everything, including the body, is made of five elements (space, air, fire, water and earth). The second describes three doṣa, vāta (movement), pitta (transformation) and kapha (cohesion), whose balance is said to keep the body working well, while imbalance is seen as the root of illness. Each person is thought to have a constitution (prakṛti) in which one doṣa usually dominates.

Care therefore aims to restore balance through three approaches: cleansing therapies, pacifying therapies and prevention through daily and seasonal routines. These are traditional concepts: doṣa have no equivalent in modern physiology, and NCCIH notes that few well-designed trials show that Ayurvedic approaches are effective.

What people come for

Advice on diet, sleep and daily routine adapted to the person
Relaxation through oil massage (abhyaṅga) or oil poured on the forehead (śirodhārā)
Interest in a holistic view of body and mind
Seasonal or preventive 'reset' programmes
Learning about yoga and meditation as part of a wider lifestyle

How it works on the body

Ayurveda looks at the whole person, constitution, digestion, lifestyle and mind, and uses diet, herbal preparations, oils and heat on the body.

A session, step by step

01
Consultation
A first meeting covers your health history, habits, diet, sleep and any medicines, and includes a clinical examination.
02
Assessment
The practitioner describes your constitution and the imbalance they see, and checks for reasons a given therapy would not suit you.
03
Lifestyle advice
You usually receive guidance on daily routine, seasonal habits and food.
04
Body therapies
Some visits include oil massage, herbal steam or sweating treatments, or śirodhārā.
05
Preparations and follow-up
Herbal or other preparations may be suggested; ask exactly what they contain and agree on a follow-up.

Precautions

Some Ayurvedic products have been found to contain toxic amounts of lead, mercury or arsenic; a US survey found raised blood lead in 40% of users tested.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a health condition, talk to your doctor before using Ayurvedic preparations.
Cleansing procedures such as induced vomiting, purgation or medicated enemas are considered potentially harmful and should only be done under a qualified practitioner's responsibility.
Tell all your health providers about any Ayurvedic products you take, as herbal ingredients can interact with medicines.
Do not use Ayurveda to delay seeing a doctor for a new, serious or worsening problem.

Complementary practice: does not replace medical advice.

In Thailand

Thai traditional medicine grew from local practices blended with Indian Ayurveda, Chinese medicine and Buddhist philosophy, and it traces its lineage to Jivaka Komarabhacca, the physician of the Buddha in Indian tradition. In the 20th century Dr Ouay Ketusingh, called the 'father of applied Thai traditional medicine', pioneered the Ayurved Vidyalai college, which follows Jivaka's approach. Ayurveda as a separate Indian system is, however, not among the healing-art professions that Thailand's Ministry of Public Health licenses (its 2025 list covers branches such as Chinese medicine and chiropractic), so treatments offered under the name 'Ayurveda' in spas or retreats are not covered by a specific Ayurveda licence; ask about each practitioner's training.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ayurveda the same as Thai traditional medicine?

No. Thai traditional medicine was influenced by Ayurveda but developed its own theory, remedies and practices, including Thai massage.

Do I need to know my dosha?

No. The practitioner assesses it during the consultation. Keep in mind it is a traditional concept, not a medical diagnosis.

Are Ayurvedic remedies safe because they are natural?

Not necessarily. Some products have been found to contain heavy metals, and herbs can interact with medicines. Ask what is in any product and tell your doctor.

Is there scientific evidence?

Limited. A few small trials, for example on knee osteoarthritis, showed promising results, but NCCIH says few well-designed studies show Ayurvedic approaches are effective.

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