The Value of Ayurvedic Biotyping in the Integrative Medicine Model
Ayurveda and Yoga is a popular Complementary and Alternative Medicine system. Ayurveda and Yoga are sistersciences. Ayurveda is not just herbs and Yoga is not just asanas. Ayurveda is the therapeutic side of Yoga and Yoga is the spiritual side of Ayurveda.
As Medicine trends to anew era of system biology for holistic understanding of diseases through the integration of metabolomics, proteomics and transcriptomics, thetenets of Ayurveda and subsequent integration of Ayurveda phenotyping in complex diseases has the potential to be the least invasive and most affordable form of assessing an individual’s susceptibility and prognosis. Furthermore, it provides accurate and sustainabledietary recommendations and an insight into therapeutic interventions (Ayurvedic or non–Ayurvedic) in each individual patient.
We can be limited in our thinking if we believe that only one system of medicine is correct. Every system of medicine has its limitations, and so a strategic integrative approach rather “mix and match of therapies” is the ‘best –practice’ model in treating numerous ailments. Therefore, the best practice Integrative Medicine model would utilise the strengths of Ayurvedic diagnosis for:
• Clinical biotyping
• Lifestyle Modification Advice
• Dietary recommendation
An Integrative Medicine program can include the following elements:
• Patient intake forms assessment (for biotyping and determination of root cause)
• Patient preference
• Emotional/ Physical causative factors
• Skills and experience of practitioner
• Review and follow-up
Process Flow Chart
Utilising this process in structured delivery of effective Complementary and Alternative Medicine system will assist in providing an effective framework/structure for the Integrative Medicine model. This integration will result in:
• Providing an effective service delivery model for family physicians
• Improving clinical outcomes through strategic delivery of Integrative Medicine
• Providing value for money services for patients
• Achieving good business outcomes
• Reducing the healthcare burden on society
Future blogs will discuss the framework in more detail.