What is Ayurveda? What is Ayurvedic medicine?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Caring for the body may include such holistic methods as Ayurveda, a system of natural medicine developed three to five thousand years ago in India; it is a nontraditional approach focused on preventative healthcare. Some underlying beliefs of Ayurvedic medicine are unbiblical, such as becoming one with the universe and elements ruling reality, both of which contradict the Bible (Genesis 1:11-12, 1:21, 1:24-25; Psalm 103:19). But practically, Ayurveda focuses on holistic, preventative care of the physical body, which supports the Bible’s common-sense wisdom about caring for our physical health—even though we know there is no cure on earth that will eliminate disease and death until Jesus’ Second Coming.

The Genesis account shows that God’s creation, including humankind, was very good before Adam and Eve sinned (Genesis 3). From that point on, aging, disease, and death entered the world. But though death is inevitable, we should still value life as a gift from God; in appreciation for that gift, we should care for our health. The believer’s body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, which should compel us to care for it. Some Proverbs suggest one’s attitude/mindset impacts stress level, which coincides with the Ayurvedic emphasis on the connection between mind and body. Paul suggested some wine as a preventative measure for Timothy’s chronic stomach problems. Jesus healed many from their physical ailments (Matthew 4:23). However, Christ’s greatest gift is the healing He offers from sin, which will one day culminate in a return to the perfection we were made for.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Part and parcel of Ayurveda are anti-biblical Hindu ideas, such as becoming one with the universe and elements ruling reality. But the Genesis account of creation shows that God created everything after its own kind, which means that we cannot become something we were not created to be (Genesis 1:11-12, 1:21, 1:24-25). Also, the Ayurvedic elements that make up the universe (space, air, fire, water, and earth) cannot rule reality; only God does (Psalm 103:19).
• The creation account in Genesis indicates that God called all His creation–including humankind—”very good” (Genesis 1:31). Thus, before the Fall, human beings were created to live eternally with no health problems. Until the Lord restores us to that perfection, there’s nothing wrong with preventative care as long as we know that maintaining perfect health for all of our lives isn’t possible this side of eternity.
• In Ayurveda, wellness depends on the balance of mind, body, spirit, and the environment. When these are out of balance, sickness results. Some Proverbs also affirm that the mind/attitude impacts the body’s health. Proverbs 14:30 speaks of how “A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh.” Proverbs 17:22 asserts that “A joyful heart is good medicine.” Practically, managing stress can result in better health.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Ultimately, no medicine–Ayurvedic or traditional—can cure the effects of the Fall, which are disease, deterioration of our bodies, and death. That is why, though Jesus’ healing of others’ bodily afflictions showed that He is the Messiah (Matthew 4:23), the ultimate healing Christ offers is salvation from sin and death (Mark 2:17). Everyone that Jesus healed physically got sick again and eventually died. But everyone who places their faith in Christ has healing for eternity.
• As our body is the “temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19), we must take care of it as a gift from God. Ayurveda may be one way to do that, but in the U.S., Ayurvedic practitioners are not licensed. Ayurvedic products are regulated as dietary supplements by the FDA, so they’re not required to meet the standards of traditional drugs for safety and effectiveness. Anyone using Ayurveda should be aware of that.
• Ayurveda often focuses on maintaining balance to prevent disease rather than on treating disease. In a letter to Timothy, Paul advises him to “No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments” (1 Timothy 5:23). Paul suggests a preventative habit to address Timothy’s recurring ailments.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

How does getting up in the morning to brush your tongue, drink a cup of turmeric-ginger tea, and do a dry scrub after yoga class sound?

If you recognize even parts of that as your routine, you’ve probably at least heard of Ayurvedic medicine. Since the Covid19 pandemic especially, people seem more concerned with their physical health than ever, and many turn to alternative practices like Ayurveda. What should the Christian think about this, though?

Like yoga, Ayurveda has underlying roots that are anti-biblical, but most people who practice either may not even be aware of those spiritual components. Christians who do yoga are most likely just trying to become more flexible, and those who participate in Ayurveda may believe in it as preventative care. In such cases, Christians should keep a couple of biblical principles in mind: As long as you aren’t celebrating with awareness the anti-biblical components of a practice, you aren’t sinning; this is apparent by Paul’s writings in Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8. The other principle to keep in mind is that you do not cause someone else to stumble. If you are friends with a believer whose conscience is bothered by a certain practice, it’s best if you stay away from doing it when around that person. We’re to always prioritize God and others before ourselves (1 Corinthian 8:7-13).

So, enjoy your herbal baths and steam rooms—as long as you don’t jeopardize another believer’s spiritual health.

UNDERSTAND

• Ayurveda is an ancient holistic health system with spiritual beliefs that conflict with the Bible.
• Caring for the body aligns with Scripture, but true healing comes only through Christ.
• Christians should discern Ayurvedic use, avoiding unbiblical elements and respecting others’ faith.

REFLECT

• How do you balance caring for your physical health with trusting in Christ’s ultimate healing?
• How might unexamined spiritual beliefs in health practices influence your faith journey?
• How does your understanding of the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit shape your daily health choices?

ENGAGE

• How can we thoughtfully discern between beneficial health practices and those that conflict with biblical truth?
• How do cultural health traditions challenge or complement our Christian worldview?
• How might we encourage one another to prioritize spiritual health while navigating holistic wellness trends?