World Ayurveda Day is a time to reflect on the ancient Indian system of medicine and its relevance in the modern world. While developed thousands of years ago, many of Ayurveda’s principles resonate with contemporary biomedical research. From gut health and herbal medicine to circadian rhythms and personalized healthcare, Ayurveda’s frameworks often parallel cutting-edge science.
“Ayurveda is, at its heart, a science of prevention rather than cure. It teaches that the human body is an inseparable part of nature and that health depends on staying aligned with natural rhythms,” says Dr. Suneeti Yemberi, BAMS, R.A. Podar Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Mumbai, reflecting on World Ayurveda Day 2025.
Ayurveda emphasizes Agni (digestive fire) as central to health and links its impairment to the buildup of Ama (toxins). Modern microbiome science similarly shows how digestion and microbial balance affect immunity, metabolism, and mental health.
Research supports gastrointestinal effects of Ayurvedic formulations. Triphala—a blend of Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula, and Terminalia bellirica—has been shown to modulate gut microbiota, increase short-chain fatty acid production, and display antioxidant activity.¹ Ayurveda’s use of buttermilk (takra) resembles modern probiotic therapies.
Dr. Suneeti Yemberi explains, “Our inner Agni—the digestive fire—is linked to the sun: as daylight fades, digestive strength also wanes. This doesn’t mean we must never eat at night, but that we should balance late meals with mindful choices the next day. Ayurveda reminds us that the stomach is not a dump yard; like clearing the dustbin daily, we must allow time for proper digestion and elimination.”
Ayurveda’s pharmacopoeia includes hundreds of herbs, many now evaluated in clinical trials:
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Randomized controlled trials show benefits in reducing stress, improving sleep quality, and lowering cortisol.²
Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Curcumin demonstrates anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, particularly in arthritis and metabolic syndrome.³
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): Clinical studies indicate cognitive-enhancing and memory-supporting effects.⁴
Triphala: Beyond gut health, it exhibits free radical scavenging and cytoprotective properties.⁵
While further large-scale research is needed, these studies highlight the therapeutic potential of Ayurveda’s herbal traditions.
The Ayurvedic principle of Dinacharya (daily regimen) prescribes early rising, timely meals, exercise, and sufficient sleep. These recommendations align closely with circadian rhythm research, which earned the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
Chronobiology shows that disruptions in biological rhythms are linked to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.⁶ Studies on intermittent fasting and meal timing reinforce Ayurveda’s guidance to eat the main meal during the day when digestion is strongest.
“Even in ancient times, when night duties existed for royal guards or workers, people followed disciplined routines to maintain balance. In today’s fast-paced race for money, many forget their natural schedules and self-worth. Ayurveda grounds us, showing that true healing comes from living in harmony with nature,” notes Dr. Yemberi.
Ayurveda’s doctrine of Prakriti classifies individuals into Vata, Pitta, and Kapha types, each with distinct physiological and psychological traits. This resembles modern precision medicine, which tailors interventions based on genetic and metabolic profiles.
Research supports genomic correlations with Prakriti. A study by CSIR-IGIB linked specific genetic polymorphisms to constitutional types, such as immune-related variants in Kapha individuals.⁷ Other work has shown higher basal metabolic rates in Pitta types, reflecting Ayurvedic descriptions.⁸ Such findings suggest Ayurveda anticipated core principles of individualized healthcare.
World Ayurveda Day honors Lord Dhanvantari, regarded as the divine physician who emerged from the cosmic ocean during the Samudra Manthan carrying the nectar of immortality and the knowledge of Ayurveda. His birth anniversary, traditionally celebrated on Dhanteras, has long been observed as World Ayurveda Day in India.
In 2025, the Government of India fixed World Ayurveda Day to 23 September each year, aligning it with the autumnal equinox when day and night are nearly equal—a symbolic reminder of Ayurveda’s principle of balance.
As Dr. Suneeti Yemberi emphasizes, “As a practitioner, I see Ayurveda as a living science. Its emphasis on seasonal routines, mindful eating, and harmony with the environment offers solutions for modern challenges like lifestyle disorders and stress. My message this World Ayurveda Day is simple: embrace small, consistent Ayurvedic habits—regular sleep, fresh food, and self-awareness. They are powerful tools for lifelong wellness and complement contemporary medicine beautifully.”
Ayurveda and modern science, though arising from different traditions, increasingly converge in their insights. Digestive health, herbal pharmacology, circadian rhythms, and personalized approaches illustrate shared ground between ancient wisdom and biomedical research.
World Ayurveda Day 2025, fixed to the equinox, underscores the enduring message of balance—between prevention and cure, between nature and human health, and between tradition and innovation.
In Dr. Yemberi’s words: “Let this day inspire us to keep the tradition alive—not as nostalgia, but as a guide to sustainable health for generations ahead.”
Peterson, C. T., et al. “Triphala and Its Constituents Promote Antioxidant Effects and Modulate the Gut Microbiome.” Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 23, no. 9 (2017): 607–614. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2017.0026.
Lopresti, A. L., and P. D. Drummond. “A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Examining the Effect of Ashwagandha on Stress and Anxiety.” Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 75, no. 6 (2014): 689–696.
Hewlings, S. J., and D. S. Kalman. “Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health.” Foods 6, no. 10 (2017): 92. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods6100092.
Pase, M. P., et al. “The Cognitive-Enhancing Effects of Bacopa monnieri: A Systematic Review of Randomized, Controlled Human Clinical Trials.” Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 18, no. 7 (2012): 647–652.
Baliga, M. S., et al. “Triphala, Ayurvedic Formulation for Treating and Preventing Cancer: A Review.” Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 18, no. 6 (2012): 516–529.
Bass, Joseph, and Joseph S. Takahashi. “Circadian Integration of Metabolism and Energetics.” Science 330, no. 6009 (2010): 1349–1354. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1195027.
Prasher, B., et al. “Whole Genome Expression and Biochemical Correlates of Extreme Constitutional Types Defined in Ayurveda.” Journal of Translational Medicine 6, no. 48 (2008): 48. https://doi.org/10.1186/1479-5876-6-48.
Patwardhan, B., and R. A. Mashelkar. “Traditional Medicine-Inspired Approaches to Drug Discovery: Can Ayurveda Show the Way Forward?” Drug Discovery Today 14, no. 15-16 (2009): 804–811.