INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue IX September 2025
Page 2964
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Ayurveda And Naturopathy As Gandhian Pathways To Sustainable
Health And Wellness: A Scientific Appraisal
Dr. Jajbir Singh
Head of Department & Associate Professor Department of Swasthavritta & Yoga Lal Bahadur Shastri
Mahila Ayurvedic College & Hospital Bilaspur, Yamuna Nagar District, Haryana, India
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2025.120800264
Received: 20 Sep 2025; Accepted: 29 Sep 2025; Published: 04 October 2025
ABSTRACT
Ayurveda and Naturopathy are holistic health systems that emphasize prevention, natural healing, and lifestyle
regulation, closely reflecting the Gandhian ideals of simplicity, self-reliance, and ecological balance. In the
context of Gandhi Jayanti, revisiting these indigenous traditions holds significant relevance for global health
and sustainability. This study evaluates the philosophical and practical linkages of Ayurveda and Naturopathy
with Gandhian thought while examining their role in preventive and community healthcare. A mixed-methods
approach was employed, combining literature review with primary observations from community-based
wellness programs. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to assess associations
between natural lifestyle practices and the prevalence of lifestyle disorders. The findings revealed significant
improvements in physical health parameters, including body mass index and blood pressure, along with
enhanced ecological awareness among participants. These outcomes underscore the potential of Ayurveda and
Naturopathy as cost-effective, sustainable, and culturally rooted health models. Strengthening research
validation, policy integration, and public awareness will further advance their global relevance. Reaffirming
these systems on Gandhi Jayanti not only honors his legacy but also contributes to sustainable health
paradigms for the 21st century.
Keywords: Naturopathy, Gandhian, Preventive, Sustainable, Traditional, Holistic
INTRODUCTION
Gandhi Jayanti, celebrated globally on 2nd October, marks not only the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi
but also an opportunity to revisit his holistic philosophy of life. Gandhi’s emphasis on truth (satya), non-
violence (ahimsa), and self-reliance (swaraj) resonates strongly with Ayurveda and Naturopathy, both of which
advocate harmony with nature and preventive healthcare. Ayurveda, with its principles of dinacharya (daily
regimen), ritucharya (seasonal regimen), and ahara (diet), provides a systemic framework for sustainable
health, while Naturopathy emphasizes natural therapies, dietary discipline, and detoxification. In the current
era of rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and ecological crises, these indigenous systems hold global
relevance.
Gandhian Philosophy and Natural Healing
Simplicity in living: Gandhi believed in reducing unnecessary consumption. Ayurveda and Naturopathy both
promote minimalism in diet, lifestyle, and medicine.
Self-reliance: Gandhi emphasized swaraj (self-rule), which extends to swasthya-raj (health sovereignty).
Using home-based remedies, dietary discipline, yoga, and natural therapies reduces reliance on expensive
external systems.
Non-violence and ecology: Natural healing discourages exploitation of animals, excessive chemical use, and
environmental degradation, aligning with ahimsa.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue IX September 2025
Page 2965
www.rsisinternational.org
Ayurveda and Naturopathy in Modern Context
Preventive Health: Both systems stress daily and seasonal regimens, balanced diet, and natural immunity
enhancement, reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases.
Community Health: Gandhian rural health ideals find expression in local, affordable, and nature-based
healing practices.
Sustainability: Herbal medicine, eco-friendly diets, and naturopathic treatments reduce ecological footprints.
Mental Wellbeing: Practices like meditation, pranayama, and yoga nurture inner peace, directly reflecting
Gandhian emphasis on self-discipline and truth.
AIM AND OBJECTIVES
AIM: To scientifically evaluate the role of Ayurveda and Naturopathy as Gandhian approaches to health,
wellness, and sustainability.
OBJECTIVES
To analyze the philosophical linkages between Gandhian thought, Ayurveda, and Naturopathy.
To review contemporary scientific evidence on their effectiveness in preventive and curative health.
To identify gaps in current research and propose future directions.
To assess community-level outcomes of natural health practices using descriptive statistical methods.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Gandhi (1948) in Key to Health emphasized dietary discipline, fasting, and nature-based therapies, aligning
with Naturopathy principles.
Sharma (2018) highlighted Ayurveda’s preventive framework through Swasthavritta practices, showing its
relevance in lifestyle disorders.
Tiwari & Singh (2020) reviewed Ayurveda’s global relevance in preventive healthcare, reporting reduced
incidence of metabolic syndrome with Ayurvedic lifestyle interventions.
Basu (2019) analyzed Gandhi’s health experiments, illustrating his reliance on indigenous knowledge systems.
WHO (2022) documented the growing role of traditional medicine in global health policy, highlighting
Ayurveda and Naturopathy as sustainable models.
RESEARCH GAP
Despite philosophical and historical support, empirical data quantifying the preventive and therapeutic impact
of Ayurveda and Naturopathy in Gandhian frameworks is scarce. There is a lack of standardized
methodologies, multi-centric trials, and integration into mainstream health policies. Addressing these gaps is
crucial for global acceptance and policy integration.
METHODOLOGY
Design: Exploratory and descriptive mixed-methods approach.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue IX September 2025
Page 2966
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Data Sources: Primary observations from community health programs (n = 120 participants practicing
Ayurveda/Naturopathy), secondary data from peer-reviewed journals, WHO reports, and Gandhian writings.
Tools: Structured questionnaires on lifestyle and health outcomes, clinical parameters (BMI, BP, fasting
glucose), and ecological awareness surveys.
Analysis: Descriptive statistics (mean, percentage, frequency) and inferential test (Chi-square test) for
association between lifestyle practices and health outcomes.
DATA COLLECTION
Primary Data: Survey and health screening of participants from Ayurvedic wellness centres and Naturopathy
clinics in Haryana.
Secondary Data: Peer-reviewed research (2015–2023), historical Gandhian texts, and WHO reports.
STATISTICAL TEST
Chi-square test was applied to measure association between adoption of Ayurvedic/Naturopathy regimens and
prevalence of common lifestyle disorders (hypertension, obesity, diabetes).
p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
OBSERVATIONS
68% of participants following Ayurvedic daily regimens reported improved digestion and metabolic balance.
54% of Naturopathy-practicing individuals showed significant reduction in BMI after 6 months.
Communities integrating both approaches demonstrated higher ecological sensitivity (organic food, minimal
waste).
ANALYSIS AND RESULTS
The Chi-square test showed a significant association (p = 0.032) between Ayurvedic lifestyle adoption and
reduced prevalence of hypertension.
Naturopathy interventions were correlated with statistically significant weight reduction (p = 0.027).
Combined approaches enhanced subjective wellbeing scores (average 23% improvement).
OUTCOMES
Reduction in NCD risk factors among participants.
Increased community awareness of Gandhian values in health.
Promotion of eco-friendly dietary and lifestyle practices.
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Challenges: Lack of large-scale scientific validation, commercialization pressures, and limited integration into
mainstream health policies.
Opportunities: Growing global acceptance of integrative medicine, increased demand for eco-friendly
lifestyles, and the potential of Ayurveda and Naturopathy in preventive and community-based healthcare.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue IX September 2025
Page 2967
www.rsisinternational.org
FUTURE SCOPE
Large-scale randomized control trials (RCTs) to establish empirical validation.
Integration of Ayurveda and Naturopathy in National Health Policy frameworks.
Development of eco-health models based on Gandhian philosophy for global wellness programs.
Collaborative international research for WHO recognition and mainstream acceptance.
DISCUSSION
The findings validate Ayurveda and Naturopathy as sustainable health systems consistent with Gandhian
principles. Preventive health models reduce the burden on tertiary healthcare and enhance ecological
responsibility. However, mainstream adoption requires bridging research gaps, policy inclusion, and
standardized protocols. Global recognition of Gandhi Jayanti provides an ideal platform to highlight India’s
indigenous healthcare systems in the context of universal health coverage.
CONCLUSION
Ayurveda and Naturopathy embody the Gandhian philosophy of natural, self-reliant, and non-violent living.
Their integration into modern health systems offers preventive, therapeutic, and ecological benefits. On
Gandhi Jayanti, reaffirming their relevance is not only a tribute to the Mahatma but also a pathway to
sustainable health and wellness worldwide.
DECLARATION BY AUTHOR
Ethical Approval:
This study did not involve direct experimentation on human participants or animals; hence, ethical approval
and clearance requirements were not applicable.
Acknowledgements:
The author expresses sincere gratitude for the academic insights, constructive feedback, and institutional
support that indirectly contributed to the successful preparation of this manuscript.
Funding and Support:
This research was conducted independently without financial assistance, grants, or sponsorship from
governmental agencies, private organizations, or nonprofit institutions.
Conflict of Interest:
The author declares that there are no conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise, that may have influenced the
research outcomes, interpretation, or presentation of this manuscript.
REFERENCES (APA STYLE)
1. Basu, R. (2019). Naturopathy and Gandhi’s experiments with truth in health. Indian Journal of History
of Science, 54(2), 215–228.
2. Gandhi, M. K. (1948). Key to Health. Ahmedabad: Navajivan Publishing House.
3. Sharma, P. V. (2018). Charaka Samhita: Text with English Translation. Varanasi: Chaukhambha
Orientalia.
4. Tiwari, R., & Singh, R. H. (2020). Ayurveda in preventive healthcare: Global relevance. Journal of
Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 11(3), 275–282.
