Every so often, an ancient tradition resurfaces with such relevance that it feels designed for the modern times. This is Ayurveda — India’s revered health philosophy, over 5,000 years old, which recently captivated Manila during the 9th Ayurveda Day celebration.
Hosted by the Indian Embassy and Shanti Ayurveda Philippines, the event showcased Ayurveda’s holistic wellness approach and hinted at how this practice could thrive in the Philippines.
The event presented speakers who each envisioned Ayurveda’s integration into Filipino culture, education, and healthcare. Ambassador Harsh Kumar Jain opened by emphasizing Ayurveda’s commitment to “promoting health and preventing disease,” a refreshing counter to today’s quick-fix culture. I couldn’t help but think, “If this practice could streamline my maintenance routine or reduce my pharmacy runs, I’m all ears.”
Take Ayurvedic eating, for example. “Eating the right food at the right time” isn’t just about calories or food groups but about consuming for your dosha — your unique body-mind type, whether it’s Vata (light and mobile), Pitta (fiery and sharp), or Kapha (steady and calm). It’s like a health horoscope. As a Pitta, I learned I should eat cooling foods, avoid spice, and basically steer clear of all the good things in life, like caffeine and fried delights — hardly enticing! But after over a year of IF (intermittent fasting) without complaint, perhaps I’m up for the challenge.
On that balmy Saturday, I also learned I’ve been drinking water the wrong way all my life. Ayurveda advises sipping, not gulping, while seated, and timing water intake carefully to avoid disrupting our “digestive fire.” It’s a big shift for someone like me who usually chugs cold water, but now I start my mornings by sipping three cups of warm water by the edge of our bed — very demurely and mindfully, of course.
Even showering has Ayurvedic guidelines. Pittas benefit from morning cold showers, Vatas from warm, and Kaphas from brisk, energizing ones. Our lolas were probably onto something whenever they proscribed us from taking evening showers because this practice could thin our blood, whatever that means, or make us crazy.
Among the speakers, Dr. Marco Escareal, a Filipino physician, stood out. His path to Ayurveda began during the COVID-19 pandemic as he watched lifestyle-related diseases exacerbate virus symptoms, prompting him to explore Ayurveda’s preventive principles. Now an advocate, he teaches Ayurveda as an elective at Mapúa University, hoping to inspire young Filipinos to embrace holistic health. Alongside Dr. Ma. Teresa C. Iñigo from PITAHC, he envisions a future where Ayurveda becomes a part of Philippine education, offering students early lessons in wellness.
Dr. Gibsy Sanjeevi George of Shanti Ayurveda Philippines introduced us to Panchakarma, Ayurveda’s detoxifying treatment, which, he explained, doesn’t just cleanse the body but rejuvenates mind and spirit as well. In today’s world of chronic stress, such approaches that encompass mental well-being are understandably appealing.
And Ayurveda’s not shy about addressing bodily functions. “Elimination”— yes, waste processes— is crucial for balance. “Let It Go, apparently, is not simply for Snow Queen Elsa to belt out while building her ice castle, but a mantra for anyone who wants to stay healthy. There’s even an Ayurvedic checklist for color, consistency, and frequency, turning everyday functions into indicators of inner health. While it’s easy to veer into TMI territory, Ayurveda’s perspective makes it seem natural, if not dignified, to talk about sweat, urine, and feces, even over a meal.
Of course, no discussion of Ayurveda is complete without its sister discipline, yoga. Though yoga is mainstream, Ayurveda remains less conventional. They complement each other, with yoga helping you connect to your body and Ayurveda fueling it properly. Compared to today’s trendy diets and wellness apps, this ancient approach feels surprisingly novel.
Sona Roy, founder of Shanti Ayurveda Philippines, shared his vision for Ayurveda’s future in the Philippines, mentioning a planned 50-bed Ayurveda Hospital and Research Center in Majayjay, Laguna. He strongly believes that Ayurveda could support wellness tourism and tackle lifestyle diseases while aligning with sustainable, natural health trends — a cause supported by the Indian Embassy.
For a society used to doctor’s prescriptions, embracing Ayurveda might feel like trying a new health trend. Yet, traditional remedies aren’t new to the Philippines, where practices like hilot and herbal cures are familiar. Ayurveda, however, takes this further by viewing the body as an interconnected system. Am I going to replace my meds with ghee? Not quite. But the idea of a lifestyle that doesn’t just treat symptoms but also builds wellness from within has its appeal.
As I left the Embassy, clutching an Ayurveda brochure and a fresh list of acceptable foods, I had to smile. Here I was, a Gen Xer accustomed to maintenance meds, pondering the wisdom of the Vedas. Ayurveda, with its earthy practices and patient approach, is delightfully different from the pragmatic routine of doctor visits and pharmacy lines. But maybe it doesn’t have to be one or the other. Perhaps a future where we blend the ancient with the modern is nearer than we think. And if it means raising a mug of warm water in place of a pill, that’s a toast I’ll gladly make.