Integrative neurologist and Ayurvedic medicine expert Dr Kurleet Chaudhary blends ancient art with modern clinical science to help people confront health challenges and encourage mainstream medicine to take ancient wisdom into account.
At the NBJ Summit in July, he will share his Ayurvedic teachings and how they fit into the U.S. supplement market, as well as introduce the healing properties of “sound baths,” a concept he explored in his 2020 book, “Sound Baths.” Sound Medicine.
We asked her about Ayurveda and what the supplement industry can do to help Americans understand and use this healthy practice.
Dr. Kurleet Chaudhary is a neurologist, neuroscientist and leader in the field of sound medicine and the ancient medical science known as Ayurveda.
Two Ayurvedic herbs that have garnered significant attention in the U.S. market are turmeric and ashwagandha. What do you think is the best strategy to further introduce Ayurvedic medicine ingredients to American consumers?
Chaudhary: I think the best initial strategy is to look at herbs that are synergistic with turmeric and ashwagandha, since these two Ayurvedic supplements are already well established in the supplement market. Combining synergistic herbs is a core principle of Ayurveda and exponentially enhances the effectiveness of the individual herbs. For example, adding brahmi to ashwagandha makes it a much more powerful supplement for supporting cognitive function than ashwagandha alone. Similarly, adding black pepper to turmeric dramatically improves the absorption of turmeric and further enhances its anti-inflammatory effects. These are all well-known techniques in Ayurvedic medicine that have been around for thousands of years.
Do you think there are any particular symptoms or health concerns that would make American consumers more interested in Ayurvedic medicine?
Chaudhary: Gut health is the foundation of Ayurvedic medicine. In Ayurveda, the treatment of any disease begins with gut health. Only recently has research on the microbiome boomed and Americans are slowly beginning to understand the importance of gut health. In Ayurvedic medicine, gut health has been studied for thousands of years and individualized approaches have been taken to optimize an individual’s mind-body type, or gut flora. DoshaAyurveda is not a one-size-fits-all approach to the gut. Ayurveda also clearly demonstrates the connection between gut health and brain health, a topic that is only just beginning to be discovered in the United States. For those who want to achieve lasting gut and brain health, Ayurveda is an ideal resource.
Is there a particular type of consumer that you think would be most open to learning about Ayurvedic medicine?
Chaudhary: Ayurveda is made for people who are tired of trying so hard to keep their head above water when it comes to health. If you have a cabinet full of supplements but barely feel “okay” most days, Ayurveda is for you. Ayurveda is very personalized, and instead of giving everyone 50+ health recommendations that may or may not work, you are given a short list of recommendations specific to your needs. Health doesn’t have to be hard work when you have an instruction manual for your mind and body type. DoshaOptimizing your health will be a highly focused path that includes specific lifestyle recommendations accompanied by a handful of customized herbal supplements designed just for you.
Do you have any concerns about how U.S. brands are marketing Ayurvedic medicine, and how can they better honor that tradition?
Chaudhary: We are not tapping into the full potential of Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurvedic medicine is an extremely sophisticated health system that provides people with a PhD level understanding of the mind and body. In the United States, we are just beginning to unlock the power of Ayurvedic knowledge. When I see how many Americans struggle with health and how easily Ayurveda addresses modern health issues, it makes me sad that we have not yet been able to merge the two worlds. Ayurveda is personalized medicine and this is where the United States is heading. There is no need to reinvent the wheel. The wheel has already been built and upgraded through millennia of innovation by Ayurvedic medicine. We can start with what has already been discovered.
Editor’s note: Participation in the 2024 NBJ Summit has sold out. Virtual Attendance Registration We will continue to offer you access to the full program digitally throughout and after the Summit.
