By: Dr. Avi Verma

For centuries, Indian and South Asian traditions have offered holistic ways to heal the body, calm the mind, and nurture the spirit. Practices such as Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation have long emphasized balance, prevention, and harmony with nature. Today, these timeless approaches are gaining new relevance through integrative medicine, which combines conventional Western treatments with complementary and traditional healing methods.

What is integrative medicine?

Integrative medicine focuses on the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—rather than treating symptoms alone. It blends advanced medical care with evidence-based complementary therapies, helping patients find both relief and resilience.

South Asian traditions in modern healing

Ayurveda

Rooted in India’s ancient “science of life,” Ayurveda emphasizes diet, herbs, seasonal routines, and individualized care to restore internal balance. Within integrative medicine, Ayurvedic methods can support Western therapies for digestive health, chronic pain, stress, and more.

Yoga and meditation

Once seen mainly as spiritual practices, yoga postures and breathing techniques are now globally recognized for their therapeutic value. Yoga builds flexibility, reduces stress, strengthens the body, and supports heart health. Meditation brings clarity and emotional steadiness. Hospitals and clinics increasingly recommend both for patients recovering from surgery, trauma, or long-term illness.

Massage and energy work

Indian healing traditions also include therapeutic touch, Pranic healing, and Reiki, which aim to balance the body’s subtle energies. These therapies can improve sleep, ease pain and anxiety, and promote deep relaxation when used alongside conventional care.

Herbal medicine

South Asian herbs such as turmeric and ashwagandha are now widely studied in modern science. Their anti-inflammatory and stress-relieving properties, when used responsibly with medical guidance, enhance recovery and long-term wellness.

Why it matters for our community

For the Indian and South Asian diaspora, integrative medicine creates a bridge between cultural heritage and modern healthcare. It allows families to honor traditional practices while also benefiting from the latest medical advances. Many in the diaspora who grew up with yoga, home remedies, or Ayurveda as part of daily life now see these practices affirmed in clinical settings.

A path to balance

Integrative medicine does not replace conventional treatment. Instead, it enriches it by weaving science with tradition to create a more complete and personalized pathway to healing.

At IndoUS Tribune’s Health Corner, we celebrate how South Asian wisdom continues to inspire healthier, more holistic living in America and beyond. As our community embraces both roots and modernity, integrative medicine reminds us that true health is found in balance—of body, mind, and spirit.