Page 21 - AYUR

PROCESS

Chronic Illness Timelines & ‘Slowness’ of ISM Healing

‘...It is also noted that use of AYUSH-based outpatient care also varies across nature of
ailment with highest probability of use in case of skin diseases, musculo-skeletal
ailments and cancer.’ (Rudra 2017)

Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy are considered to be especially effective in treating
chronic illnesses, where timelines of healing are often long. The slowness of ISMs and
their effectiveness, clubbed with the need for periodic treatment and medication often
become reasons for its users to lose faith in its effectiveness and not follow through
with treatment and medication. Obscurity about the different stages of healing and
effectiveness of ISM on chronic illnesses furthers the sense of uncertainty. There is a
lack of emphasis laid on the long term benefits of ‘slow’ and ‘conscious’ healthcare
through ISM though these values are in alignment with today’s urban trend of
conscious and slow living. This may be a lost opportunity in building trust for these
systems by making it relevant to the current urban trends. Busy urban lifestyles make it
difficult for the users to receive treatment and follow through with treatment and
medication, often affecting their quality of life and health. This context, supported by
the slow living trends would be a real opportunity for ISMs to invest in, by making ‘slow
health’ a part of the urban Indians’ everyday lives and thereby building trust in ISM.