What Is Ayurveda? Inside The Holistic Medical System Loved By King Charles

King Charles has long been an advocate for alternative medicine. In 2023 he appointed a homeopathic doctor for the royal household, and last week he spent a few days at Soukya, a holistic health centre on the outskirts of Bangalore in India, based around the principles of ayurveda. He visited along with Queen Camilla following their recent trip to Australia and Samoa – the biggest trip the monarch has undertaken since being diagnosed with cancer in February this year.

The ancient Indian medical system dates back thousands of years, but it remains a popular form of healthcare in parts of the Eastern world and beyond, inspiring everything from wellness treatments to skincare. So why has it piqued the attention of the King? And is it an effective form of healthcare?

What Is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest medical systems, originating in India over 5,000 years ago – with the word derived from Sanskrit, meaning ‘science of life’. At its core, this holistic style of healing is based on the idea that everything is connected.

Ayurvedic doctor Dr. Vijay Murthy, who runs a clinic on London’s Harley Street, explains: ‘Its approach to health is grounded in personal balance, recognising that each individual has a unique mind-body type (or dosha), and that wellbeing requires alignment with one’s natural constitution. 

‘Unlike one-size-fits-all treatments, Ayurveda offers tailored recommendations based on individual needs, from lifestyle to diet and stress management. This personalisation is at the heart of Ayurveda’s power to nurture long-term wellness.’

Ayurveda is based on the belief that everyone is made of five elements found in the universe: space, air, fire, water and earth. These combine to form three energies, known as doshas: 

• Vata dosha (space and air), which allows movement
• Pitta dosha (fire and water), which handles metabolism and digestion
• Kapha dosha (water and earth), which gives structure or cohesion

Everyone has a mix of the three, but one is usually stronger than the rest, and practitioners believe good health is based on the correct balance. 

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What Are Examples Of Ayurvedic Treatment?

There are a wide variety of ayurvedic treatments, but practitioners often recommend personalised treatments spanning:

• Yoga
• Herbal medicine
• Meditation
• Breathing exercises
• Massage
• Diet and lifestyle changes

Can Ayurveda Cure Illness?

Critics of ayurveda say it lacks scientific backing (there are limited studies demonstrating specific benefits). However, Murthy points out that its emphasis on preventative care ‘aligns with modern understandings of chronic disease management, adding that integrating ayurveda can enhance vitality and address health issues before they escalate.’

He adds: ‘As more research emerges, science is increasingly validating many of ayurveda’s principles. For example, its practices around stress reduction, gut health, and immune resilience are supported by studies linking them to improved mental health, digestion and immunity.’

Rather than act as a replacement for traditional healthcare, practitioners recommend using ayurveda in conjunction with conventional medical treatments. 

Cancer Research UK says: ‘There is no scientific evidence to prove that ayurvedic medicine can treat or cure cancer.’

Its website reads: ‘People with cancer often use touch therapies such as massage and aromatherapy. Many people say these therapies help them to cope better with cancer and its treatment. Research is looking into whether some herbs or plant treatments used in ayurvedic medicine could help to prevent or treat cancer. But, we still don’t know much about some of the treatments that are part of ayurvedic medicine. These include treatments like special diets and herbal remedies.’

For people with cancer, it’s crucial to check with your doctor before beginning any kind of new ayurvedic treatment. Cancer Research UK warns: ‘These treatments could be harmful to your health or interfere with conventional treatment such as cancer drugs and radiotherapy.’

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Where Did King Charles Stay In India?

King Charles and Queen Camilla spent three days at renowned ayurvedic health centre Soukya in India. This isn’t the first time the monarch has visited: he spent his 71st birthday there in 2019, and the Queen has been several times before. Set on a 30-acre organic farm filled with fruits, vegetables and medicinal herbs, Soukya describes itself as a ‘first-of-its-kind healing sanctuary’, offering an array of treatments which incorporate the principles of ayurveda, homeopathy and yoga. 

According to local media, the entire resort was closed for the King and Queen’s stay. A source told the Hindu newspaper: ‘This time, because of chemotherapy for his cancer, the sessions he underwent were for rejuvenation, detoxification and strengthening the immune system.’ 

Their daily routine apparently included a morning yoga class followed by a vegetarian Indian breakfast, with rejuvenation therapies taking place in the afternoon ahead of evening meditation and an early bedtime.