AYURVEDA AND EPIGENETICS: FOUNDATIONS FOR PREVENTIVE AND PRECISION HEALTHCARE

The article explores the intersection of Ayurveda and epigenetics, presenting a novel framework for preventive and precision healthcare. Ayurveda, with its holistic principles of Prakriti (individual constitution), Pathya-Apathya (wholesome/ unwholesome), and Swasthavritta (healthy living), provides a rich philosophical and practical base for influencing gene expression. Epigenetics, which studies heritable changes in gene function without DNA sequence alterations, offers mechanistic insights into how environmental factors, lifestyle, diet, and emotional states affect gene expression through DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNAs. The article elucidates the epigenetic basis of health and disease, highlighting the role of these modifications in conditions like cancer, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. It draws parallels between Ayurvedic concepts such as Beeja (genetic material), Vikriti (deviation from normalcy), and Garbhini Paricharya (antenatal care), and modern understandings of gene regulation. It emphasizes how Ayurvedic practices—like Dinacharya, Ritucharya, and Garbhopaghatakarabhava—can favorably influence epigenetic outcomes. The emerging field of Ayurgenomics is presented as a bridge between traditional Ayurvedic wisdom and modern genomics, supporting personalized medicine. The article concludes by suggesting that integrating Ayurveda with epigenetic science holds immense potential for advancing individualized health strategies and fostering long-term well-being.