Ayurvedic Ethics: Traditional Foundations and Contemporary Relevance

Document Type : Short Communication

Authors

1 Department of International Studies, Political Science and History, Christ (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, Karnataka, India

2 Department of History, Christ (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Ayurveda is a widely practised traditional medical system in India in which clinical practice and moral philosophy are intrinsically linked. Classical concepts, such as Sadvṛtta (good conduct) and Chikitsā Chatuṣpāda (four pillars of treatment), define physician duties, patient care, and community responsibility, reflecting a holistic approach to health. This short communication examines how these frameworks, rooted in historical and cultural contexts, can inform contemporary debates on medical ethics. It explores their continuing relevance in strengthening patient–physician trust, promoting equitable access to care, and shaping the moral responsibilities of healthcare providers in an era of increasing commercialisation. Drawing on these enduring principles, the paper argues that Ayurvedic ethics can offer culturally grounded yet adaptable guidance for modern medical practice. By integrating these insights into present-day discourse, Ayurvedic ethics contribute to inclusive, context-sensitive, and ethically robust approaches to healthcare ethics that address both local traditions and the universal principles of compassionate, ethical medical care.

Highlights

Radhika Hegde (Google Scholar)

Keywords

Journal of Research on History of Medicine
Volume 15, Issue 1
February 2026
Pages 71-76

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