Experiences and perspectives of Ayurvedic practitioners on non-communicable disease management in the UK: A qualitative study.

Authors

Patricia Egwumba, Manpreet Bains, Laura Nellums, Kaushik Chattopadhyay

Published in

PloS one. Volume 21. Issue 10. Pages e0360754. Epub Oct 12, 2026.

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a major public health challenge in the United Kingdom (UK), placing strain on the National Health Service (NHS). While Western medicine dominates NCD care, the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), such as Ayurveda, is increasing. The objective of this study was to explore the experiences and perspectives of Ayurvedic practitioners in the UK regarding the use of Ayurveda for managing NCDs.
Seventeen UK-based Ayurvedic practitioners participated in semi-structured qualitative interviews that were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically.
Three key themes were identified. First, Ayurvedic practitioners viewed their role as complementary to Western medicine, providing holistic, individualised, and patient-centred care to support NCD management. Second, they faced multiple barriers in the UK, including structural challenges (limited integration, poor institutional support, and restricted patient access) and financial constraints (high treatment costs, lack of NHS coverage, and import regulations). Finally, professional associations played a vital role in providing legal and regulatory guidance, promoting continuous professional development, and supporting research to strengthen evidence and legitimacy.
Although Ayurvedic practitioners face considerable challenges in the UK, they play a unique role in negotiating legitimacy, professional recognition, and the epistemological challenges of practising within a Western-dominated healthcare system. Professional associations help legitimise and advance their practice, supporting culturally congruent, patient-centred care that complements conventional NCD management. Despite structural barriers, Ayurvedic practitioners have maintained their presence and have navigated a complex, structurally Western-centric healthcare landscape, offering insights into integrative approaches to NCD care.

PMID:
42862812
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 13 Oct 2026.

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