Why Christians Should Avoid Ayurveda: A Biblical Perspective
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine rooted in Hindu philosophy, originating thousands of years ago in India. It emphasizes the balance of three elemental energies or "doshas"—Vata (air and space), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (water and earth). These energies are believed to govern health and disease, and Ayurvedic healing involves restoring their equilibrium through diet, herbs, exercise, yoga, and purification rituals.
From a Christian standpoint, however, it’s essential to recognize that Ayurveda is not merely a medical practice—it is profoundly spiritual and inseparable from the religious beliefs of Hinduism. The concept of prana (life force) entering the brain through nasal therapies, the invocation of Dhanvantari (the Hindu god of medicine), and detox rituals like Panchakarma all point to a spiritual framework that is foreign and often contrary to the Christian faith.
Some therapies involve spiritual elements like meditation, chanting, and aligning cosmic energies—all practices rooted in Eastern mysticism. The Bible clearly warns against engaging in practices that invoke other deities or spiritual forces (Deuteronomy 18:10–12; 2 Corinthians 6:14–17). Christians are called to seek healing through prayer, godly wisdom, and medical science that does not conflict with biblical truth.
Panchakarma, one of Ayurveda's core detoxification methods, includes procedures such as induced vomiting (Vamana), strong laxatives (Virechana), medicated enemas (Basti), and bloodletting (Raktamokshana), which raise not only physical safety concerns but also spiritual red flags. These rituals are more than just medical—they often carry spiritual symbolism and are believed to cleanse karmic impurities.
While healthy eating and moderate exercise can align with Christian principles of caring for the body (1 Corinthians 6:19–20), believers must discern the spiritual roots behind the methods. If a healing system is based on a worldview that contradicts the Bible, Christians are urged to avoid it.
In summary, while Ayurveda may seem beneficial for physical health, its spiritual foundation conflicts with the Christian worldview. Christians should seek health solutions that honor God and rely on His wisdom rather than spiritual practices rooted in another faith.
Methods of discernment:
• Who was the founder of this modality?
• What was his/her spirituality?
• What culture did it come out of?
• What were their beliefs?
• Who is their God or gods?
Many occult practices in Christianity need to be discerned. Another method of discernment is the word of God. The word of God is our measuring stick. The more we read the word, know the word, and have a relationship with the Lord, the more we discern right and wrong. We perish from a lack of knowledge.
By Teresa Morin, President of Touch of God Int'l Ministries of Healing and Deliverance.
See list of occult practices.
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