What has good evidence
Yoga has a substantial trial base for low back pain, anxiety, depression and general wellbeing, and is recommended in NICE guidance for low back pain. Meditation and mindfulness have strong evidence for stress and moderate evidence for anxiety and sleep. Slow breathing practices measurably lower heart rate and blood pressure. Regular meal and sleep timing, central to Ayurvedic routine, is supported by circadian research. Among herbs, ashwagandha has randomised trials for stress and sleep, turmeric extracts for osteoarthritis pain, and triphala for digestion.
What has emerging or limited evidence
Oil therapies such as Shirodhara and Abhyanga have small studies for anxiety, sleep and muscle tension. Panchakarma programmes have observational data but few controlled trials. The dosha system is a useful clinical framework but has not been validated as a biological classification, though some genetic studies have explored it.
What is not supported
Claims that Ayurveda cures cancer, diabetes or other serious diseases. Any preparation that has not been tested for heavy metals. Advice to stop prescribed medication.
Why the evidence base is uneven
Ayurveda is individualised, which makes standard trials difficult, and most research has been done in India with variable methodology. That is a reason for humility about claims, not a reason to dismiss components that have been tested and work.
At Omnia
Our Ayurvedic doctors in Chiswick practise within that evidence. Herbs are sourced from regulated suppliers, we do not ask anyone to stop medication, and we refer to conventional care when something needs it. Where Ayurveda helps, we will say so; where it does not, we will say that too.