Asian Indian Population
The Indian population in the United States, now totaling 4,397,737, is the second largest Asian alone group in the country. Originating from a nation marked by vast linguistic, religious, and regional diversity, Indian Americans bring a wide range of traditions, values, and social norms shaped by languages such as Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Punjabi, and religions including Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, and Jainism. This diversity influences many aspects of life, from family structure and caregiving practices to health beliefs, dietary customs, and approaches to education and professional success. While traditional values like respect for elders and family interdependence remain strong, generational shifts have introduced evolving perspectives on identity, autonomy, and integration. Understanding the Indian American community requires recognizing this complexity—not as a monolith, but as a richly layered population shaped by regional, linguistic, and generational diversity. As the population continues to grow, there is a growing need for culturally informed engagement across healthcare, education, policy, and community services to meet the specific needs of this dynamic and multifaceted group.
General Overview of the culture
Ayurveda
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that emphasizes a holistic approach to health, focusing on balancing the body, mind, and spirit through natural methods such as diet, herbal remedies, and lifestyle practices. It aims to prevent and treat illnesses by maintaining harmony within the body and with the surrounding environment. Body consists of Saptadhatus (7 tissues), Rasa (Tissue Fluids), Meda (Fat and Connective tissue), Rakta (blood), Asthi (bones), Majja (marrow), Mamsa (muscle), Shukra (semen), Purisha (feces), Mutra (urine), Sweda (sweat).
Elements known as Pancha Mahabhoota form the three basic humors of human body (Tridoshas):
Vata Dosha - maintains cellular transport, electrolyte balance, and the elimination of waste products.
Pitta Dosha - regulates body temperature, optic nerve coordination and hunger and thirst management
Kapha Dosha - Provides lubrication for proper functioning
Ayurveda Uses Pancha Karma method in its therapies
Virechan - purgation through use of powders, pasts, or decoction
Vaman - forced therapeutic emesis (vomiting) by use of some medicines
Basti - use of enemas from medicated oils
Rakta Moksha - detoxification of blood
Nasya - use of medicines like decoctions, oils and fumes through nasal route
Suggestions for healthcare providers
Healthcare providers should recognize and respect the deep-rooted cultural preference for Ayurveda and natural methods, understanding that these patients often view hospitals and conventional medications with apprehension, using them primarily in dire situations. To address this, providers should emphasize preventive care, aligning both Ayurvedic principles and modern medical practices to offer a comprehensive approach to maintaining health. Creating a welcoming and comforting hospital environment can help alleviate the anxiety associated with medical visits. Additionally, providers should ask patients questions to gauge their comfort levels, as Asian Indians may often be hesitant to speak up due to a cultural emphasis on politeness. When asking these questions it is important to get to know any traditions they might have so the hospital can help honor it and make their experience as pleasant as possible. Ultimately, healthcare providers have to understand that asian Indians have different beliefs and culture and thus personalize their care to better help them.
Perceptions of Indian Culture
”To truly understand and effectively treat Indian patients, healthcare providers must appreciate not only the medical symptoms but also the cultural context, dietary habits, and traditional health practices that influence their well-being.”
- Dr. Althab
”When an illness arises, it comes first in thought form, then sound form, and then light form, which is in the aura. It is only then that the illness manifests in the body. With the practice of Ayurveda, the illness can be nipped in the bud”
- Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.