Asian Indian Population
The Indian population in the United States has seen significant growth over the past few decades, becoming the largest Asian alone group in the nation at 4,397,737 people. With roots tracing back to the diverse cultural, linguistic, and religious landscape of India, Indian Americans bring a rich heritage that includes various traditions, languages, and religions. This diversity within the Indian ethnicity contributes to a vibrant cultural tapestry in America. Cultural beliefs and practices, dietary habits, and health perceptions can vary widely among Indian Americans, necessitating culturally competent care. This presents unique challenges in the healthcare sector, where culturally competent care is essential to address the specific health needs and preferences of this varied population.
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.