The Rise Of AI-Driven Ayurvedic Solutions To Solve Skin And Hair Problems
One of few advantages of the pandemic, was the increased awareness of traditional Indian medicinal practices to prevent and cure diseases and lifestyle afflictions. A recent survey shows that demand for Ayurvedic products is highest among millennials in the age group of 25-34 in metros and tier 2 and 3 cities of India, with people in the age group of 35-44 following suit. However, in a world increasingly dependent on artificial intelligence, keeping our traditional knowledge intact and available for guidance can be challenging.
Fortunately, brands are now applying state-of-the-art AI to Ayurvedic knowledge. Vedix - a customized Ayurvedic lifestyle and wellness brand, does it for skincare and haircare. This brand creates products to suit individual body characteristics, on the basis of people’s Doshas.
Functioning on the Tridosha theory of Ayurveda, where every person is born with their unique set of Doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) that draw up their Prakruti, Vedix offers true Ayurvedic solutions customized to address unique needs. Vata represents the energy of air and ether, Pitta represents that of fire and Kapha of water and earth-based energy. The mechanism which binds these five energies together also regulates, directs, controls and manages all the functions of one’s body. Hence for a holistic body, mind and soul solution, one has to be aware of their own Prakruti and skin / hair / body concerns. At Vedix, the identification of one’s Doshas is done through a questionnaire filled online, which is then analyzed by their proprietary AI-driven technology to craft individualized products.
Prakruti is the fundamental Ayurvedic concept of balance and harmony that assesses one’s inherent disposition from birth. It is shaped by the governing forces of life, or the Doshas.
In Ayurvedic practice, individuals are viewed as microcosms of nature based on the synchronicity of their Doshas. A state of imbalance of Doshas can lead to a weakened immune system which manifests in the form of hair or skin diseases.
Doshas are unique to a person’s Prakruti, yet they are constantly changing as one gets older and is exposed to environmental changes. When Doshas are elevated, they create problems and diseases in the areas of the body where they are present. The elevation of a Dosha may suppress the correct progress of the other Doshas of the body, leading to minor or major disturbances in bodily functions.
The concept of customization is relatively new to the Indian lifestyle and wellness landscape, yet is incredibly useful in breaking the vicious cycle of trial and error that often leads to unsatisfactory results. “Ayurveda tells us that each individual is different and thus solutions for each of us can’t be a replica. Our proprietary tests were developed by Ayurvedic experts to simulate an offline visit to an Ayurvedic doctor. This test, known as Vedix Personalised Questionnaire (VPQ) asks customers a series of questions to help us identify their Dosha profile as defined by their Prakruti (balanced state) and Vikruti (imbalanced state) and customise the products based on this analysis,” says Jatin Gujrati, Business Head of Vedix.
Customers are identified in six broad categories based on their Dosha profile, and then further divided into issue-specific sub-categories. A track record of more than 3 million questionnaires filled, and over 1.2 million customised regimes designed, speaks volumes about the concept and its popularity in India. Their hair care solution regime is most in demand, though the skincare regimen is also gaining traction. Perhaps their biggest measure of success is that more than 60% of customers return to buy the products, having incorporated it in their regular routines.
Interestingly, this questionnaire is not a ‘one-time’ solution to a problem. As with all things in life, body compositions also change over time, as and when external factors begin to play a significant role. Customised skin and hair care solutions are based entirely on the imbalanced state of one’s Doshas, so if the purported imbalance is addressed and solved, this will lead to a change in Doshas, which requires a tweaking of the regime being followed.
As humanity collectively faces unique challenges, turning to our roots and traditional medicinal practices is the safest bet for us all. The Vedix customised regime is a good place to start.
About the author -
The author is a lawyer who pens lifestyle articles for various publications and her blog www.nooranandchawla.com. She can be reached on nooranand@gmail.com.
