A Return to Balance: Why Ayurveda Matters Now More than Ever

Abstract

Writer’s Statement
Coming into composition as a first-year student, I knew almost immediately that I wanted to
write a medical anthropology paper. I love combining the interdisciplines of biology and the
physical sciences with topics in the social sciences. Ayurveda has always been part of my
family’s daily life, as we believe natural medicines are just as important as synthetic ones. I was
inspired to learn more about the traditional practices of Ayurveda and the history behind the
medical practices. I started at Michigan Tech as a biomedical engineering student; however, I
soon realized that the aspect I loved most about the major was the medical anthropology
aspect. This paper, among other reasons, inspired my switch to anthropology. I am excited to
continue to explore medical anthropology as well as the various other social sciences that
Michigan Tech has to offer.