The Changing Landscape of Ayurveda in Kerala, India: Vaidyas' Practices, Livelihoods, and Their Interactions with Institutional Medicine

This study examines the evolving role of informal Ayurvedic practitioners ( vaidyas ) in Kerala, India, amidst the institutionalization of Ayurveda and the proliferation of biomedical systems. Historically, Kerala's classical Ayurveda, introduced by the asta-vaidya families, integrated with local nattu-vaidya traditions, resulting in a vernacularized form of practice. Over time, the establishment of medical colleges and standardized curricula led to the marginalization of informal vaidyas. Despite this, many vaidyas have actively engaged with institutional medicine, adapting their practices to contemporary contexts. Through ethnographic profiles of four vaidyas, this study explores how these practitioners navigate the intersections of tradition and modernity, often collaborating with formally trained doctors and incorporating biomedical diagnostics into their treatments. Their adaptive strategies not only sustain their livelihoods but also contribute to the emergence of hybrid medical practices that challenge the dichotomy between traditional and institutional medicine. This research underscores the dynamic nature of Ayurveda, highlighting its capacity to evolve in response to changing socio-medical landscapes and offering insights into the potential for integrative approaches to healthcare.