As the world observes Cervical Health Awareness Month in January 2026, healthcare in India is witnessing a shift toward “Integrated Wellness.” As cervical cancer remains one of the leading preventable cancers among women worldwide, medical experts increasingly emphasise that prevention extends beyond screening and vaccination to include immunity, gut health, stress management and everyday lifestyle choices.
Public health research has consistently shown that immune resilience plays a critical role in clearing infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV), the primary cause of cervical cancer. Experts are now advocating for a “360-degree ecosystem” that blends modern clinical interventions like HPV vaccination and screening with ancient wellness systems like Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy to fortify the body’s innate defences.
Holistic resilience: Strengthening the body’s defence
Dr Geeta Jain, HOD – Obstetrics, Gynaecology & IVF and cofounder of Maccure Hospital and Aastha Hospital said that health and holistic wellness are now being understood as a balance of physical, mental, emotional, and lifestyle factors rather than the absence of disease.
“Traditional systems such as Naturopathy, Ayurveda, and Yoga recognise that immunity, gut health, stress, and daily habits are interconnected and together shape overall well-being. These practices focus on prevention and long-term vitality by aligning the body with natural rhythms and internal balance.”
According to Dr Jain, immunity forms the foundation of holistic health and is deeply influenced by digestion, sleep, mental health, and lifestyle. Ayurveda associates strong immunity with efficient digestion and metabolic balance as resilience develops only when nutrients are properly absorbed and waste eliminated, she said.
“Naturopathy similarly views immunity as an outcome of internal cleanliness, balanced nutrition, physical activity, and exposure to natural elements such as sunlight and fresh air, emphasising strengthening the body’s innate defence mechanisms through daily habits rather than relying solely on external supplements,” she added.
Gut health, she explained, lies at the centre of this holistic philosophy. Poor digestion can trigger toxin accumulation, inflammation, fatigue, and weakened immunity. Ayurveda stresses maintaining digestive fire through mindful eating, warm and balanced meals and herbal support, she said, adding that yoga supports digestion through specific postures and breathing techniques that improve circulation and stimulate digestive organs, while Naturopathy focuses on personalised diets, detox therapies and mindful eating to restore gut balance naturally.
The gut-cervix connection
Expanding on the connection between holistic health and cervical well-being, Dr Shefali Bharadwaj, Medical Officer (Naturopathy & Yoga) at Kailash Institute of Naturopathy, Ayurveda & Yoga said that in Naturopathy and Ayurveda, the health of the cervix and cervical spine represents inner balance rather than an isolated medical condition.
She said that Ayurveda associates the cervix with Shukra Dhatu or reproductive tissue and highlights digestion (Agni) as the starting point of health. Efficient metabolism prevents the build-up of Ama, or toxins. Modern studies, she adds, support this concept by linking the vaginal microbiome with gut microbiota, showing that a dysbiosis gut can cause systemic inflammation that weakens immune responses required to clear infections such as HPV.
Dr Bharadwaj said that Naturopathy addresses this gut–immune axis through alkaline, plant-based diets rich in antioxidants like vitamins C and E and beta-carotene, along with fermented foods. These measures strengthen natural defences and support immune focus on cellular repair and prevention of dysplasia, she added.
Stress and lifestyle, she said, act as silent influencers. Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which suppress immune function and lead to muscle tension, often causing stagnation in the cervical spine. Ayurvedic practices such as Dinacharya, including Abhyanga and Nasya, help calm the nervous system and improve cervical tissue health. Yoga asanas like Bhujangasana and Marjariasana improve blood flow and relieve stagnation, while pranayama shifts the body from a stress response to a restorative state, Dr Bharadwaj added.
From a clinical perspective, Dr Pramita Bhattacharya, Gynaecologist at CMRI Kolkata, highlighted that cervical health is closely linked to immunity and daily lifestyle choices. She says chronic stress, poor gut health, irregular sleep, nutritional deficiencies, and smoking can weaken the immune system’s ability to clear HPV infections, allowing cervical cell changes to progress silently.
Dr Bhattacharya said that a healthy gut supports immune resilience, while stress management and balanced nutrition are critical for hormonal and cervical health.
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