Turning traditional
Indian customs are rooted in wellness and offer an unparalleled wealth of wisdom
People did not have as much access to technology and comfort as we have today and yet lived such a fulfilling life. No matter how much we advance in terms of living and lifestyle, the basic needs of our body and mind never change, and so going back to the roots inspires one to embrace those powerful traditions and simplicity.
— Luke Coutinho
Ever wondered why Indians touch the feet of their elders? That’s just one of the many traditions rooted in reason. In Back to the Roots: Celebrating Indian Wisdom and Wellness, Luke Coutinho and Tamannaah share the rationale behind over 100 such practices that help promote long-term wellness.
Talking about the inspiration for the book, Luke Coutinho, Holistic Lifestyle Coach — Integrative and Lifestyle Medicine, and Founder, YouCare — All about YOU, says, “The basic idea is to go back to simplicity. If there is one learning from the last seven to eight years of handling diseases and health of patients suffering from obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular, cancer, thyroid conditions, Alzhiemer’s Disease, hormonal imbalances and so on, it is that there is a luxury in simplicity. Back to the Roots is about the basic needs for living.”
While clarifying that “this in no way means to not aspire for more,” he however says, “do not forget what your basic needs are for healthy living.”
Sharing that he was inspired by traditions because in ancient times “disease was at its lowest and happiness at its highest,” Luke notes that “People did not have as much access to technology and comfort as we have today and yet lived such a fulfilling life. No matter how much we advance in terms of living and lifestyle, the basic needs of our body and mind never change, and so going back to the roots inspires one to embrace those powerful traditions and simplicity.” He stresses that “As human beings, we must be proud of these roots, Indian or not.”
It took about two years to put this book together, and despite the pandemic, the work was smooth, he says.
Elaborating on his collaboration with actress Tamannaah for the book, Luke says, “Tamannaah and I worked together on her health and wellness goals way before we even started thinking about this book. We loved interacting about health, wellness, her busy routine and schedules, and the challenges she has faced to be where she is now. What amazed me about Tamannaah was how with her busy schedule and life she still makes it possible to have simplicity in nutrition, lifestyle, and emotional health.”
Luke believes that India’s ancient wisdom can be publicized only by practicing
and following it. “I believe that the best way to raise awareness is to lead by example. There is ample information, scientific evidence and knowledge already available on most of our traditional practices, but how much of it is followed with discipline? The only way to bring back awareness is by practicing it. The change has to start with us,” he asserts.
And as a reader, what inspires him? I love books on life lessons, real-life experiences, the magic and wonders that our human body is capable of like the subconscious mind, visualisation, and so on,” says the holistic life coach.