Ayurvedamagazine

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  • World Menopause Day: Ayurveda Advocates a Holistic Approach to Women’s Health

    Menopause is not an illness to be feared but a natural transition that deserves greater awareness, understanding and care. On World Menopause Day, observed on October 18, the Ayush Ministry underlines the importance of preventive healthcare, emotional well-being and research-backed approaches to managing menopausal health.

    Through the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), the Ministry is promoting Ayurveda’s traditional understanding of menopause, described as Rajonivritti, to strengthen scientific research and evidence-based care.

    Typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55, menopause marks the permanent cessation of menstruation following the loss of ovarian follicular activity. The transition can bring hot flushes, irregular periods, disturbed sleep, vaginal dryness, mood swings, anxiety and joint pain. These changes may affect not only physical health but also mental and social well-being.

    Ayurveda’s broader approach combines dietary guidance, herbal preparations, yoga, meditation, counselling and Rasayana therapies. Practices such as pranayama and relaxation exercises may help support sleep and emotional well-being. At the same time, adequate protein, calcium and other essential nutrients remain important for maintaining muscle strength and bone health. Classical Ayurveda preparations such as Ashokarista, Lodhrasava, Usheerasava, Chandanadi Loha, Amalaki Rasayana and Mukta Shukti are traditionally used in Ayurvedic practice for menopausal health. A balanced, varied diet suited to individual needs can support general health during and after menopause.

    Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, called for sustained attention to women’s health throughout life, highlighting Ayurveda’s emphasis on prevention, individualised care and appropriate lifestyle practices.

    Prof. Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General, CCRAS, highlighted research into traditional formulations, including Ashokarista and Amalaki Rasayana, for their potential role in supporting women’s health.

    As menopause remains an under-discussed stage of life, the Ministry is calling for open conversations, timely medical guidance, and greater public awareness. The message is clear: women deserve informed, compassionate care as they navigate this natural transition with confidence.

    Reference:CCRAS publication on Menopausal Syndrome

  • Technology, talent and customer focus emerge as priorities at ATM 2026

    The travel industry’s next phase of growth will be shaped not simply by technology, but by how effectively companies combine artificial intelligence, skilled people and a deep understanding of the customer, industry leaders said at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 in Dubai on September 15.

    This was the crux of the executive roundtable, From Rebound to Readiness: Shaping What’s Next Across the Travel Ecosystem, organised by FUTURE& at the ATM Experience Hub. Senior representatives from Google, Visa, Miral Destinations, Alibaba Fliggy and Khamas Hospitality discussed how the sector is moving beyond post-pandemic recovery towards longer-term preparedness and competitiveness.

    A central theme was the rapidly changing traveller. Consumers increasingly expect travel to be seamless from the initial planning stage through the experience itself and even after returning home. Personalisation and integration are becoming less of a luxury and more of an expectation.

    Anthony Nakache, Managing Director MENA at Google, said technology is already available to help businesses respond to these demands, with AI potentially playing a major role in improving the traveller journey.

    Yet the discussion also highlighted a counterbalance to the technology race: people remain central to hospitality and travel.

    “Travel is a very human and personal experience,” said Maha Nizam, Head of GCC Marketing at Visa. She said technology should enhance employees’ capabilities rather than replace the human element that defines the travel experience.

    For Miral Destinations, customer priorities remain the starting point for commercial and operational decisions. CEO Liam Findlay said questions about what customers want and how they will respond underpin discussions ranging from revenue to product development.

    The broader takeaway from the session was that future readiness is becoming a strategic issue rather than a distant ambition. Businesses are being pushed to make decisions today on technology, talent, partnerships and customer experience that could determine their ability to compete in the years ahead.

    Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director – UAE, RX Global, said future readiness meant converting change into competitive advantage.

    Held under the theme Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology, ATM 2026 is examining the impact of AI, digital transformation, smart mobility and evolving traveller expectations on tourism.

    The ongoing 33rd edition of ATM at Dubai World Trade Centre will run through September 17.

    Ayurveda and Health Tourism is a media partner for the event.

  • Ayurveda at the Crossroads: Tradition Meets Evidence in Global Health

    Ayurveda—once a niche cornerstone of India’s health heritage—is on the cusp of becoming a mainstream global player. With a booming Ayush economy now worth $43.4 billion, spontaneous market growth has created a robust foundation for the ancient system’s expansion.

    India’s 11th Ayurveda Day (Sept 23, 2026) under the banner ‘Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow’ marks a pivotal moment. The theme echoes the nation’s ambition to fuse its centuries old wisdom with contemporary research, quality standards, and international health frameworks. The challenge is not only global outreach but also constructing the evidence and credibility needed for responsible worldwide adoption.

    Over the past decade, the Ayush sector’s market surged from $2.85 billion to $43.4 billion, while exports doubled—from $1.09 billion to $2.16 billion. Government initiatives bolstered MSMEs and startups, cementing a broader ecosystem that nurtures innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment.

    Survey data underscore domestic acceptance: a 2022–23 All India Ayush survey, covering 181,298 households, found 94.8 % rural and 96 % urban awareness. Nearly half of rural and over 50 % of urban respondents used Ayush in the past year, with Ayurveda topping the list. This substantial base signals strong potential for preventive health and wellness contributions.

    Medical value travel offers a lucrative avenue. India launched a dedicated Ayush Visa in July 2023, and partnered with the India Tourism Development Corporation to highlight Ayurveda centric circuits. A global market estimated at $115.6 billion in 2022 is projected to reach $286.1 billion by 2030, positioning Ayurveda at the heart of India’s health tourism strategy.

    Strategic roads for global expansion have been road mapped. NITI Aayog’s July 2026 ‘Strategic Roadmap for Making Ayurveda Global’ outlines a 2047 horizon, focusing on regulation, standards, research, education, exports, branding, and medical value travel. Its emphasis on quality, credible research, and sustainable practices is designed to secure international trust.

    India’s engagement with the WHO’s Global Traditional Medicine Strategy (2025–2034) further solidifies its stance. The WHO’s 2024 ICD 11 inclusion of Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani morbidities offers a globally comparable framework, but not an endorsement of efficacy. Collaborative efforts are underway to develop intervention codes, cementing these systems within mainstream health documentation.

    Central to Ayurveda’s future is evidence generation. The Ministry of Ayush’s portal lists over 43,000 research entries, a growing compendium that will underpin robust standards and global confidence while preserving the system’s distinct principles.

    As the 11th Ayurveda Day heralds a new chapter, the path forward hinges on proven science, innovation, professional capacity, and responsible globalization—ensuring Ayurveda’s evolution from a traditional heritage to a cornerstone of the evolving global health landscape.

    Reference: Press Information Bureau

  • Keralam Wants the World to See More Than Its Postcard

    Keralam has long known how to sell its postcard — the languid backwaters, green hills, beaches and coconut-lined villages. But Chief Minister V D Satheesan was keen to impart something more: the Keralam that lies beyond the postcard, on September 14 in Thiruvananthapuram.

    At Cliff House, Satheesan met 35 content creators and social media influencers from 19 BRICS member and partner countries, turning an interaction with digital storytellers into an unusual exercise in public diplomacy.

    The message was clear. Keralam, he told his international guests, should not be viewed merely as a tourist destination but as a state with a sizeable coastline, expanding ports and aviation infrastructure, a highly skilled workforce and a growing technology ecosystem.

    Satheesan underlined Keralam’s familiar social-development credentials, pointing to its achievements in literacy and its efforts towards digital literacy, while positioning Ayurveda and holistic wellness as potential areas of global appeal.

    The emphasis on doctors, engineers and IT professionals was particularly revealing. Kerala’s pitch was not simply come and see us, but also come and understand us and experience the place.

    According to authorities, the visitors were taken through different facets of Kerala during their three-day visit. At the Kerala Arts & Crafts Village in Kovalam, they encountered traditional crafts, cuisine and cultural practices.

    The meeting carried two messages — one aimed at tourists and another at investors and global audiences.

    For Keralam, the bet is on authenticity, which could help enrich the state’s international narrative.

    The world’s cameras are already pointed at Keralam.

  • BRICS Gives Traditional Medicine a New Research Push

    The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) grouping has
    moved to deepen cooperation in traditional, complementary and integrative
    medicine (TCIM), with the New Delhi Declaration backing the proposed creation
    of a BRICS Expert Working Group on TCIM under the health track, on September
    12, in New Delhi.

    The move signals a shift from broad
    recognition of traditional medicine towards more structured collaboration
    focused on research, regulation, quality and scientific evidence.

    The proposed expert group is expected to
    provide a common platform for BRICS countries to exchange knowledge, coordinate
    research and share regulatory and quality-assurance practices. The Declaration
    also calls for greater cooperation on medicinal plants and herbal preparations
    used for therapeutic and preventive purposes.

    For countries with long-established
    traditional medical systems, the initiative could help turn shared knowledge
    and pharmacopoeial traditions into scientifically validated, quality-assured
    therapeutic products.

    Union Minister of State (Independent
    Charge), Ministry of Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav, said the proposed group would
    enable member countries to “share knowledge, strengthen research and advance
    evidence-based approaches”. He said India would continue to promote Ayurveda
    and other traditional systems through scientific research, quality assurance
    and international collaboration.

    The emphasis on evidence is central to the
    initiative. The Declaration underlines the need to ensure the quality, safety
    and efficacy of TCIM practices and products through evidence-informed
    approaches and regulatory frameworks suited to national contexts.

    The development builds on the BRICS Meeting
    on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine held in Chandigarh on
    July 21 during India’s BRICS chairship. The meeting brought together government
    officials, experts and delegates from member states and produced consensus on
    the Terms of Reference for the proposed expert group.

    The initiative also comes as global health
    policymakers increasingly examine how traditional medicine can contribute to
    healthcare systems without compromising scientific standards. The WHO Global
    Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034 similarly stresses stronger evidence,
    safety, quality and appropriate integration into health systems.

    For India, the BRICS initiative offers an
    international platform to advance Ayurveda and the wider Ayush ecosystem while
    aligning traditional knowledge with modern research and regulatory standards.

    The larger message from New Delhi is clear:
    traditional medicine is gaining a place in global health discussions—but its
    future credibility will increasingly depend on evidence, safety, efficacy and
    quality.

  • Arabian Travel Mart 2026 opens in Dubai

    The 33rd edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 opened at Dubai World Trade Centre on September 14. The global travel industry has converged in Dubai for business, networking, knowledge exchange, and collaboration. 

    This year’s ATM comes as the tourism sector looks to move beyond recent disruptions and rebuild confidence through stronger partnerships, technology and innovation. The event is being held under the theme, Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology.

    The major highlight of the four-day event is the launch of ATM Travel Tech, a dedicated co-located show featuring more than 180 exhibitors from 30 countries. Its 850-square-metre Tech & Innovation Hub will showcase developments in artificial intelligence, robotics, immersive technologies, fintech and green technology.

    The conference programme brings together tourism ministers, industry executives, researchers and technology specialists across the Global Stage, Future Stage and Experience Hub. Discussions focus on issues ranging from AI and digital transformation to traveller confidence, destination resilience and sustainable tourism growth.

    The opening ministerial debate examines how collaboration can help strengthen the resilience and global competitiveness of the Gulf tourism sector. Senior officials from the UAE, Bahrain and the European Commission are participating in the event.

    Research organisations including Tourism Economics, Euromonitor International and STR will present insights into changing travel patterns and emerging opportunities.

    ATM 2026 will additionally unveil a refreshed brand identity, reflecting its evolution from a traditional trade exhibition into a broader platform for year-round connections and business opportunities across the global tourism industry.

    Ayurveda and Health Tourism is a media partner of the event.

  • Vitamin D3 Could Be More Effective than D2 in Supporting Muscle and Heart Health: ICMR-NIN study

    Vitamin D3 may be more advantageous than vitamin D2 in maintaining muscle function and cardiovascular health, according to findings from a study by the Indian Council of Medical Research–National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN), New Delhi.

    The study, titled ‘Dietary Vitamin D2 Is Less Potent Than Vitamin D3 at Maintaining or Restoring Structure and Metabolism of Skeletal Muscle and Heart in Male Rats’

    examined the differing effects of the two major forms of vitamin D and found that they may not be equally effective in maintaining physiological functions, according to a report by ANI.

    Vitamin D is an essential nutrient involved in several processes in the body, including calcium regulation, bone health and normal muscle function. While vitamin D2, also known as ergocalciferol, and vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol, are both used to address vitamin D deficiency, growing research has pointed to differences in how effectively they work in the body.

    The ICMR-NIN study highlights the potential importance of vitamin D in maintaining muscle and cardiovascular health.

    Vitamin D3 forms naturally in the skin when exposed to sunlight and is also obtained from certain foods and supplements. Vitamin D2, meanwhile, is primarily derived from plant and fungal sources and is also used in fortified foods and supplements.

    The distinction is clinically relevant because vitamin D deficiency remains a common nutritional concern. Adequate vitamin D levels support skeletal muscle performance and overall metabolic health, while vitamin D signalling also plays a role in cardiovascular physiology.

    The findings do not, however, mean that vitamin D3 should automatically be taken at higher doses or that supplementation is appropriate for everyone. Vitamin D requirements can vary depending on age, diet, sunlight exposure, existing health conditions and individual vitamin D status.

    The study’s findings are relevant to examining vitamin D beyond bone health. Researchers have increasingly examined its relationship with muscle strength, physical performance and cardiovascular function.

    The study provides further evidence that vitamin D3 and vitamin D2 should not necessarily be considered interchangeable when assessing their biological effects.

    The findings could support nutritional recommendations and supplementation strategies; further research will be needed to determine how differences between the two forms translate into long-term health outcomes in humans.

    The study therefore adds another dimension to the understanding of vitamin D nutrition, while reinforcing the importance of evidence-based supplementation rather than relying solely on the assumption that all forms of vitamin D have identical effects.

    Reference: ANI; ET Healthworld

  • Ayurveda Day 2026 to Put Tradition at the Heart of Future Healthcare

    This year’s theme, ‘Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow’, captures the government’s effort to connect ancient health practices with contemporary priorities such as preventive care, nutrition, wellness and sustainable living.

    Addressing the curtain-raiser press conference at the National Media Centre on September 7 in New Delhi, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, said the occasion would evolve into a nationwide health communication campaign rather than remain a government-led annual event.

    The campaign will centre on three broad priorities: integrating different systems of medicine for better health outcomes; strengthening evidence, research and innovation in Ayurveda; and promoting community wellbeing alongside sustainable lifestyles.

    The emphasis on evidence is particularly significant. While Ayurveda has a wide public following, Jadhav stressed the need to counter misconceptions and offer reliable, accessible information to citizens. He urged the media to spread evidence-based messages to schools, colleges, young people, rural communities and urban households.

    The larger ambition, he suggested, was to create a chain linking traditional knowledge with modern evidence, innovation and public welfare.

    Prof. Sanjeev Sharma, Vice-Chancellor of the National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, outlined initiatives planned for Ayurveda Day, including the National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards 2026, safety dossiers on medicinal plants, Standard Treatment Guidelines for skin diseases, and programmes linked to Ayush Vision 2030.

    With Nagpur as the national focal point, Ayurveda Day 2026 aims to blend an ancient system of healing with a broader conversation on how India—and the world—can stay healthier tomorrow.

    Reference: Press Information Bureau

  • SDM Ayurveda Centre to Hold International Conference on Translational Ayurveda and Autoimmune Disorders

    The S.D.M. College of Ayurveda, Hospital and Research Centre, Udupi, will conduct the sixth international conference on Translational Ayurveda in Autoimmune Disorders, KSHAMATVAM 2026, from September 30 to October 1 at the Bhavaprakasha Auditorium. A pre-conference workshop is scheduled for September 29.

    The conference will bring together researchers, clinicians, academicians, and practitioners from India and abroad to examine Ayurveda’s potential in understanding and managing autoimmune disorders, while exploring its interface with contemporary immunology, biomedical science and clinical research.

    Themed ‘Translational Ayurveda in Autoimmune Disorders: Bridging Classical Wisdom with Global Healthcare,’ the conference will examine classical concepts such as Vyādhikṣamatva, Ojas, Agni and Rasāyana in the context of modern research on immunity and personalised healthcare.

    Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, Dharmadhikari of Sree Kshethra Dharmasthala, Chancellor of SDM University and president of SDMET (R), Ujire, said the conference aimed to strengthen evidence-informed Ayurveda and create greater interaction between traditional knowledge and contemporary science.

    Dr. Mamatha K.V., Principal, S.D.M. College of Ayurveda, Hospital and Research Centre, Udupi, and Chief Organising Secretary of KSHAMATVAM 2026, said the conference would seek to strengthen the scientific evidence base for Ayurvedic approaches to autoimmune disorders through interaction with immunology and allied disciplines.

    The two-day scientific programme will include keynote addresses, invited lectures, panel discussions, and paper and poster presentations. Speakers include Dr. Srinivasa Hejmady Acharya, Dr. Vishweshwariah Prakash, Dr. Bhushan Patwardhan, Dr. Jorge Luis Berra, Dr. Rammanohar Puthiyedath, Dr. Sanjeev Rastogi, Dr. Shashikiran Umakanth, Dr. Kessler, Dr. Yogesh Bendale, Dr. Kishore Kumar, Dr. Antonio Morandi, Dr. Anita Karilio Arkas and Dr. Prashanth A.S.

    The discussions will cover Ayurvedic perspectives on immunity, medicinal plants, diagnostics, lifestyle and environmental influences, epigenetics, immunology and clinical interventions, including Samana Aushadha and Panchakarma.

    The September 29 pre-conference workshop will offer specialised sessions on research models for autoimmune disorders, drug survey, Marma Chikitsa and OPD-based Panchakarma procedures.

    An Ayurveda Expo will run alongside the conference, featuring exhibits related to Ayurvedic pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, research, healthcare technologies, publications and wellness services. The organisers expect more than 2,000 delegates to attend.

    The conference intends to move beyond a purely traditional understanding of Ayurveda and examine its concepts through the methods and frameworks of contemporary biomedical research.

    For conference details and abstract submission:

    Website: www.sdmkshamatvamudupi2026.com

    Email: [email protected]

  • Is Sugar Needed in Anganwadi Nutrition Mix, asks Keralam Child Rights Panel

    A seemingly routine ingredient in a staple meant to nourish Kerala’s youngest children has come under scrutiny, with the state’s child rights watchdog questioning whether sugar belongs in the nutritional mix served through anganwadis, in Thiruvananthapuram.

    The Keralam State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has asked the Women and Child Development Department to consider removing sugar altogether from Amrutham Nutri Mix, distributed to children under the Integrated Child Development Services programme. The commission has suggested that, if a sweetener is considered necessary, a small quantity of jaggery could be explored instead. 

    The intervention follows a petition filed by K Sahla of Pattithara in Palakkad, who alleged that the Amrutham powder contained around 20 per cent sugar. The petitioner argued that regular consumption by children between six months and three years could potentially expose them to lifestyle-related health risks at an early age. 

    For the commission, the issue is larger than the presence of one ingredient. It has called for the nutritional composition of products supplied to children to be examined scientifically, directing the WCD Director to constitute a high-level committee for the purpose.

    The commission has also sought clearer rules on how much Nutri Mix a child should receive under the Take Home Ration scheme, with quantities determined according to age and aligned with central government guidelines. It wants nutritional information and recommended serving quantities printed on the packets. 

    The emphasis on labelling and portion size points to another concern: nutrition programmes for young children cannot be judged merely by what goes into a food product, but also by how much is consumed and how it is prepared.

    The commission has therefore asked the department to step up awareness among anganwadi workers and beneficiaries about the preparation and use of Amrutham Nutri Mix and other nutritional supplements. It has suggested using both direct programmes and digital platforms such as Poshan Tracker and WhatsApp groups to spread the information. 

    At the heart of the commission’s observation is a simple but significant question: should a food designed as a public nutrition intervention for infants and toddlers contain added sugar at all?

    The commission has taken the view that excessive sugar intake could have long-term health consequences and would run counter to the best interests of children and their right to nutrition. 

    The next step now rests with the WCD Department. Rather than an immediate ban, the commission’s order sets in motion a broader examination of the formulation, quantity and communication surrounding Amrutham Nutri Mix.

    In effect, Keralam’s child rights watchdog has turned the spotlight from merely feeding children to a more demanding question — what exactly are we feeding them, in what quantity, and with what nutritional justification?

    References: PTI; ET Health; The Print