Ayurvedamagazine

Tag: India

  • Hyderabad-based NIIMH to collaborate with WHO on traditional medicine research

    The National Institute of Indian Medical Heritage (NIIMH), Hyderabad has been chosen to become the third institute in India after the Institute for Teaching & Research in Ayurveda, Jamnagar, and the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), New Delhi, to collaborate with WHO on traditional medicine. 

    The NIIMH, a unit under the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of Ayush, has been designated as a WHO Collaborating Centre (CC) for fundamental and literary research in traditional medicine. This recognition is granted for four years, starting from June 3, 2024.

    The collaboration will see NIIMH assist the WHO in standardizing terminologies for Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Sowa-Rigpa, and updating the Traditional Medicine Module-II for the Eleventh edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).

    NIIMH, established in 1956, is dedicated to the documentation and promotion of medico-historical research across various traditional and modern healthcare disciplines in India. The institute spearheaded the AMAR Portal, which archives 16,000 Ayush manuscripts, including 4,249 digitized manuscripts, 1,224 rare books, 14,126 catalogues, and 4,114 periodicals.

    Additionally, the SAHI Portal showcases 793 medico-historical artefacts, while the e-books of the Ayush project offer digital versions of classical textbooks. The NAMASTE Portal aggregates morbidity statistics from 168 hospitals, and the Ayush Research Portal indexes 42,818 published Ayush research articles.

    NIIMH also has a repository of over 500 physical manuscripts and houses the Medical Heritage Museum and Library, which contains rare books and manuscripts dating back to the 15th century AD. The institute also publishes the Journal of Indian Medical Heritage.

    India hosts approximately 58 WHO Collaborating Centres across various biomedical and allied science disciplines. The WHO has over 800 collaborating centres globally, working in various health-related areas, including traditional medicine, research, and public health.

  • PRAGATI 2024 to boost collaborative research on Ayurveda drugs

    To inspire collaborative research in the Ayurveda drug industry, the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) launched the platform PRAGATI- 2024 (Pharma Research in AyurGyan And Techno Innovation) on Tuesday. The platform is expected to provide valuable opportunities for research and collaboration and exploit the vast potential of the Ayurveda and herbal industry. 

    CCRAS, an autonomous body under the Union Ministry of Ayush, has a huge role in the development of Ayurveda, said Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush. “The influx of new practitioners and startups presents tremendous growth opportunities and vast potential for industries to expand and advance in the sector,” Kotecha said. 

    Prof. Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General of CCRAS, highlighted the growing momentum of Ayush products, particularly Ayurveda, both in India and worldwide. “CCRAS aims to reach each stakeholder.  Students have to understand the importance of research. We have started programs to reach out to teachers and students through research and scholarships,” Prof. Acharya said. 

    The quality of Ayush products is fundamentally rooted in rigorous research. There is an urgent need to develop research-based, high-quality, safe and effective Ayurvedic products to convince new users of its long-lasting benefits. “Research and industry must work hand in hand to ensure that their combined efforts ultimately benefit society,” said Dr Koustubha Upadhaya, Advisor (Ayurevda), Ministry of Ayush. 

    PRAGATI-2024 presents a unique scope for collaboration between CCRAS and the Ayurveda drug industry. The event was attended by CEOs, MDs, Directors and heads of research units from 37 pharma Companies. The latest newsletter of CCRAS and the CCRAS calendar of activities for 2024-25 was also launched during the event.

  • India to dominate global Ayurveda market expected to reach USD 32.62 billion by 2030, says new report

    The total market opportunity for the Ayurvedic market was USD 11.80 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 15.63 per cent to reach USD 32.62 billion by 2030, according to the report by Maximize Market Research, a leading life science business consultancy and research firm. The Asia-Pacific Ayurveda market and India in particular are expected to dominate the global Ayurvedic market during this time.  

    The Ayurveda Medicines Market is growing because of low side effects and demand for natural healthcare solutions. Awareness of the health benefits of Ayurvedic practices like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness, and the rise of e-commerce and online marketplaces has helped spur the growth. Government support and investment in Ayurvedic research and development have also contributed to the creation of new and innovative products.

    Growing demand for natural and organic goods and an increase in medical tourism are some of the other factors propelling market growth. Organic skincare is becoming more popular, and the market for anti-ageing and wrinkle treatments is expected to grow. 

    Ayurvedic medicines manufacturers from nations like Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar are expected to lead others in implementing technology advancements due to the general history of herbal medicine developed here. Major global players are expected to increase offerings of Ayurveda medicines in the markets in South and East Asia. 

    Based on product, the Ayurveda market is dominated by the personal care products segment, driven by increased awareness, lifestyle changes, and women’s purchasing power. The market is subdivided into personal care products, hair care and fragrances, skincare, oral care, make-up, healthcare products, ayurvedic medicines, ayurvedic nutraceuticals, and dietary supplements.

    Based on distribution, the Ayurveda market is divided into supermarkets, pharmacy and drug stores, direct selling, beauty salons, speciality stores, internet retailing, departmental stores, and other distribution channels. Supermarkets, which sell Ayurveda products or services through various channels, are expected to have the largest market share during the forecast period 2024 to 2030.

    However, challenges like limited awareness in Western regions, inadequate raw material availability, and stringent regulatory frameworks hinder growth. To overcome these obstacles, efforts to educate consumers and healthcare professionals, enhance supply chains, and navigate regulatory complexities are crucial, the report says. 

  • 101 years old and still young! Meet Charlotte Chopin, the real-life Wonder Woman

    A lot of people still don’t understand how wonderful a gift Yoga truly is to humankind. For them, the India government presents Charlotte Chopin, the 101-year-old yoga instructor from France, who received the prestigious Padma Shri award from President Draupadi Murmu on May 9. Here are a few things about Yoga that one gets to understand from this real-life Wonder Woman. 

    Age is no bar for Yoga

    Charlotte Chopin started practising Yoga at the age of 50. Not only did Charlotte excel in it, she began teaching others Yoga within a short time. In the past fifty years, Charlotte has had thousands of students. Charlotte still operates a Yoga studio in her hometown of Cher in France. 

    Yoga transcends all boundaries

    Charlotte Chopin was born in France. She learnt and then taught Yoga in France. The nation of France acknowledged Charlotte’s contribution to the welfare of its citizens showcasing her on various media outlets. Charlotte was even invited to showcase her Yoga talents on the popular French TV show ‘France Got Incredible Talent’. The story of  Charlotte is proof that Yoga transcends all boundaries. 

    Yoga preserves youth and productivity 

    Charlotte Chopin is 101 years old and still leads an active life. Charlotte continues to teach and practice Yoga. She travels across France conducting workshops about the benefits of Yoga practice. India Government’s recognition was partly for Charlotte ‘defying age-limiting norms’. On her part, Charlotte credits her health and longevity to her yoga practice. 

    Charlotte Chopin began teaching Yoga in 1982. She is credited for making Yoga popular in France. Charlotte met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 14 July 2023 during the latter’s visit to France. The Prime Minister appreciated Charlotte’s deep faith in yoga and her ground-breaking work in the promotion of Yoga in France.

  • India-Thailand MoU on traditional medicine set to save the life of Bani, the baby elephant

    In February, a memorandum of understanding was inked between the National Institute of Ayurveda in Jaipur and the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Department of Thailand. The Ayush ministry in a statement had said that the initiative was to promote, facilitate and develop academic collaboration in the field of Ayurveda and Thai Traditional Medicine.

    Now, almost three months later, in a first-of-its-kind approach, an acupuncture specialist from Thailand and Ayurveda experts from Kerala have been brought in to give relief to a paralyzed elephant calf at the Wildlife SOS Elephant Hospital at Mathura. The calf in question is 1-year-old Bani who was paralyzed after a train accident in Uttarakhand in December which left the mother dead.

    “I’m delighted to be invited by Wildlife SOS for Bani’s treatment. This is an opportunity for the exchange of veterinary knowledge between Indian and Thai Veterinary institutions,” says Dr Porrakote Rungsri, Professor of Veterinary Medicine, at Ching Mai University in Thailand. 

    The plan is to use electro-acupuncture therapy alongside Ayurvedic treatment as part of a comprehensive veterinary care program tailored to this specific paralysis condition of elephant calf Bani. While Ayurvedic treatment for elephants is not a new thing, this is the first time acupuncture treatment is being provided in India for elephants using specialized Veterinary Acupuncture equipment.

    “Electro-acupuncture therapy harmonizes tradition with technology, using controlled electrical stimulation to modulate neural signalling and orchestrate a symphony of balance and restoration within the body’s energetic pathways,” says Dr. Ilayaraja S, Deputy Director of Wildlife SOS. 

    The officials hope that the innovative treatment method will relieve Bani of some of the limitations imposed by the accident. If successful, the programme will be seen as a feather in the cap of the India-Thailand joint venture on traditional medicine. 

  • Five surprising celebrities who endorse Yoga for a better life

    Yoga has truly gone global. This traditional medicine/exercise has found a wide range of proponents from all strata of society from every nook and corner of the world. In India, a wide range of celebrities ranging from Bollywood actors, professional athletes, and business magnates have endorsed the benefits of Yoga. Quite a few from the West too have done the same, including Hollywood A-listers like Julia Roberts and Will Smith.

    However, you realise the immense influence wielded by Yoga only when you come to know that these surprising celebrities too have adopted India’s gift to the world as a quintessential part of their daily lives. (Data has been availed from the Ministry of Ayush X page)

    Madonna – Madonna, the iconic American singer, underwent a transformative experience regarding fitness after the birth of her child, leading her to embrace yoga. Madonna views yoga as more than just a physical exercise; for her, it is a metaphor for life, requiring a deliberate, unhurried approach. She emphasizes that yoga not only strengthens the body but also nurtures the mind and soul.

    David Beckham – Former footballer David Beckham has found solace in yoga, using it to alleviate post-football game pain. Embracing yoga as part of his fitness routine has proven beneficial for Beckham, offering not only physical relief but also mental well-being.

    Jennifer Aniston – Jennifer Aniston finds solace and strength in yoga, considering it her go-to practice for both physical and mental preparation. For her, yoga transcends mere physical exercise; it serves as a form of meditation, grounding her amidst life’s challenges.

    Tom Hanks – Tom Hanks endorses yoga for its universal appeal and effectiveness in promoting holistic well-being. He believes yoga benefits both the mind and body, enhancing physical fitness, mental resilience, and inner peace.

    Matthew McConaughey – Oscar-winning actor and producer Matthew McConaughey, aged 52, has been a dedicated practitioner of Yoga for several years. For him, Yoga is not just a physical practice but also a mental and spiritual journey. In one of his interviews, he discussed how Yoga teaches one to perceive the world beyond what catches the eye. 

  • Global Ayurvedic supplement market set to surge at 9.9% CAGR

    The market for ayurvedic supplements is set to grow at a healthy rate owing to the increasing popularity of plant-based and organic supplements. Currently valued at  US$ 1,831.8 million, the market is expected to reach a valuation of US$ 4,708.2 million by 2034 at a CAGR of 9.9%, as per a report by Future Market Insights, Inc. 

    The shift from chemical-treated beauty products to Ayurveda-inspired beauty products has become a trend worldwide. The surge in health concerns and consumer aversion to the harmful effects of conventional medication are the main reasons for it. Younger customers are interested in well-being on more than just a surface level, hence the preference for Ayurveda supplements. 

    Economic growth and rising disposable incomes have allowed people to loosen their purse strings for Ayurvedic healthcare products. Also, the distribution of products by various networks has improved, making them easily accessible in multiple regions. The demand is further boosted by rising awareness towards a healthier lifestyle and chemical-free goods.

    Japan is predicted to be one of the leading countries in the market. For the 2024 to 2034 period, Japan’s CAGR is 9.1%. India and China are the other Asian countries marked with potential for the market. For the forecast period, the CAGR for China and India is projected to be 8.8% and 8.1%. 

    Amongst the supplements, the demand is most for capsules and tablets with a projected market share of 35.9% in 2024. 

  • BIS releases catalog of Indian Standards for Yoga accessories and terminologies.

    As part of World Standards Day observance last Saturday, the Bureau of Indian Standards released a comprehensive catalog of Indian Standards for Ayush Systems. It comprises standards on Yoga accessories and terminologies.

    The catalog was unveiled by Minister of Commerce Piyush Goyal at Bharat Mandapam, ITPO. In a tweet, the minister hailed the BIS for enhancing the credibility of Indian products in global markets.

    ‘Embracing Quality Standards for a Better World! On this World Standards Day, let us commend the efforts of @IndianStandards in promoting quality, sustainability & modernity in Indian products, enhancing their credibility and demand in global markets,’ – the minister’s tweet read. 

    In a separate interview given to a leading daily, Ministry of Ayush Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha pointed out the need for standardization for traditional medicine to be included as an integral part of the health system. 

    “Traditional health care systems are formally recognized and widely practiced in India,” said Mr. Kotecha. “Efforts to effectively regulate traditional medicine as an integral part of the health system require standardized and evidence-based information. It also provides the means for doing research and evaluation to establish its efficacy,” he said.

    India has the highest proportion of the population practicing Yoga on a global level. The publication of Indian Standards on Yoga accessories and terminologies signifies a significant step in standardizing the practice of Yoga.

    It also highlights India’s commitment to authenticate Yoga as a holistic treatment process aimed at improving the well-being of an individual on a fundamental level. 

  • 22% men in India practice Yoga, the highest in the world; at 31%, women come second

    According to the latest figures released by the World of Statistics (@stats_feed), India has the highest proportion of men practicing Yoga (22%), followed by USA (12%), UK (9%) and South Korea (7%). 

    Though a significantly higher proportion of women (31%) practiced Yoga, they still came only second after South Korea, where 43% of women practiced Yoga. Spain (31%) and the UK (30%) came in at third and fourth.

    The statistics also reveal that the number of women who practice Yoga is much higher than men the world over. This explains the longer lifespan of women and their lesser vulnerability to cardiovascular diseases. 

    Traditionally, men around the world shy away from Yoga because of preconceived notions about flexibility and spirituality. This is reflected in India’s case too, even though more men in the country do Yoga than any other. 

    The higher proportion of the population practicing Yoga in India also explains the country’s general disinterest towards antidepressants. Only 9 out of 1000 people used anti-depressants in India, the lowest in the world. 

    This, even as the country was ranked 12th among the most unhappiest countries in the world. Studies have revealed that Yoga therapy is effective in managing conditions such as depression and emotional problems.  

    The word ‘yoga’ means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness. It is an ancient spiritual practice that originated in India. So, it is only natural that more people in India practice Yoga than any other country in the world. 

  • Health expert proposes a shift from universal healthcare to universal health insurance

    In a bold move, Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty, Chairman and Executive Director of Narayana Health, has proposed a shift from universal healthcare to universal health insurance to ensure the poor get access to modern health facilities. 

    “If you watch closely, it is clear that free universal healthcare to every citizen through taxpayer’s money happened successfully only in very few countries with a small population and high tax-to-GDP ratio,” he says. 

    India requires 65 million surgeries a year, but only 25 million are performed. These are not complex procedures, but essential ones such as cesarean sections for obstructed delivery, appendectomies, and surgeries for compound fractures.

    “We need to come up with affordable health insurance with a premium of 10,000 rupees per year which will cover primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare. Rs. 10,000/- annual health insurance by the 300 million strong middle class can transform India’s healthcare.”

    Dr. Shetty suggested the implementation of health savings accounts, a tax-free scheme for healthcare expenses. Such an initiative would provide a flexible route for the middle-class population to pay insurance premiums.

    He emphasized the need for the three stakeholders in the healthcare industry – hospitals, insurance companies, and patients – to foster mutual trust.

    If done right, India can become a global leader in healthcare by dissociating healthcare from affluence. “I believe that India can become the first country to prove to the world that the wealth of the nation has nothing to do with the quality of healthcare. It will not take a lifetime but only 5 years if implemented,” says Dr Devi Prasad Shetty.