Ayurveda Strategically Poised to Create Global Wellness

Ayurveda came into existence over 5000 years ago and has braved every foreign invasion and government neglect it has gone through over the years. The decline began when Buddhism began in Indian. Surgical and Panchakarma practices were not allowed in the name of ahimsa. With the advent of Mughal rule in India, many ancient texts turned to ash. Finally, modern medicine pushed Ayurveda to the corner when the British paid their very long visit to India.

Modern medicine was readily accepted by the world as it produced medicines that acted quick and provided that “Jhat se aaram” (Quick relief) from the symptoms. There were a few British that took an interest in Ayurveda and many published papers like the ‘medical and surgical sciences of the Hindus’. But this interest in Ayurveda was very superficial as the British only paid attention to the commercial value of the botanical herbs grown in the country. The first college of Ayurveda was shut down for 6 years by the British. Following this, many Maharajas like those of Travancore, Cochin, Jamnagar, Mysore started many colleges and became patrons. They played an important role in keeping this ancient science alive.

Post-independence, there was scope for the development of Ayurveda across the globe. China worked hard to spread its herbal medicine to other parts, while India did not. Ayurveda took a back step even then with homeopathy and Naturopathy getting more recognition than Ayurveda. Until a decade ago, Ayurveda faced many hurdles in its homeland.

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