Popularization of Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy: India’s Global Push for Holistic Health

Pavan Sharma

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India, the cradle of ancient healing wisdom, is vigorously promoting its rich traditional medical systems — Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy — both nationally and internationally. Through visionary initiatives led by the Ministry of Ayush, these systems are now reaching global platforms, influencing public health policies, education, and wellness trends.

National Promotion Through Information and Awareness

The Ministry of Ayush implements a Central Sector Scheme for Promotion of Information Education and Communication (IEC) to raise public awareness across India. This includes:

Arogya Fairs, Ayurveda Parvs, and Yoga Utsavs at national and state levels
Workshops, seminars, and conferences to educate people about holistic living
Participation in health exhibitions and multimedia campaigns for public engagement

The idea is to integrate traditional medicine into modern lifestyles through knowledge sharing and interactive public programs.

International Collaboration for Global Awareness

To expand the global footprint of AYUSH systems, the IC Scheme (International Cooperation) was launched. Under this initiative:

Ayush manufacturers and service providers receive support to boost exports
25 Government-to-Government MoUs, 15 Academic Chairs, and 52 institutional-level MoUs have been signed
Ayush Academic Chairs abroad promote education and research
Training workshops and international symposiums enhance understanding of Ayurveda and Yoga worldwide

This global outreach strengthens India’s soft power and promotes ancient healing practices as part of universal wellness solutions.

Strengthening Ayurveda and Yoga through National Ayush Mission (NAM)

Through National Ayush Mission (NAM), state governments can seek financial support for developing AYUSH infrastructure. The SAAP (State Annual Action Plan) enables state-level customization for effective implementation and deeper grassroots reach.

Celebrating Ayurveda and Yoga: National Days of Significance

Ayurveda Day, observed annually since 2016, includes a themed nationwide celebration and the prestigious National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Award, recognizing excellence in Ayurveda with ₹5 lakh prize.
International Day of Yoga (IDY), observed globally on 21st June, was adopted by the UN following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposal. It features mass yoga demonstrations using the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP), accessible on yoga.ayush.gov.in.

Digital Outreach: m-Yoga & Y-Break Mobile Apps

m-Yoga App – Launched in partnership with the WHO, this mobile app delivers multilingual yoga training for global users.
Y-Break App – Tailored for workplace wellness, offering 5-minute yoga routines to enhance productivity and well-being.

These initiatives integrate digital health into daily routines, making traditional wellness modern, convenient, and scalable.

Research and Training Infrastructure in AYUSH

The Ministry has established:

Two Research Councils

CCRAS: Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences
CCRYN: Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy

National Institutes, including:

National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA) – Jaipur & Panchkula
All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) – New Delhi & Goa
Institute of Teaching & Research in Ayurveda (ITRA) – Jamnagar
Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) – Delhi
National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN) – Pune
Others in Shillong, Pasighat, and Leh

These institutions offer UG, PG, PhD, and certificate courses, conduct cutting-edge research, and run hospitals, clinics, and outreach programs across India.

Public Healthcare Integration

In the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS):

111 Ayush Wellness Centres, including 44 Ayurvedic centres, are operational nationwide
An Ayurvedic Hospital is functioning in New Delhi
35 private AYUSH Day Care Therapy Centres are currently empanelled under CGHS Delhi/NCR

This inclusion reflects growing trust in traditional systems within modern healthcare structures.

Impactful Activities by Research Councils

CCRAS Initiatives:

Operates 30+ peripheral institutes across India
Publishes scientific journals and public bulletins (e.g., JRAS, JDRAS, JIMH)
Runs tribal health outreach programs
Distributes educational material in multiple languages

CCRYN Contributions:

Developed Post Graduate Institutes and Research Centres
Collaborates with reputed bodies like NIMHANS and DIPAS for scientific studies
Runs Wellness Centres and OPDs in various states
Created Mind-Body Intervention Centres to address lifestyle disorders

Excellence by National Institutes

AIIA (Delhi):

NABH-accredited, 200-bed tertiary care hospital
Offers OPD/IPD, PhD, UG, PG, and 45+ specialty clinics
Published peer-reviewed journals and launched an innovation hub (AIIA-iCAINE)
Collaborated with institutions like AIIMS, IIT, Supreme Court for healthcare delivery

NEIAH & NEIAFMR (Northeast India):

Conduct camps, seminars, community health initiatives
Run BAMS, BHMS, and Panchakarma Technician courses
Serve tribal and rural populations through targeted outreach

ITRA:

Declared Institute of National Importance (INI) in 2020
Innovates curriculum and participates in national programs like Ayurveda Day and Yoga Day

Conclusion

India is setting a powerful global precedent by combining ancient wisdom with modern strategies. From digital outreach like m-Yoga, to research councils and international MoUs — the Ministry of Ayush is making Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy not just accessible, but relevant and impactful in today’s world.

By reinforcing institutional capacity, promoting public-private collaboration, and integrating these systems with national healthcare, India is leading a global wellness revolution rooted in tradition and driven by innovation.