The BUZZ (News in a Nutshell)

Gurgaon got it's first ayurvedic hospital
Indian Ayurveda is the last hope for an Australian
Patanjali Yogpeeth has found out treatment of diabetes after years of research
Mangalore Ayurveda practitioner, Dr N V Upadhyaya, passes away
Multimillion dollar Ayurveda Industrial Center to be built in Pune
Medicinal Plant to get good quality tag
Kerala Vaidyashala exit day spa segment JV with Birla Wellness
Herb garden the new fad
India and Srilanka World centres for ayurveda

EVENT ALERT

Yoga courses at Yog ganga
July 19 - Aug 6, 2011 Dehradun
http://bit.ly/izOEP6

Asian Herbal Show
SEP 25-27, 2011
New Delhi
http://bit.ly/oA1Rg


The Fifth International Conference on Vetiver October 29 - 31, 2011 Lucknow
http://bit.ly/j9uuhr


AYU 2012 Conference on Indian Complimentary Medicine
Jan 5-8, 2012
Pune
http://bit.ly/jyz8hw

Panacea 2012
FEB 23-26, 2012
Mumbai
http://bit.ly/1a39Uo

Know your herbs!

Vinca Rosea grows throughout India and found as an escape in waste places and sandy tracts. Its alkaloids are hypotensive, sedative and have tranquilizing properties and are anti cancerous. It helps in relieving muscle pain, depression of central nervous system and wasps stings. It is an evergreen subhrub or herbaceous plant growing to 1 m tall. The leaves are oval to oblong, 2.5–9 cm long and 1–3.5 cm broad, glossy green, hairless, with a pale midrib and a short petiole 1–1.8 cm long; they are arranged in opposite pairs. The flowers are white to dark pink with a darker red centre, with a basal tube 2.5-3 cm long and a corolla 2–5 cm diameter with five petal-like lobes. The fruit is a pair of follicles 2–4 cm long and 3 mm broad The species has long been cultivated for herbal medicine and as an ornamental plant.

Mythology of Ayurveda

The sage Agasthya, who was himself an expert in medicinal herbs, is believed to have lived around Kanyakumari in ancient days. The reason why, some believe, so many medicinal herbs are to be found on these hills near Kanyakumari. There is even a village by the name Agastheeswaram close to the town, named after the sage.

Kerala Promotes Health Tourism

Kerala gets very good popularity through Ayurveda. The reason for this popularity is, Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) marketing the Ayurveda in medical Tourism. Recognized Ayurvedic Hospitals has tie-ups with Corporates from India and abroad. Annually around 4 to 5 Lakhs foreigners are come to Kerala for Ayurvedic Treatments. Most of the tourists are come in Monsoon Season for Ayurvedic treatment. Ayurvedic Treatment produce heat in the body so summer season is not good forAyurvedic Treatments. The growth rate of tourist coming for Ayurveda is increasing every year. Huge crowds are coming from European and Gulf countries.

Arya Vaidya to Foray Into Beauty Products

Coimbatore-based Arya Vaidya Pharmacy (AVP) is set to compete with FMCG majors like Hindustan Unilever and P&G as well as companies like Dhathri Ayurveda. The ayurvedic pharma firm is launching a range of 12 products for skincare, hair care and wellness products under the brand name ‘Ayushman’ that will include moisturizers, body lotions, face packs, soaps and hair oil, within two months in south India. Explore spoke to Ms. Nirmala quality control manager HUL, who said that "The entry of such firms in the market will definitely increase the competition."

Ayurvastra Manufactures Eco Friendly Organic Attires

Ayurvastra, one of the ancient Ayurveda branch has developed an innovative method of producing 'organic eco friendly' fabrics using medicinal herbs and plants. Ayurvastra practices the ancient 5,000 year old Indian system of Vedic healthcare, Ayurveda. It is headquartered near Washington, D.C. and works in Kerala as well. Founder of Ayurvastra, Mr. Narayan was born and raised in Kerala.

Mr. Narayan spoke about Ayurvastra as the only producers of clothing using this traditional wisdom. Ayurvastra aims at manufacturing 100 percent organic and chemical free fabrics and attires. By doing this Ayurvastra protects the planet's natural resources from the clutches of harmful toxic chemical wastes used in the production of agriculture and textiles. It also aims at reviving the ancient Ayurvedic dyeing technology in its fabrics.

Over-exploitation threats India's wild medicinal plants

India is a hub of wild-collected plant medicine industry in Asia, but key species are declining because of the over-collection of plants to supply those to domestic and foreign medicinal markets. Immediate action is needed to ensure the sustainability of supplies.

Some species are in demand for their aromatic properties too, for example the use of Jatamansi oil dates back over a thousand years, whilst Red Sanders is also in demand for its timber and as a source of red dye. In India, collection and processing of medicinal plants contributes at least 35 million workdays per year to the poor and under-employed, but rising demand is threatening this vital source of livelihood income both in India and elsewhere.

Cultivation is routinely promoted as the answer to dwindling supplies of the extincting species, but this is also not as straightforward as some species are difficult to grow in artificial conditions and thus growing times for some species can be several years. According to Mr. Suniti Dutta (Wildlife Biologist, Nature & Outdoor Educator, Photographer), who spoke to Explore said that some actions are immediately required to improve management of harvests and trade in a way that addresses conservation and development concerns.

Also,international co-operation is needed between harvesters, traders, manufacturers, government agencies, non-governmental organizations and researchers to secure a sustainable future for these medicinal plants and the people who depend on them.

Yoga Encyclopedia enters digital library

India's Traditional Knowledge Digital Library has gathered a team of yogis from nine schools and 200 scientists to scan ancient texts, including the writings of Patanjali, thought to be the original compiler of yoga sutras. The group is documenting more than 900 yoga postures and making a video catalogue of 250 of the most popular ones, from sun salutation to downward-facing dog.

The catalogue will be released soon and given to the international patent system, which yoga gurus in India say is essential in an age when cultural traditions can cross borders instantaneously. "Yoga is collective knowledge and is available for use by everybody no matter what the interpretation," said V.K. Gupta, head of the digital library, which was set up by the ministries of health and science. "It would be very inappropriate if some companies try to prevent others from any yoga practice, even if they call it some other name. So we wanted to ensure that, in the future, nobody will be able to claim that he has created a yoga posture which was actually already created in 2500 B.C. in India."

Ayurvedic Drugs having two-yr expiry

( ASU) drugs.

According to the recent study conducted by the department of Rasa Shastra, BHU, reveals that auyrvedic drugs prepared with medicated 'ghee' (grhita) and oil (taila) are likely to store maximum for two years.

Explore spoke to one of the ayurvedic practitioners who told that, "Consumers need to note that only ‘asavarishta’ (herbal liquid preparation) and ‘bhasma’ (metallic-herbo formulations) have no expiry date and can be used even after two years of manufacturing."

Study indicates that number of ayurvedic preparations involving medicated ghee and oil, including Mahanarayana Taila with analgesic properties are used in Panchakarma procedure and most of them have a shelf-life of 18 to 24 months. According to the Pharmacovigilance Centre for North Region, the rule 161 (B) of Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1945 has made it mandatory to print the manufacture and expiry date of all ayurvedic, siddha and unani

Aging Gracefully And Healthy

Dr. Subhash Ranade is the chairman of International Academy of Ayurveda, Pune, India

In the present Kali Yuga, the average age of individual is 100 years. Ayurveda has divided this in three stages in respect to predominance of Dosha, status of metabolism and status of organs and channels. The elderly stage starts from the age of 60 years. Aging or senescence is normal phenomena, and it should not be considered as disease or time clock be put on aging.

Aim of Ayurveda – Ayurveda expects that every individual should go into the phase of healthy aging. Individuals age at different rate and there is lot of variability depending on the type of constitution. No doubt every body wants to live longer life but the importance should be given to healthy living than mere longer life. There should not be any pathology or functional loss that will prevent day to activity. The main aim is to protect seven tissues, increase immunity and maintaining the balance of doshas.

Avoiding diseases while aging and living life without any discomfort or disability is the aim of Ayurveda. Successful aging should have four aspects –
1. Maintaining physical function,
2. Maintaining good mental functions,
3. Avoid diseases and
4. Enjoyment of life.

Physiology – At this stage Vata dosha starts gradually increasing and the anabolism is less and the catabolism is more. All the organs and channels have less capacity of functioning as compared to the previous stage of Young hood. The immunity also starts decreasing. The skin develops wrinkles and the muscle power starts decreasing because the fatty tissue starts replacing majority of the muscle tissue. Loss of muscle tissue increases the risk of premature aging.

Physical changes -
As the age advances all tissues from rasa to shukra loose certain qualities, hence various signs and symptoms appear-
1.Rasa dhatu- Skin looses its elasticity and wrinkles appear. The preenana function declines and hence the person becomes lethargic. All hairs become fine and there is diffuse loss of hairs leading to baldness.
2. Rakta dhatu- Rigidity of the arteries increases leading to hypertension. Hence the incidence of thrombosis increases. Decline in stroke volume of the heart takes place and chances of heart disorders also increase.
3.Mamsa dhatu-All muscles start loosing their tone. They become weak and wasting sets in. The process is accentuated with physical inactivity.
4. Meda dhatu- In some places fat tissue is lost while at other places there is excess growth. The tendency of obesity and diabetes increases.
5. Asthi dhatu- Rarefaction of bones leads to osteoporosis. This causes varieties of symptoms like pains and aches, low backache and spondilytis. Incidence of fractures increases.
6. Majja dhatu – Cerebral cortex looses many neurons leading to changesin mental functions. Memory becomes weak and all the functions of sense organs decline gradually. Eyesight becomes weak, cataract, glaucoma and deafness also increases.
7.Shukra dhatu- Capacity for reproduction decreases and impotence develops.
8. Pranavaha srotas- Lung elasticity gets decreased, and the incidence of lung embolism and myocardial infarction increases.
9. Annavaha srotas- The digestive capacity also decreases and the incidence of cancer of the stomach increases.
10. Mutravaha srotas- Enlargement of prostate, incontinence of urine and chances of urine infection increases.
11.Purishavaha srotas- Constipation is common as Vata aggravates.


Psychological changes -
These changes take place after retirement. The person starts feeling that he is no more required by the society as well as by his family members and then depression may set in. Lack of sleep and physical debility leads to irritability. If the adjustment with the younger people becomes difficult that also becomes the cause of frustration. Senile psychosis is very common also.
Daily abhyanga - Self massage with sesame oil every day is essential to control the aggravated Vata dosha. After this warm bath should be taken.
Regular exercise and Yoga – like walking, going to the nature for relaxation should be done daily. Similarly involvement in social activities as well as some spiritual meditation is always helpful during this age. Yoga postures should be done as per constitution.
Meditation – Daily practice of meditation helps the mind to remain calm and quiet and helps to get good sound sleep.
Mantra – Chanting of mantra dedicated to Lord Shiva like Aum Tryambakam yajamahe – is very useful to increase the Sattva quality of mind and to remove the fear of death.
Rasayana - Rasayana means rejuvenation or achieving longer and healthy life.

Constitution –
Vata – Abhyanga with sesame oil, bala root powder in dose of 1 gm. daily
Pitta – Ghee, Shatavari root powder in dose of 1 gm. Daily
Kapha- Old honey, ashwagandha root powder 500 mg. daily.
Rejuvenation for specific tissues –
Rasa- shatavari,
Rakta – iron, amalaki – Emblica officinalis
Mamsa –bala – Sida cordifolia, ashwagandha –Withania somnifera
Meda – shilajatu, guggulu –Commiphora mukul
Asthi – laksha, vanshalochana,
Majja – shankhapushpi –Convolvulus pluricans, brahmi –Bacopa moniera
Shukra – Kapikacchu –Mucuna prureiens.

For psychological problems – Medhya rasayana are extremely useful to increase the intelligence and keeping memory intact. These should be used according to constitution as follows-
Vata and Kapha – Shankhapushpi, yashtimadhu.
Pitta – Brahmi, Mandukaparni, Jatamansi

Thus with the help of Ayurveda and Yoga all persons can remain healthy even in their old age.

Interview with Dr. Shefali Thanawala, Senior Medical Advisor Plethico Pharmaceuticals, Mumbai.

Q1: In your experience what is your perception of Indian Ayurveda System?

Though Ayurveda is popularly known in the world as the ancient Indian system of medicine, as per the basic definition, Ayurveda is the science of life, which encompasses virtually every aspect of life and health. It is much more than just the medicinal system. For centuries together, Ayurveda has served millions of people by offering the complete medical therapy for numerous acute as well as chronic diseases.
For maintenance of health, Ayurveda has advised the daily regimen – Dinacharya and seasonal regimen – Rutucharya. Ayurveda also describes the principles of health maintenance – Swasthavritta and goes in the depths of describing the principles of ethical regimen – Aachara Rasayana.
For curing the diseases, Ayurveda insists on trapping the advancement of disease right at its base, treating and eradicating the root cause of the ailment instead of satisfying the patient with symptomatic relief. The thousands of simple prescriptions hidden and scattered throughout the ancient Ayurvedic Scriptures, still serve as home remedies for common health problems even in the present times, irrespective of the vast change and increasing complexity in the life style of the people.
Ayurveda is the pioneer of the art of surgery, which has advanced at present as the curative therapy by using the most complex techniques.
Ayurveda also offers some excellent para-surgical therapies, which serve the dual purpose of eradicating the chronic disease as well as avoiding the complex surgical procedures, such as KsharaKarma (Alkali Therapy), Agni Karma (Cauterization) and the procedures included in the Panchakarma therapy.
If effectively interpreted, the unique areas of Ayurveda can be used very effectively for disease management and health maintenance even today.

Q2: In your opinion what are the top three challenges which Ayurveda needs to correct to catapulate itself into a universally accepted Medical practice?

According to me, the top challenges that Ayurveda faces today and the areas where drastic changes are required so that it can be comprehended and accepted universally as medical practice are –
1. Incorporation of correlation of Ayurveda and modern medicine in the education system for Ayurveda
2. Effective interpretation of excellent Ayurvedic theorems as well as therapeutics and also exploring several areas which are unique to Ayurveda so that they can be put in practice to gain effective results.
3. Lot of efforts are required to study herbo-mineral or metallo-mineral preparations which are used very frequently in Ayurvedic therapeutics – in terms of their toxicity, therapeutic range, restrictions in dosage viz., quantity as well as duration of therapy etc.
4. Standardization of generic Ayurvedic drugs and proprietary formulations in compliance with global GMP standards



Q3: What are the experiences of being an Ayurvedic Practitioner?

Though Ayurveda practice is gaining better acceptance even in major cities and by educated patients, unfortunately, it is observed that generally the patient approaches Ayurvedic practitioner only for treatment of chronic and lifestyle related diseases; that too very often only after the disease has reached its final stage.
While Ayurveda can offer very effective therapy regimens for chronic diseases, its prescriptions are equally effective for many acute diseases as well.
Patients must know and understand that like any other logical medical science, even Ayurveda has clearly described the limitations of treatment for EACH disease. Ayurveda DOES NOT say that every disease in every stage is treatable.

The Buzz (News in a Nutshell)

Free medical camp for Thaloor woman Indians are slavish even in matters of Health: Ayush Director AMOAI moves Kerala HC challenging state order granting practicing rights to Traditional helaers ISM director set to resolve ongoing shortage of ISM medicines in hospitals Rane to put a check o0n health centres Ramdev's fight continues yoga on a mission to save the country Indian herbs to cure breast cancer

Interview with Dr. Anwar, Chairman & Managing Director , Punarnava Ayurvedic Hospitals,Kerala & Oman

Q1: What is the basic philosophy of health, disease and treatment in Ayurveda?

A-Ayurveda- the science of life is the oldest health care system in the world. More than 5000 years ago, even before the emergence of recorded history, the great saints of India researched, professed and practiced Ayurveda and all their findings and vision of this great science were transmitted to generations. Unlike most of other regimens, its very approach to the innumerable number of ailments appeared by the present mankind is widely acclaimed and accepted as holistic, which means treatment not only to the human physique but also to the mind and soul as well.

The method of Ayurveda is unique and universal. It sees man in relation to his natural habitat. Instead of treating the symptoms of a disease, it treats the individual. Thus it is caring not just for the affected part but for the entire body.

Q2: What are the greatest challenges faced By Ayurveda?

A-Ayurveda is an evidence based science. All the concepts of Ayurveda are derived from the experiments and observations made by scholars’ long back. At that time, no other science systems were much developed as Ayurveda was. Advanced innovations in the field of modern sciences, especially Physics & Chemistry were incorporated by other inter disciplinary sciences like Allopathy and they made huge trust and sustantiability in the mind of people. Though public believe in the healing power of Ayurveda, they are less aware about the science and logic behind it. The first mission of Ayurveda clinicians is to address this issue. This can be achieved by proper R&D, Documentation and Standardization and by gaining support from the respective government machineries.

R&D, Documentation and Standardization: In Ayurveda, medicines administrated internally are herbals which means they are not given in the active ingredients form. It is our body which decides what all are to be absorbed from the medicines given. This means the actions of a prepared medicine vary from patient to patient and from conditions to conditions. Opposite of this is seen in case of modern medicine. So anything cannot be suited to anyone and Ayurveda have to approach each and every individual in particular. Though protocols can be formed, it may suit only to 50 or 60 percent in patients. Clinicians have to document each and every patient complaints systematically and this documented data can be used in further development of the science

Support from the Government machineries: No sciences can prevail in this world without the support of statutory authorization. It’s the duty of every sovereign government to facilitate the growth of curative sciences for the benefits of public. This doesn’t means to liberalize the concern about Ayurveda to make more business. Govt. have to set up quality control systems for the advancements of the practice of Ayurveda. It should propagate the merits and science behind Ayurveda to other nations of the world. We have good QC Labs but the sad thing is that the concern about providing quality treatments is less. Majority of the foreign countries expecting initiatives and correspondences from our government to approve Ayurveda there. But patients from all over the world come to us for treatment believing in the healing power of Ayurveda. We are getting testimonials and not the approval. I strongly believe that India can uphold Ayurveda as its USP among other nations. We need is we have to promote the curative aspect of Ayurveda and not its tourism aspect.


Q3: What are the experiences of being an Ayurveda Practitioner?

A-I am very proud to say that I came from a family without any tradition in Ayurveda. I had undergone my medical education in Ayurveda, from a govt medical college 16 years back. The policy guided me at that time was if I start practice in a rural area, patients will come in search of doctor and if I’m practicing in an urban area people will come in search of the hospital. Thanks to my father who wisely advised me to start practice in a village near my home. God give me the chance to bring cure to many and when people from other places start to come my hospital, I planned a move to Cochin to cater the requisites of them. Punarnava Ayurveda Hospital was started thus at Cochin in 2004.

What I gained from my rural practice was not mere experience but it made me a strong believer of the curative aspects of my science and living, Ayurveda. I have got evidences from my practice that Ayurveda can successfully intervene in the cases of life style disorders and also in arresting the progression and improving the quality of life in autoimmune disorders which modern health sciences find it difficult to manage. Cochin made me a renounced physician and patients around the globe came to my hospital for their ailments getting treated. I’m a strong believer of God, Ayurveda and Hard work. Our vision at Punarnava is to make Ayurveda a globally recognized science and most trusted curative system by patients from all backgrounds and countries.

Interview with Dr. Danny Devasy, Sr. Manager (Marketing), Cholayil Sanjeevanam, Sharjah

Q1: In your experience what is your perceptions of Indian Ayurveda System?

A-Well, Ayurveda is more of philosophy intertwined with healing guidelines. People perceive ayurveda as the system with bitter medicine, powders, decoctions etc. But as any systematic science, it talks about prevention first and then curative part comes in. Ayurveda has all the general principles in the form of 'sutra' or couplets. The tricky part comes in deciphering these sutras and interpreting these right. The principles still holds true even after 5000 years so I believe that ayurveda principles are not merely assumptions. There is no science that is so intricately woven into a fabric with religion, science, philosophy, art, medicine and culture. It is a diverse science and all we need is to understand, ponder and spread the correct awareness.

Q2: In your opinion what are the top three challenges which Ayurveda needs to correct to catapulate itself into a universally accepted Medical practice?

A-Documentation and research oriented methodology of study. This is difficult as Ayurveda deals in individuality rather than a mass approach. We give our prescription and advises based on a number of physical, mental, physiological stage of the patient and also as per the doctors experience. The results vary from person to person as we all belong to different background, physical condition, educational and familial backgrounds, etc. So documentation would be a challenge. Many of the vaidyas or traditional doctors have a lot of knowledge which they fail to pass on to the next generation due to many reasons. So this could be a challenge.
2. Perception of mass in general- AYURVEDA HAS NO SIDE EFFECTS- of the many commercials that I have watched on Ayurveda based products, No side effect is the claim. Drugs are drugs and they have their indications and contraindications. Every medicine has to be taken under strict medical supervision.
3. Limited opportunities for young doctors: Budding doctors are given limited opportunities in terms of Post Graduation and also limited practise under reputed vaidyas. This will eventually lead to frustration and finally opting for other fields other than Ayurveda. This might coax them to practise the modern system of medicine as that is happening in the northern Indian belt. This is a big challenge.

Q3: What are the experiences of Being an Ayurvedic Practitioner?

A-My experience of being an ayurveda practioner: Well, I am pretty satisfied now. I had made a vow that come what may, I shall practise ayurveda only. I also believe that you need to work hard to achieve something. Challenges are there in every field but persistance and perseverance pays in the end. I am educating people in corporates (the most sought after industry) about ayurveda, current problems, natural ways to live healthy etc through various workshops and health talks.

I believe that a doctor should not limit himself / herself on practise alone, but get into educating the masses as well. This will create more clarity in the mindsets of people as well as the doctor would gain confidence and reputation.

EVENT ALERT

-Ayur Expo 2011 from 25 to 26 Februaury, 2011 at Meenakshi College grounds, Chennai.
http://bit.ly/gdHTHP

-Biofach India 2011 from December 14- 16 , 2011 at Bombay Exhibition centre, Mumbai, India.
http://bit.ly/OYRS1

Homo imperatorin isolated from Bael fruit seed!

Banaras Hindu University has recently been successful in their attempt to isolate a molecule from the Bael fruit which is known for its high medicinal value. This molecule supposedly shows anti fungal properties and the research study got its recognition on the last two days of the two day seminar on emerging trends in chemical sciences, organised by department of chemistry, BHU, on Sunday, it also marked a breakthrough in the isolation and synthesis of designer molecule with medicinal value.
“The molecule- homo imperatorin- responsible for anti-fungal properties in the seeds of ‘bael’ fruit (Aegle marmelos Correa) has been isolated for the first time and it has taken five long years of research work,” said Bhuwan B Mishra, one of the members of research team.

Scientists to study how herbs work

Scientists might soon be able to tell how Ayurvedic herbs such as Brahmi and Amlaki boost the memory. In an effort to validate Ayurvedic medicine, a team of city scientists and medical practitioners have started work towards gathering evidence on how 40 traditional herbal drugs prescribed by the 6th century physician Vaghbhata, function at a cellular level in animal tissues and organs through the use of radionuclides. Radionuclides, also referred to as radioisotopes, are chemical substances that exhibit radioactivity. Presently, Ayurvedic doctors prescribe drugs without knowing how they function at a molecular level in the human body. Even the extent of its localisation around the organs, to gauge effectiveness of prescribed dosage, is not known,” said Dr RD Lele, head of nuclear medicine at Lilavati Hospital and the brain behind the project. “We want to study the mechanism of action of the drug in the body

Where did Baba Ramdev's assets come from?

Ram Dev's campaign against black money appears to have earned him many enemies among the political class as well as seers.
The national spokesperson of the Akhada Parishad, Baba Hat Yogi, said: " A decade ago, Ramdev used to move on a bicycle. He even had to struggle to find money to fix his punctured cycle. Now he flies on a chopper. We demand an inquiry into the income and assets of the Ramdev ashram." Hat Yogi wasn't alone; a demand for a probe into the baba's assets also came from Trivender Panwar, president of the Uttarakhand Kranti Dal that recently withdrew support from the Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank government in Uttarakhand

Cuba to expand Natural Medicine!

Natural medicines such as homeopathy, ayurveda, and unani are the traditional methods for curing various diseases. It is also less expensive. The only downside is that not many people know how the natural medicine works, and this is reason why it is not popular.

According a statement from Cuban embassy in Delhi, Concepcion Campa, director of the Finlay Institute in Havana, met scientists and researchers from the Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN), the Ayurvedic Center and The Central Council for Research in Homeopathy (CCRH).
She was here on the invitation of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) of the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Both the sides explored ways of expanding cooperation in the field of natural medicine.

Pharmaceutical companies lobbying against Ayurveda

Shri Shri Ravishankar of Art of Living said that pharmaceutical firms had been lobbying against the ancient Ayurveda system of medicine.

Speaking at an interaction with the media at the Alvas Shobhavana, Ravishankar said being concerned over the growing popularity of the Ayurveda system abroad, mulitinational companies were indulging in a propaganda that Indian systems of medicine including Ayurveda had no scientific basis. He urged the government to prioritize indigenous healthcare methods of Ayurveda, Yoga and nature cure.
Replying to questions on varied subjects, Ravishankar said the public should refrain from both receiving and giving bribes. If corruption was not rooted out, there would not be any future for the country. He also regretted that even the judiciary was not above corruption.

While admitting that certain 'Raavan Sadhus' had brought a bad name to the spiritual world, he said that those writing against the Art of Living organization on the Internet were doing so for their popularity.

Stop misusing Ayurveda!

Many godmen from India are using and quoting the old Indian books to substantiate their claims. Indian books do contain some ancient wisdom as existed in those days. The fact that godmen are misusing them, should be a bad mark on them. Similarly, Ayurveda is an old system of Indian medicine. Ayurveda should be treated on its own - without any reference. One can add that a lot of modern gurus and TV yogis are using and misusing it. Ayurvedic medicines do work for several diseases. It is because of the power of herbs, nothing holy about it. You can't use it for quick remedy. But long-term effects are proven.

The material and herbs used for various diseases are medically correct. For example pepper and clove mixture is indeed good for cough. No magic about it. Ginger water is good for stomach. No magic here. Simple medical value. There are some modern medicines which have its origin in Ayurveda. One of them is SERPASIL which comes from the root of Rauwolfia Serpentina known as "sarpgandha" in Sanskrit. Used for high blood pressure here we have a medicine originating in Ayurveda and today mass produced by big firms. Of course in recent years so many pseudo gurus have misused Ayurveda to make money.

Tata global signs MoU with Kerala Ayurveda

Tata Global Beverages Ltd has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kerala Ayurveda Ltd to explore formation of a joint venture to develop products based on proven ayurvedic recipes and to market them globally.

"Definitive agreements are expected to be finalised over the next few months. The transaction will be subject to corporate and statutory approvals as may be required," Tata Global Beverages said in a statement.

Keep your child away from Memory enhancing drugs!

The medicine shops are selling Ayurvedic, and homoeopathic medicines and are satisfied with the sales. According to the chemists and druggists, both parents and students are willing to purchase these medicines. However, physicians and psychiatrist say then none of these medicines can improve memory.

Lakhan, a chemist in Swaroop Nagar said that it has now become a common knowledge that memory pills can improve the working of the brain and help in increasing learning power. There are certain Ayurvedic medicines available in the market that claim of not having side effects. These are popular among the students.

Naturopaths disheartened again!

The Gujarat High Court has once again refused to recognise practitioners of naturopathy in the state as 'doctors'. For the past one decade, practitioners of naturopathy are approaching the court for the purpose, but the court has refused to direct the government to consider them as doctors.

In 2001, the high court had turned down an application by a naturopathy practitioner, Kalkisinh Duleray Godsan, who wanted to open an institute to impart education of nature cure practices. Godsan wanted the court to ask the government to recognise his institute and the degree so that his students too could be called doctors.

A University on Laughter???

Bangalore city, which is known as India's tech capital because of it being home to a few thousand IT and IT-related firms with thousands of young men and women who are stressed out by working late hours, will get a university that offers to train people to laugh and breathe properly for greater benefits of body and mind.

"If all goes well, then by April-May 2011, I will start my first certified Laughter Yoga teacher training in the university complex," said Madan Kataria, the brain behind the 'university'.

Ayurvedic Physician among medicine Padma winners

Late ayurvedic physician K. Raghavan Thirumulpad is among the Padma award winners from the field of medicine this year.
A total of 10 awards were given in the field of medicine, which included two Padma Bhushans and eigth Padma Shris.
Vaidyabhooshanam K. Raghavan Thirumulpad, ayurvedic scholar and physician from Kerala, and Keki Byramjee Grant, the founder of the Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune, were awarded the Padma Bhushan posthumously for their contributions to the field of medicine.

Discover the magic of Combo Theory

According to a group of doctors in Kolkata who believe in "ethical treatment", good medicine is not necessarily allopathic, homeopathic or ayurvedic. Rather, it could be a combination of the three or any two of these depending on the symptoms and the condition of the patient.

The theory may sound alien to many in Kolkata but millions in USA have already benefited from an integrated system of medicine which could soon be replicated in the city which is le by New York-based Bhaswati Bhattacharya, a practicing ayurveda and biomedical scientist trained in pharmacology and neuroscience.

Talking to Explore Dr. Sharma, an Ayurveda Practitioner “It’s a new approach in the medical history that is benefitting millions of people in abroad. It is indeed a tremendous move by Dr. Bhattacharya