GLOBAL HEALTH IN THE LIGHT OF INDIA’S TRADITIONAL MEDICINE: LALIT GARG

GLOBAL HEALTH IN THE LIGHT OF INDIA’S TRADITIONAL MEDICINE: LALIT GARG

3-JAN-ENG 8

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA----------------------------Today's world is grappling with profound and multifaceted health crises. On one hand, lifestyle-related diseases, mental stress, depression, anxiety, and imbalances are rapidly increasing, while on the other hand, infectious diseases, pandemics, and environmental imbalances are constantly challenging human life. In these circumstances, it is becoming increasingly clear that a complete solution to global health problems is not possible solely through modern allopathic medicine. This is why the global community is once again turning its attention to India's traditional medical systems, which include systems such as Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, and Naturopathy. Known collectively as 'AYUSH', these systems focus on holistic health, natural remedies, and body-mind balance. Ayurveda is one of the oldest and most well-structured systems, renowned for its philosophical foundation and diverse treatment methods. The basis of these medical systems is not merely the treatment of disease, but the concept of complete health through the coordination of body, mind, and soul.

Ayurveda focuses on balancing the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) of the body, using techniques such as diet, lifestyle, herbs, and Panchakarma (purification). Ashtanga Ayurveda is divided into eight branches: Kayachikitsa (internal medicine), Shalya (surgery), Kaumarbhritya (pediatrics), Bhutavidya (psychology), Agada Tantra (toxicology), Rasayana (geriatrics), Vajikarana (reproductive medicine), and Shalakya (eye/ear/nose). Like Ayurveda, Yoga is also a traditional medical system that focuses on mind-body coordination through physical postures (asanas), pranayama (breathing exercises), meditation, and ethical principles. Similarly, Naturopathy promotes the body's self-healing capacity through natural methods such as mud, water, sunlight, and diet. The Unani system of medicine is also prevalent in India. Originating from Greece, this system emphasizes the balance of the four humors of the body (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile) and acknowledges the influence of the environment. The Siddha system of medicine is primarily practiced in South India, focusing on the use of medicines made from herbs and minerals, and emphasizing yoga and meditation. Sowa-Rigpa is a mountain-based medical system, prevalent in the Himalayan regions (such as Ladakh and Sikkim), and is also known as 'Tibetan medicine'. The Indian government's Ministry of AYUSH promotes the development, research, and integration of these systems into mainstream healthcare through the National AYUSH Mission. These systems are based on ancient Indian knowledge and are now making their mark on the global health stage.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has played a decisive role in giving India's traditional medicine systems prestige on the global stage. He has presented it not merely as a cultural heritage, but as an effective, accessible, and sustainable healthcare system for the future. The establishment of the Ministry of AYUSH under his leadership, the initiation of International Yoga Day, partnerships with the World Health Organization on traditional medicine, and the organization of global conferences are concrete steps in this direction. The recent second Global Summit on Traditional Medicine in New Delhi is proof that India is now playing not just a participatory role, but a leading role in this field. The increase in exports of AYUSH and herbal products during the Prime Minister's visit to Oman clearly reflects this transformative landscape. The increase from $61.1 million to $65.1 million is not just an economic figure, but a sign of global trust. Many countries around the world are beginning to understand that India's traditional medicine systems are not only affordable and accessible but also provide long-term health benefits. This fact becomes even more significant when nearly a quarter of the world's population lacks access to basic healthcare facilities due to economic reasons. In such a scenario, traditional medicine emerges as a viable alternative. According to the World Health Organization, even today, approximately 40 to 90 percent of the population in nearly 170 countries worldwide uses some form of traditional medicine. This statistic shatters the notion that traditional medicine is limited only to developing countries. In fact, interest in yoga, Ayurvedic treatments, herbal medicines, and natural therapies is steadily increasing even in developed countries. A major reason for this is the side effects associated with modern medicine, over-reliance on medications, and expensive treatment procedures. While allopathic medicine has made remarkable progress in providing quick relief and surgical interventions, it is also associated with drug side effects, antibiotic resistance, and long-term complications. In contrast, Indian traditional medicine attempts to address the root cause of the disease. Ayurveda emphasizes the body's constitution, the balance of doshas (humors), and lifestyle modifications. Yoga is not merely physical exercise but a path to mental peace, concentration, and spiritual balance. The aim of these practices is not to suppress the disease but to awaken the body's natural healing capacity. This is why they are considered relatively safe, with fewer side effects, and beneficial for long-term health.

At the second global summit on traditional medicine, India effectively presented this perspective to the world. Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Mexico, Bilateral meetings with 16 countries, including Nepal and Sri Lanka, have made it clear that traditional medicine has now become a powerful medium for diplomacy and global cooperation. The 'AYUSH Mark' launched by Prime Minister Modi on this occasion is a historic initiative that will establish a global standard of quality for AYUSH products and services. This will not only increase consumer confidence but also strengthen the international acceptance of Indian products. However, it is also true that some challenges exist in the field of traditional medicine. Questions of quality control, standardization, scientific research, and authenticity have been raised for a long time. Unsubstantiated claims and adulterated products sometimes cast doubt on the credibility of this entire system. However, these challenges can be addressed by initiatives like the 'AYUSH Mark' and by promoting scientific research. The need of the hour is to build a bridge between traditional knowledge and modern science, so that the best of both can be combined.

Today, when a large part of the global population, approximately 4.6 billion people, lacks access to adequate healthcare services, India's traditional medicine systems can offer a ray of hope. These systems are not only helpful in treating diseases but also play a significant role in prevention and health promotion. Through a balanced diet, regular yoga practice, natural medicines, and mental discipline, many diseases can be controlled at an early stage. In this context, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision can be considered far-sighted. He has viewed traditional medicine not as a legacy of the past, but as a necessity for the future. His efforts to establish this Indian medical tradition on global platforms indicate that India's role in the global health system will become even stronger in the coming years. When the limitations of modern medicine are becoming apparent and the world is searching for a holistic, accessible, and humane healthcare model, Indian traditional medicine is emerging as an effective alternative not only for India but for all of humanity. This is its greatest achievement and its greatest potential for the future.