Ayurveda needs deeper research and specialized expertise: Health Minister

Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Thursday underlined the need to strengthen research on Ayurveda and build specialized expertise within the traditional system of medicine, saying it provides vital answers to many lifestyle-related health problems of today.

Inaugurating the four-day Ayurveda World Summit that began here on Thursday, the minister said Ayurveda and yoga offer a holistic approach to health that focuses on prevention and overall well-being, making them especially relevant in an era characterized by stress and sedentary lifestyles.

“Ayurveda and yoga were developed thousands of years ago on a strong scientific basis and are still relevant today,” he said. Pointing out the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, Mr. Rao said unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, high stress levels and poor mental health management are the major causes. “Ayurveda addresses these concerns head-on because it is not just a treatment system, but a way of life,” he said.

Drawing a parallel with modern medicine, the minister said Ayurveda should also move towards formal recognition of specialist practitioners. “Just as nephrologists and other specialists are clearly identified and trusted today, Ayurveda too needs a standardized certification system to recognize specialized expertise,” he said.

Describing the summit as an important forum, Mr. Rao said it would serve as an important platform for exchange of ideas and for shaping the future direction of Ayurveda research and practice.