AROHA-2024: Shaping the Future of Global Health with Ayurveda
An international conference, AROHA (Advances in Research and Global Opportunities for Holistic Ayurveda) was held in New Delhi from October 17 to 19, 2024 focussing on the evolving role of traditional medicines in addressing contemporary health challenges. Organised collaboratively by the Ministry of AYUSH, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, and All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), AROHA-2024 was jointly inaugurated by Chief Justice of India Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and Union Minister of State for AYUSH, Shri Prataprao Jadhav.
Addressing the event, Chief Justice of India Justice D.Y. Chandrachud said, beyond addressing specific ailments, Ayurveda promotes holistic wellness through medicine, nutrition, meditation, yoga and lifestyle balance. Rooted in generational family wisdom, Ayurveda offers valuable insights into integrated well-being. Speaking at the occasion, Shri Prataprao Jadhav said, this conference represents a significant step forward in our pursuit of holistic healthcare solutions. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, we are strengthening Ayurveda’s global recognition today. His encouragement has led to Ayurveda being adopted more than any other medical practice.
Exploring Key Areas at AROHA-2024
As modern societies increasingly turn to alternative and complementary medical systems, Ayurveda, with its 5,000-year legacy, stands at the crossroads of tradition and innovation. AROHA-2024 provided a dynamic forum for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to delve into the latest developments, challenges, and global opportunities in this field. The agenda spanned a diverse range of topics, including Ayurveda, ethnomedicine, quality control, standard-isation, diagnostics, drug delivery, evidence-based research, and globalisation. Seasoned experts offered both practical insights and theoretical know-ledge on Ayurvedic practices. The event featured a three-day workshop with 16 scientific sessions, and showcased over 400 research papers.
The All India Institute of Ayurveda has a global presence in over 17 countries through academic and scientific collaborations with prominent organisations like the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, FIGZ Germany, AIST Japan, Western Sydney University Australia, UHN Canada, and national institutions like IGIB, AIIMS, CSIR, IIT, etc.
Evolution of Ayurveda in Modern Times
Ayurveda, known as the "Science of Life," has continuously evolved since its origins in ancient India. Traditionally centered on disease prevention and healing through a balanced lifestyle, natural remedies, and spiritual well-being, Ayurveda is now merging with modern science in the 21st century. This integration has fostered an evidence-based approach to its practices.
Over the past decade, research institutions and universities worldwide have increasingly focussed on clinical trials, pharmacological studies, and exploring the therapeutic potential of Ayurvedic herbs and formulations. This scientific validation has bolstered Ayurveda's global acceptance, opening doors for greater collaboration and integration into international healthcare systems.
Key Areas of Research and Innovation at AROHA-2024
AROHA-2024 showcased significant research advancements, highlighting Ayurveda's potential in addressing contemporary health challenges, including:
Ayurvedic Pharmacology and Drug Development: The conference featured extensive research on the medicinal properties of Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha, Turmeric, and Brahmi. Presentations focussed on the molecular mechanisms, bioactive compounds, and therapeutic applications of these herbs in managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, and cancer.
Integration of Ayurveda with Modern Medicine: A central theme of AROHA-2024 was the integration of Ayurveda with modern healthcare systems. Studies demonstrated how Ayurvedic treatments, when used alongside allopathic interventions, produced promising results in areas such as stress management, post-surgery recovery, and mental health.
Ayurvedic Genomics and Personalised Medicine: The field of Ayurgenomics, which combines Ayurveda's concept of "Prakriti" (individual body constitution) with modern genetic insights, emerged as a key highlight. Researchers discussed how mapping dosha classifications with genetic markers can help create
personalised treatment plans, reflecting the growing alignment of Ayurveda with precision medicine.
Ayurveda's Role in Global Health Crises: The conference also addressed Ayurveda's potential in tackling global health challenges like antimicrobial resistance, lifestyle disorders, and mental health. Discussions centered on immunity-boosting formulations and natural therapies to combat stress and anxiety, drawing lessons from Ayurveda's increased relevance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Global Opportunities for Ayurveda
While Ayurveda has its roots in India, its influence has spread across the world. AROHA-2024 focussed on the global opportunities for expanding Ayurveda's reach, particularly in the following areas:
Global Market Expansion: The global market for Ayurvedic products is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years, driven by rising consumer interest in natural and organic products. Countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany have seen a surge in demand for Ayurvedic wellness products. AROHA-2024 discussed strategies for quality control, certification, and regulatory frameworks that can help Ayurveda penetrate global markets effectively.
International Collaborations and Research Partnerships: AROHA-2024 witnessed collaborations between Indian Ayurvedic institutions and international universities and research bodies, paving the way for knowledge exchange, joint clinical trials, and multi-disciplinary research. Key research areas include Ayurveda's role in oncology, neuro-degenerative diseases, and geriatric care.
Ayurveda and Sustainable Health-care Systems: As healthcare costs rise globally, there is growing interest in sustainable healthcare solutions. Ayurveda's emphasis on prevention and low-cost natural remedies makes it an attractive option for countries looking to provide affordable healthcare. At AROHA-2024, discussions were held on how Ayurveda can contribute to achieving global health equity and its inclusion in public healthcare systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Education and Training for Global Practitioners: Another significant aspect of AROHA-2024 is standardisation of Ayurveda education for practitioners worldwide. Establishing accredited programmes, exchange programmes, and certification for Ayurvedic practitioners in countries outside India will be critical to its global acceptance.
Challenges in Globalising Ayurveda
Despite the growing popularity of Ayurveda, several challenges need to be addressed to fully realise its global potential:
• Scientific Validation: While many Ayurvedic formulations have shown promise, there is still a need for more rigorous clinical trials and peer-reviewed studies. AROHA-2024 emphasised the importance of evidence-based research and the integration of modern scientific tools like genomics, metabolomics, and AI in Ayurvedic research.
• Regulatory Hurdles: Each country has its regulatory standards for herbal medicines and traditional therapies. Navigating these regulations and ensuring standardisation across different markets can be a complex process. AROHA-2024 sought to address strategies for harmonising international standards and certifications.
• Preservation of Traditional Knowledge: The commercialisation of Ayurveda has led to concerns about the loss of traditional knowledge and practices. AROHA-2024 will also focus on safeguarding indigenous knowledge systems and promoting ethical business practices that respect the cultural heritage of Ayurveda.
The Future of Ayurveda Post-AROHA-2024
The discussions and research findings at AROHA-2024 have charted a new course for the future of Ayurveda. The growing convergence of Ayurveda with modern science, the increasing international demand for holistic health solutions, and the strengthening of global research partnerships will all contribute to Ayurveda's role in the future of healthcare.
As the world looks for sustainable, integrative, and preventive healthcare systems, Ayurveda's time-tested wisdom, combined with modern research, offers immense potential. Fora like AROHA promises to be a turning point in positioning Ayurveda as a global healthcare force, opening up new frontiers for research, innovation, and collaboration. AROHA-2024 was not just about celebrating Ayurveda's ancient wisdom but also about showcasing its potential as a scientifically-backed, globally-accepted holistic healthcare system. Through international collaborations, market expansion, and a strong emphasis on research, AROHA-2024 has paved the way for a transformative future for Ayurveda, shaping its trajectory for generations to come.
(Compiled By Sudhit Mishra,
EN Team
Source- PIB, aiiaaroha.org)