Ayurveda: Reflections On Challenges And Opportunities In India And Across The Globe

Abstract

With the establishment of Ministry of AYUSH  in India in 2014, there has been a renewed interest in alternative medicine in general and Ayurveda in particular. The existing literature focuses on the many aspects of scientization, education reform, and pharmacological standardization required for Ayurveda, but certain key aspects of regulation, integration with other systems, advanced research, legislation, soft power strategies, and nationalism surrounding Ayurveda are not dealt with adequately. Further, a comprehensive paper that discusses the many themes surrounding Ayurveda, is not available. The main objective of this paper was to isolate the key themes around challenges and opportunities for Ayurveda  at (a) socio-psychological level (b) economic level, and (c) policy level. Using N=8 interviewees - which included besides practitioners of Ayurveda, Allopathy and Homeopathy, researchers, herbal medicine entrepreneurs and policy makers/influencers- were selected using judgmental sampling for qualitative analysis. Further, a convenience sample (N=50) was included in an online survey was developed along A-B-C (Attitude-Behavior-Cognition) socio-psychological model for an empirical analysis to triangulate certain qualitative research questions. Empirical analysis suggests that, as regards Ayurveda, India is socio-psychologically split right down the middle attitudinally. Phenomenological approach was adopted for analyzing the data of Interviewees, and quantitative  analysis (Percentage and  Chi-square) was computed  for N=50 participants. 

In the current study Ayurveda was reported as an individualized and multi-factorial system, and that the future of medicine is an integrated system. Growing awareness of its many benefits both within and without India represents another factor that will make Ayurveda an attractive to large pharmaceuticals and indigenous manufacturers alike. As a policy, it is imperative that integrative medicine be promoted for a variety of diseases, prophylaxes and emergencies. The study accentuates that plant-based medicines need to be "scientized," pharmacologically evaluated, and standardized, and that this process needs to be accelerated. The research broadens the discourse surrounding Ayurveda, and would inform policymakers, Ayurveda practitioners and herbal medicine entrepreneurs alike. After generating a range of recommendations, the paper concludes that India needs a multi-pronged strategy through multiple ministries in a WOG - like involvement for taking Ayurveda to the next level in India, and across the globe.