How can we bring Ayurveda into the mainstream?

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in collaboration with the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, held the 5th CII Global Conference on AYUSH on 5th August 2021 and invited Lothar Pirc, Board Member of the International Maharishi AyurVeda Foundation (IMAVF) to offer suggestions on how to introduce Ayurveda to other countries and make it more mainstream.

Mr Pirc’s presentation at the Plenary Session on Ayurveda Services (Medical): Building Scale and Relevance as a Mainstream System of Healthcare inspired the attendees with an overview of the worldwide activities of Maharishi AyurVeda, including its many training and public educational programs, numerous clinics and research studies.

In his talk, he highlighted key observations on the international status of Ayurveda and made practical recommendations:

1. China’s investment in the promotion and research of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) began over 50 years ago. As a result, in Germany, 18.000 MDS practice Chinese medicine, while only a few hundred practice Ayurveda. Mr Pirc recommended the development of a Marketing Strategy for Indian Embassies around the world to conduct lobbying efforts to promote Ayurveda by organising press activities and conferences for health professionals, Government officials and health insurance decision-makers. In addition, he underscored the importance of supporting local Ayurvedic practitioners.
2. There is already a large volume of research available on Ayurveda; reviewing the best studies and publicising them, along with funding new evidence-based research in the USA and Europe at top Universities, would help promote the legitimacy of Ayurveda.
3. Upgrading and standardising the training of Vaidyas by creating training courses or certifications that would be recognised in the West is essential for a broad acceptance of Ayurveda.
4. Participating in World Health Organisation (WHO) annual assemblies, contacting government health ministers, presenting research and lectures by expert Vaidyas, and even offering them pulse diagnosis, will help increase the visibility and recognition of Ayurveda as a valid alternative health care modality at top levels of government.
5. Setting the highest quality standards for Ayurvedic products and herbs and encouraging the adoption of industry standards will help ensure that only the best products enter the market.

 
Watch Lothar Pirc’s presentation here: https://vimeo.com/584798161