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AYUSH – Indian Medicine System

9th National Ayurveda Day

Prelims Only | History and Art & Culture | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

Why in the News?

  • On the occasion of the 9th Ayurveda Day, Prime Minister will launch several healthcare projects valued at Rs 12,850 crore.
    • The focal theme for Ayurveda day-2024 has been decided as ‘Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health’.

About Ayurveda:

Details
Origins   • Rooted in four Vedas (5000–1000 BCE).
• References in Ramayana and Mahabharata epics.
• Fully developed by 1000 BCE with Charaka Samhita and Susruta Samhita.
Foundational Texts   • Brhattrayi (Three Major Treatises):
• Caraka Samhita (internal medicine)
• Susruta Samhita (surgery)
• Astanga Sangraha and Astanga Hrdaya (Vrddha Vagbhata and Vagbhata, 6th-7th century CE).
• Takshashila and Nalanda universities attracted foreign students.
Global Influence • Spread through Buddhism to Tibetan and Chinese medicine.
• Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans adopted concepts via trade and interactions.
• 8th century CE saw Nagarjuna study medicinal use of metals.
Integration of Modern Techniques • 16th century saw inclusion of modern diagnostics and treatment for new diseases.
Revival in India (19th-20th Cent.) • 1827: First Ayurveda course at Government Sanskrit College, Calcutta.
• 20th Century: Ayurveda colleges spread under regional patronage.
• 1970s: Ayurveda revived, with academic research, publications, and global symposia.
Current Status   • Structured undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral education.
• Strong network of practitioners and manufacturers.
• Developed infrastructure for community outreach.
Global Influence  24 countries recognize Ayurveda legally.
Collaborative platforms include:
• SCO Expert Working Group on Traditional Medicine
• BIMSTEC Taskforce on Traditional Medicine
• BRICS High-Level Forum on Traditional Medicine.
• Ayurveda products exported to 100+ countries.
WHO Standards and Milestones • ICD-11 Integration: WHO included Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani in ICD-11 TM Module 2.
• WHO set global standards for practice and training.
• GCTM, Jamnagar (Gujarat): Focuses on Ayurveda research, education, and practice.
Philosophical Foundations • Historical evidence dates to the first millennium BCE.
• Knowledge passed from gods to sages and then to human physicians.
• Central concepts align with Samkhya, Vaisheshika, Buddhism, and Jainism.
• Emphasis on balance and maintaining natural urges.

Initiatives and Programs by the Govt.

  • National Ayush Mission (2014): Aimed at promoting the development and growth of Ayush systems (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) in the country, focusing on strengthening educational institutions and enhancing the quality of services.
  • Ayurveda Research Portal (2021): Promotes research in Ayurveda by providing a digital platform for researchers, practitioners, and institutions to access data, funding opportunities, and collaborative initiatives.
  • Ayush Grid (2020): A digital initiative aimed at enhancing the accessibility of Ayush services and information through online platforms, connecting practitioners, patients, and educational institutions.

PYQ:

[2019] How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies?

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