The Ayush Ministry has received a boost from the Union Budget 2023, with a 20% rise in total funding to Rs. 3,647 crore. Through Ayush research councils, it has also placed a strong emphasis on encouraging evidence-based research in Ayush systems. The National Ayush Mission (NAM), which is funded by the government, has received a budget increase of 50%, going from Rs. 800 crore to Rs. 1200 crore.
The Government of India places a strong emphasis on the Ayush system of medicine, which encompasses traditional medical practices such as Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. The aim is to promote and integrate these systems into the national healthcare system to provide comprehensive and accessible healthcare services to the Indian population. The government has established the Ministry of AYUSH to administer and regulate the development and promotion of these medical practices. Additionally, there has been increased funding and research initiatives to validate the efficacy and safety of Ayush practices, as well as the establishment of Ayush hospitals and dispensaries to increase access to these treatments. The emphasis on Ayush is part of the government’s broader goal to create a holistic and inclusive healthcare system in India.
India is the origin of the ancient medical system known as Ayurveda, which has been used for thousands of years. It is predicated on the idea that mental, physical, and spiritual wellness are interdependent and require careful balance. The Vedas, a collection of ancient Indian texts composed in Sanskrit between 4000 and 6000 years ago, are where the idea of Ayurveda originates.The earliest written record of Ayurvedic practices can be found in the CharakaSamhita and the SushrutaSamhita, two Ayurvedic texts that date back to around 600 BCE. These texts describe the principles of Ayurveda, including the three fundamental energies or “doshas” (vata, pitta, and kapha), the role of diet and lifestyle in maintaining health, and the use of herbal remedies and other natural treatments for various health conditions.
Over time, Ayurveda evolved and became a highly sophisticated system of medicine, with specialists in various fields such as surgery, paediatrics, and gynaecology. Ayurveda was also heavily influenced by Buddhist and Chinese medical practices, which led to the development of new techniques and remedies.Despite facing periods of decline and resurgence throughout its history, Ayurveda has remained an important part of Indian culture and has been widely practiced for centuries. Today, Ayurveda is gaining popularity worldwide as people seek alternative and complementary forms of medicine, and it is recognized by the World Health Organization as a legitimate form of traditional medicine.
The Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) system of medicine has a long history in India and continues to play an important role in the country’s healthcare system. When we talk about the Advantages of Ayush system, then It offers a holistic approach to health and wellness, which is seen as a significant benefit by many people.AYUSH practices have been integrated into the primary health care system and have helped increase access to healthcare in rural and remote areas.The AYUSH system is known for its minimal use of harsh chemicals and side effect-free treatments, which makes it appealing to individuals who are seeking more natural forms of medicine. But contrary to this despite its popularity and long history, the low level of research and development in the AYUSH system has limited its ability to advance and evolve, making it difficult for it to keep pace with advances in modern medicine. But this booster does to the Ayush system in the Union Budget-2023 will definitely pave the path for intensive research and development.
AYUSH AS PART OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION
In traditional India, Ayurveda and Yoga were an integral part of the health communication system and were passed down from generation to generation through an oral tradition. The knowledge and practices associated with Ayurveda and Yoga were communicated through teachers, or “gurus,” who imparted their knowledge to students through direct instruction and practical experience.In rural areas, where access to formal healthcare was limited, people relied on the advice of local healers and practitioners of Ayurveda and Yoga to maintain their health and treat illnesses. These practitioners served as a source of information and guidance on health and wellness, and their advice was widely respected and followed.In addition to direct communication between practitioners and patients, Ayurveda and Yoga were also promoted through the use of written texts and manuscripts, which were widely distributed and studied. These texts were written in Sanskrit, the language of ancient India, and were often accompanied by illustrations and diagrams to help explain complex concepts and practices.
The traditional health communication system in India placed a strong emphasis on preventive health, and Ayurveda and Yoga were seen as powerful tools for promoting physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The practices were deeply integrated into daily life and were used to maintain health, prevent illness, and treat a wide range of health conditions. The integration of Ayurveda and Yoga into the traditional health communication system in India was a critical factor in the widespread use and acceptance of these practices. The close relationship between practitioners and patients, combined with the use of written texts and a rich oral tradition, helped ensure that the knowledge and practices associated with Ayurveda and Yoga were passed down and preserved for future generations.
Health communication can include Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH) system in its communication strategies by incorporating traditional medical practices into modern health campaigns and messages. This can be done by incorporating AYUSH practices into health promotion messages. Health communication strategies can include information on AYUSH practices such as yoga, meditation, and herbal remedies in addition to conventional medical treatments. Health communication initiatives can collaborate with practitioners of AYUSH to create culturally appropriate and effective messages for specific communities.Health communication can play a role in educating the public about the benefits and safe use of AYUSH practices, helping to dispel myths and misconceptions. Similarly Health communicators can highlight the role of AYUSH in the prevention and management of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.Incorporating AYUSH into health communication strategies can help to address health disparities, promote culturally appropriate health practices, and increase access to quality care for diverse populations.
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