Best printers for Home

Best Mixer Grinder

Best wired Earphones

Best 43 Inch TV in India

Best Wi Fi Routers

Best Home Theatre in India

Smart Watch under 5000

Best Laptops for Education

Best Laptop for Students

<ul><li>From April 1, 2023, the price of a basket of essential medicines could rise significantly due to the annual change in the wholesale price index in 2022 to 12.12%. </li><li>This is the highest-ever hike allowed by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA). </li><li>As per a survey by LocalCircles, 58% of respondents observed a price hike in the last 12 months in regularly-purchased medicines.</li></ul>Consumers have been reeling from the rise in medicine prices in the last 12 months, reveals a survey by community social media platform LocalCircles, even as prices of a basket of essential medicines are set to rise from April 1. The government is set to allow drug manufacturers to increase the ceiling prices of around 900 scheduled drugs (medicines), in line with the change in the annual Wholesale Price Index (WPI). As per the drug price regulator National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), the annual change in WPI in 2022 is 12.12% and thus the drug prices too could see a similar hike. <a href="https://scroll.in/latest/1046450/essential-medicines-to-get-costlier-by-up-to-12-from-april-1">Reports </a>state that this is the highest-ever hike allowed. As per the LocalCircles survey, 58% of respondents observed a price hike in the last 12 months in regularly-purchased medicines. For most of the respondents, the price increase has been significant i.e. over 20%. In fact, 12% of respondents observed a price rise of over 50% for most of the medicines purchased. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Specialised medicines turn more expensive" comment="subhead2" text="Specialised medicines turn more expensive">Specialised medicines turn more expensive</cmsannotation> The survey revealed that while consumers have observed a price hike for all medicines, the majority of the respondents indicated that prices of specialised medicines for diabetes, blood pressure (BP), arthritis, cancer, etc., have risen the most in the last year. On an aggregate basis, 89% of respondents experienced a significant price increase in the specialised medicines category while 57% experienced a significant price increase in the general medicine category as well i.e. medicines for fever, cough, headache, eye drops, vitamins, etc. Moreover, it’s not just allopathic medicines which became costlier – 2% of respondents pointed to price increases in Ayurveda and Homoeopathic medicines as well, revealed the survey. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Customers want a cap on trade margins" comment="subhead2" text="Customers want a cap on trade margins">Customers want a cap on trade margins</cmsannotation> The survey respondents raised concerns over the huge gap between the medicine selling price and the MRP (maximum retail price) and 55% of respondents asked for a 50% cap on trade margins while 21% asked for a 100% cap on trade margins. “People feel that at least with a cap on trade margin the MRPs will become more realistic and many consumers who currently may be subject to overcharging may end up paying a more reasonable price for the medicines,” stated LocalCircles. As per the survey, 56% of respondents indicated that the MRP of medicines regularly taken by them or their family members has risen in the last 12 months. 8% of the respondents observed a hike of 50% or more in MRP. LocalCircles survey received over 34,000 responses from consumers located in 323 districts of India. 46% of the respondents were from Tier 1 cities, 30% were from Tier 2 and 24% were from Tier 3 and 4 districts. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/honda-activa-125-2023-launched-in-india-with-new-features-and-variants/slidelist/99110129.cms">Rev your engines: Honda Activa 125 2023 launched in India with new features and variants</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/these-three-indian-restaurants-make-it-to-asias-50-best-restaurants/slidelist/99109662.cms">Desi delights: Three Indian restaurants make it to Asia’s 50 best restaurants</a>

Prices of specialised medicines for diabetes, BP, arthritis, cancer have risen the most in the last 12 months, reveals LocalCircles survey

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Moon milk combines dairy or non-dairy milk with herbs like ashwaganda, turmeric, and cinnamon.</li><li>This Ayurvedic beverage may help you feel calm and relaxed, which could help you sleep better.</li></ul>Moon milk may be a rising star on social media, but this soothing beverage isn't anything new. It's a staple beverage in <a href="https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/ayurvedic-medicine-in-depth" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ayurveda</a>, India's <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-ayurvedic-medicine-doctors-explain-the-indian-practice-2022-3">traditional healthcare system</a>. Ayurvedic medicine, which dates back <a href="https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/where-ayurveda-come-from#:~:text=Ayurvedic%20medicine%20has%20a%20rich,(1200%2D1000%20BCE)." target="_blank" rel="noopener">nearly 5,000 years</a>, is one of the oldest medical systems in the world. It approaches wellness from a <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/ayurveda" target="_blank" rel="noopener">holistic standpoint</a>, often by combining herbal remedies with lifestyle and dietary changes. As its name suggests, moon milk is a remedy that may help improve your rest. You can take this blend of milk and herbs before bed to aid with sleep and relaxation, says <a href="https://botanicalinstitute.org/author/daniel-powers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daniel Powers</a>, master of science in herbal medicine and founder of <a href="https://botanicalinstitute.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Botanical Institute</a>. What's more, you don't need to head to the moon and back to try this drink, either. Read on to learn more about the benefits of this Ayurvedic beverage and discover a moon milk recipe you can make at home. <h2>Moon milk benefits</h2>Moon milk could provide a variety of benefits, such as <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/treatments/how-to-get-more-deep-sleep">improving sleep</a> or <a href="https://www.insider.com/easy-ways-to-be-less-stressed-2018-8">reducing stress</a>, says <a href="https://nutritionwithmaddie.com/about" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Maddie Pasquariello</a>, a registered dietitian in private practice. However, the exact effects can vary — namely, because there's no one standard recipe. Rather, the recipe for moon milk tends to vary from person to person, based on your taste preferences and the herbs you have on hand, Powers says. That said, according to Powers, moon milk recipes often contain three standard ingredients: <ul><li>Ashwagandha</li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/diet-nutrition/turmeric-benefits">Turmeric</a></li><li>Dairy or non-dairy milk</li></ul>Turmeric and <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/diet-nutrition/ashwagandha-benefits">ashwagandha</a> are both <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/22361-adaptogens" target="_blank" rel="noopener">adaptogens</a> — plants that help your body deal with fatigue, anxiety, and stress. Their potential benefits include: <ul><li>Reducing inflammation: Research links curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, with <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5664031/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lowered inflammation levels</a>. At least one study also associates ashwagandha with <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6979308/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">anti-inflammatory effects</a>.</li><li>Supporting cognitive health: Some research links ashwagandha to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32305638/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">improved neurological health</a>, Pasquariello says. One study associated ashwagandha with <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28471731/#:~:text=Conclusions%3A%20Ashwagandha%20may%20be%20effective,attention%2C%20and%20information%20processing%20speed." target="_blank" rel="noopener">better cognitive function</a>, like improved memory, focus, and executive function. </li><li>Promoting calm: Some <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31423805/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">research</a> links taking curcumin with reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. Another <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6979308/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">small study</a> on ashwagandha connected it with lower levels of <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/mental-health/stress-definition">cortisol</a> — the <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20046037" target="_blank" rel="noopener">main stress hormone</a>.</li><li>Acting as an antioxidant: Curcumin <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7694612/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">acts as an antioxidant</a>. These compounds help neutralize disease-causing <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/diet-nutrition/free-radicals">free radicals</a> in your body.</li><li>Improving sleep: Research suggests ashwagandha may lead to <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6979308/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">improved sleep</a> for some people. </li></ul>Beyond the adaptogenic herbs, the milk you choose as your base could also boost its health benefits. For example, <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/diet-nutrition/is-milk-bad-for-you">cow's milk</a> contains a number of vitamins, minerals, and proteins that help your body function, including: <ul><li><a href="https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/calcium-content-of-foods" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Calcium</a>: As the most abundant mineral in your body, calcium helps <a href="https://www.insider.com/study-vegans-face-higher-risk-bone-fractures-than-omnivores-2020-11">promote strong bones</a> and <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/dental/toothpaste-ingredients">teeth</a>. </li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/diet-nutrition/vitamin-d3-benefits">Vitamin D</a>: Vitamin D <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/diet-nutrition/what-is-vitamin-d-good-for">helps your body absorb calcium</a> and <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-get-vitamin-d-support-immune-system-against-coronavirus-2020-5">supports your immune system</a> and <a href="https://www.insider.com/vitamin-d-mental-health-2019-2">mental well-being</a>.</li><li><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26027501/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tryptophan</a>: This amino acid <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002332.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">helps your body produce</a> <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/mental-health/how-to-increase-serotonin">serotonin</a> and <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/treatments/how-much-is-too-much-melatonin">melatonin</a> — hormones that influence your sleep. It's why warm milk is often a <a href="https://www.insider.com/foods-that-will-help-you-sleep-better-2017-10">go-to bedtime drink</a>. </li></ul>Don't worry if you're dairy free, though. Plenty of <a href="https://www.insider.com/milk-nutritional-differences-dairy-oat-almond-soy-calories-protein-chart-2022-4">plant-based milks</a> can still benefit your moon milk. For example:<ul><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/ap-confused-about-the-term-soy-milk-fda-wants-to-know-2018-9">Soy milk</a>: <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/diet-nutrition/is-soy-bad-for-you">Soy products</a> are <a href="https://nutritionfacts.org/topics/soymilk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rich in compounds like</a><a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/diet-nutrition/fiber-benefits"> fiber</a>, <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/diet-nutrition/iron-deficiency">iron</a>, <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/diet-nutrition/potassium-deficiency">potassium</a>, and <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/diet-nutrition/magnesium-benefits">magnesium</a>, not to mention <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/diet-nutrition/what-is-protein">protein</a>. </li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/kitchen/how-to-make-almond-milk">Almond milk</a>: This <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/diet-nutrition/almond-milk-nutrition">nut milk</a> contains <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/diet-nutrition/foods-high-in-calcium">calcium</a> and <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/diet-nutrition/vitamin-d-side-effects">vitamins D</a> and <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/diet-nutrition/vitamin-e-benefits">E</a>. </li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/kitchen/how-to-make-oat-milk">Oat milk</a>: Most <a href="https://www.insider.com/oatly-oat-milk-review">commercial oat milk</a> is <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FS419" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fortified with nutrients</a> like <a href="https://www.insider.com/vegan-foods-calcium-2018-7">calcium</a>, as well as vitamins like <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/diet-nutrition/vitamin-a-benefits">A</a>, <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/diet-nutrition/vitamin-d-deficiency">D</a>, and <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-vitamin-b12-does-to-your-brain-and-body-2022-11">B12</a>.</li></ul><h2>How to try moon milk</h2>If you're ready to bring moon milk into your bedtime routine, your local grocery store might have you covered. Some brands sell powdered mixes on the shelves, or premade moon milk in the dairy aisle. Brands to try include:<ul><li><a href="https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/product/clover-sonoma-organic-golden-moon-milk-1-each-b09pfq71sk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Clover Sonoma</a>, which you can find at Whole Foods.</li><li><a href="https://affiliate.insider.com?amazonTrackingID=biauto-61351-20&amp;postID=63dbf9c632953034c357fa84&amp;site=in&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FOrganic-Moon-Milk-Powder%2F757187226" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow sponsored">Z Natural Foods</a>, which you can find at Walmart.</li></ul>However, you can also whip up some moon milk at home.<h3>Homemade moon milk</h3>If you're ready to try your hand at this Ayurvedic remedy, you can test this recipe from Powers:Ingredients:<ul><li>1 teaspoon (tsp) <a href="https://affiliate.insider.com?amazonTrackingID=biauto-61351-20&amp;postID=63dbf9c632953034c357fa84&amp;site=in&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FBanyan-Botanicals-Organic-Ashwagandha-Powder%2Fdp%2FB005PBA6F8" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow sponsored">organic ground ashwagandha</a></li><li>1 tsp organic ground turmeric (optional)</li><li>1 tsp organic ground <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/diet-nutrition/cinnamon-benefits">cinnamon</a> (optional)</li><li>1/4 tsp <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/diet-nutrition/cardamom-benefits">cardamom</a> seed powder (optional)</li><li>1/4 tsp <a href="https://affiliate.insider.com?amazonTrackingID=biauto-61351-20&amp;postID=63dbf9c632953034c357fa84&amp;site=in&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Ffood52.com%2Fblog%2F10760-how-to-make-vanilla-and-lavender-extracts-at-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow sponsored">vanilla extract</a> (optional)</li><li>1 tablespoon <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-can-you-do-with-coconut-oil-2017-3">coconut oil</a>, <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/kitchen/what-is-clarified-butter">ghee</a>, or <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-substitute-baking-ingredients-eggs-milk-butter-yeast-2020-4">alternative butter</a></li><li>1 cup organic whole milk, or your plant-based milk of choice</li><li>Sweetener to taste, like a teaspoon of raw honey or maple syrup</li></ul>Directions:To blend your moon milk together:<ul><li>Combine your milk and oil or ghee, then heat the mixture on the stove until it's warm, but not boiling. Alternatively, you can microwave it for 1-2 minutes.</li><li>Add your herbs to the milk and oil and mix with a <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/kitchen/best-whisk">whisk</a> or <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/kitchen/best-hand-mixer">handheld blender</a> until smooth and creamy. You could also toss your mixture into a <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/kitchen/best-blenders">standing blender</a> and pulse for a few seconds. </li><li>Pour into your <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/kitchen/best-coffee-mug">favorite mug</a> and enjoy while it's still warm. </li></ul>Quick tip: Would you rather have a cold version for warmer nights? Just skip heating your milk, or blend it with ice to make a moon milk frappe. <h3>Ingredient substitutions</h3>If you're fresh out of cinnamon or cardamom, not to worry. You can customize this moon milk recipe with your other <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/kitchen/do-spices-go-bad">favorite herbs or spices</a>, like: <ul><li>Ginger: This herb <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/diet-nutrition/ginger-benefits">may help with</a> indigestion, nausea, or inflammation and give your moon milk a warm, comforting taste, like a gingerbread latte. </li><li>Black pepper: If you want to give your moon milk a kick, try adding some <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/diet-nutrition/black-pepper-benefits">black pepper</a> — this spice may help reduce inflammation, regulate cholesterol, and ease indigestion. </li><li>Astragalus: <a href="https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/astragalus" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Research</a> links this adaptogenic herb with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. </li><li>Almond extract: If you don't have vanilla extract on hand, almond extract could lend your moon milk a nutty flavor. </li></ul>Feel free to mix and match different herbs, sweeteners, and milk to create the perfect custom moon milk for you, Powers says. <h2>How to enjoy your moon milk</h2>Once you've got your warm homemade or store-bought moon milk in hand, you can make it extra relaxing by combining it with other activities in your bedtime routine, such as: <ul><li>Turning the lights down low</li><li>Playing soothing music</li><li>Sipping your moon milk with a <a href="https://www.insider.com/foods-to-eat-for-better-sleep-2017-5">sleep-friendly snack</a></li></ul>Quick tip: If you want to <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/conditions-symptoms/nocturia">avoid a midnight bathroom trip</a>, aim to finish your moon milk around <a href="https://health.clevelandclinic.org/stop-full-bladder-killing-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">two hours before bedtime</a>, or stick to a small cup only. <h2>Insider's takeaway</h2>Moon milk is more than just a passing phase. It's a staple of Ayurvedic medicine designed to promote relaxation and restful sleep. The exact benefits can vary based on your recipe — but staple ingredients, like ashwagandha and turmeric, may help reduce inflammation and ease feelings of anxiety and stress. You can buy moon milk premade in stores, or make it yourself to customize the flavors and potential benefits. "Don't feel like you have to make an exact moon milk recipe according to the book. Moon milk is an interpretive recipe: Make it based on whatever herbs you have on hand," Powers says.

How to make moon milk, a staple beverage in Ayurvedic medicine that may improve your sleep

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Navi Gill, a certified Ayurveda practitioner, said celebrities touting the traditional Indian <keyword id="12037532" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="medicine" source="Orion">medicine</keyword> do not seem to have a lifelong commitment to the practice.</li><li>Gill said social media can portray ancestral medicine as a "one size fits all" solution to <keyword id="11894571" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health" source="Orion">health</keyword> problems.</li></ul>Ayurveda, a traditional medicine practice founded in South Asia, is having a moment with celebrities, as <a href="https://www.insider.com/kourtney-kardashian-gave-up-sex-during-an-ayurvedic-cleanse-2022-3">Kourtney Kardashian</a> and <a href="https://www.insider.com/nfl-aaron-rodgers-panchakarma-12-day-cleanse-warm-butter-laxatives-2022-2">Aaron Rodgers</a> recently spoke publicly about following an Ayurvedic cleanse.But practicing the traditional Indian medicine requires a lifetime commitment, according to <a href="http://www.navigillwellness.com/">Navi Gill</a>, a certified Ayurvedic practitioner and a holistic <keyword id="12046488" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="wellness" source="Orion">wellness</keyword> educator.Gill has been studying and practicing Ayurveda for 10 years in both India and the US. She has training in classical in numerous Ayurvedic practices, including: Panchakarma, or the study of the body; Marma, a form of massage therapy; Nadi Pariksha, or pulse diagnostics.Gill said she's seen an explosion of interest in Ayurveda over the last five years, which she credits to buzz on social media and an <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-medicare-for-all-would-affect-us-healthcare-system-2019-8">imperfect,</a><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-medicare-for-all-would-affect-us-healthcare-system-2019-8"> for-profit healthcare system</a> that makes finding the right kinds of treatments for different health concerns an expensive endeavor.Though she called increasing interest in Ayurveda a "beautiful thing," she said misinformation on social media can give people an improper understanding of what the practice is, making ancestral medicine seem like a "one size fits all" solution to health problems.In reality, Ayurveda is a <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-ayurvedic-medicine-doctors-explain-the-indian-practice-2022-3">practice</a> rooted in thousands of years of study, and Gill said it requires consistent work with a practitioner.<h2>Ayurveda is not a detox, it's a way of life</h2>NFL star Aaron Rodgers said on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RgrKWDYdho">Pat McAfee Show</a> he completed a Panchakarma cleanse that involved abstaining from sugar, sex, and alcohol for 12 days. Rodgers, who did not specify whether he worked with a doctor or is continuing to practice Ayurveda, said the cleanse relieved mental stress and gave him a renewed sense of gratitude. Kourtney Kardashian, similarly, has spoken about her experience with a Panchakarma cleanse, describing briefly quitting sex and how that stint felt.Gill, who has also done a Panchakarma cleanse, said it a "very rigorous process" for the mind, body, and spirit that can carry benefits if it is part of a long-term practice, with the appropriate post-cleanse protocol.Without the right kind of approach, a person can take much longer to recover from a cleanse and could be at risk for digestive problems, Gill said. Risks to an Ayurvedic cleanse can include dehydration, electrolyte deficiencies, and injury to the kidney and liver, according to <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ayurvedic-detox#risks">Healthline</a>."People in the west are fascinated with this idea of detox and health, and a lot of the time it's related to weight loss or fitness" Gill said. "That's not really what Ayurveda is about. It's more about being in harmony in your mind, body and spirit and with nature, according to your constitution."Gill said people interested in Ayurveda should look to practitioners of color, not celebrities, to get their information."For a lot of us this is our life purpose, it's not just a cleanse, not just a product," Gill said. "There is deep reverence there."

Celebrities are raving about the benefits of 12-day Ayurvedic cleanses, but a doctor says it only really works if you do it longterm

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Ayurveda is a traditional Indian medical practice dating back 5,000 years.</li><li>Ayurveda is growing in popularity among American <keyword id="12046488" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="wellness" source="Orion">wellness</keyword> celebrities, and demand for its services could reach $6 billion by 2026.</li></ul>The wellness industry is becoming inundated with products marketed as having roots in Ayurveda, a traditional medical practice originated and established in Indian.<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/kourtney-kardashian-recently-tried-a-sex-fast-and-said-it-felt-crazy-to-forego-orgasms-but-it-made-everything-better-in-the-long-run/articleshow/89978695.cms">Kourtney Kardashian</a> and <a href="https://www.insider.com/gwyneth-paltrow-shares-lockdown-wellness-routine-gemstone-mat-sex-oil-2020-7">Gwyneth Paltrow</a> have said they practiced certain Ayurvedic treatments, including a multi-day cleanse and eating foods meant to restore the body's imbalances. The two sell products linked to Ayurvedic <keyword id="12037532" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="medicine" source="Orion">medicine</keyword> — including a <a href="https://shop.poosh.com/products/sustainable-ayurvedic-oral-care-set">tongue scraper</a> and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fgoop.com%2Fwellness%2Fhealth%2Fmetabolism-boosting-superpowder%2F">basil supplements</a> — on their respective wellness sites, Poosh and Goop.American celebrities bringing the practice to their audiences depicts the growing demand for Ayurvedic treatments and services. French market research firm <a href="https://www.reportlinker.com/p06208015/Global-Ayurveda-Market.html?utm_source=GNW">ReportLinker</a> estimates the global Ayurveda market <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/now/global-ayurveda-market-expected-grow-110300562.html">could grow by $6.81 billion</a> between 2022 and 2026. The World <keyword id="11894571" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health" source="Orion">Health</keyword> Organization announced in 2020 plans for a <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/who-to-set-up-centre-for-traditional-medicine-in-india/article33091388.ece">global center</a> dedicated to studying and teaching Ayurveda in <keyword id="11892747" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword>.According to two practitioners who obtained Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery degrees from schools in India, interest in Ayurveda has ballooned in the last decade, but misconceptions about the practice remain widespread in the US.Here's what you need to know about the practice:<h2>The two words that underpin Ayurvedic principles, and what they mean</h2>Ayurveda is a traditional Indian medicine practice that dates back 5,000 years. The main principle of Ayurveda is restoring a person's prakruti, or their body's original state at the time of birth, said <a href="https://www.coloradoayurveda.org/bharat-vaidya.html">Dr. Bharat Vaidya</a>, a Colorado-based practitioner with both a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery degree from India and a medical degree from Catholic University in Belgium. Vaidya said a person's prakruti can become unbalanced by unhealthy diet and <keyword id="11893304" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="lifestyle" source="Orion">lifestyle</keyword> choices. The Ayurvedic doctor's job is to locate where the imbalances lie and offer treatments bring the body back to its original state.Ayurveda views human beings as a microcosm of the universe, said <a href="https://ayurvedaforhealing.com/aboutus/">Ashlesha Raut</a>, an Illinois-based practitioner with a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery who has served as an executive on the <a href="https://www.aapna.org/">Association of Ayurvedic Practitioners of North America</a>.Raut said the framework of viewing humans as part of the universe means the elements we use to analyze the outside environment — fire, wind, and water — should be applied internally to humans. The "bioenergies," or the elements of fire, wind, and water that exist within the body, are called doshas.In Ayurveda, doshas comprise a person's entire physiology. "As you move, whatever happens to your body is because of these three doshas, and that is the whole basis of Ayurveda," Raut said.An Ayurvedic doctor's job is to study their patient's doshas and determine which ones are out of alignment, causing an imbalanced prakruti. The Ayurvedic doctor restores the balance by prescribing herbal remedies and changes to diet and lifestyle.Vaidya said modern medicine has added context to Ayurvedic's reliance on diet and lifestyle treatments. For example, evidence that eating poorly disrupts the <a href="https://www.insider.com/microbiome-based-drugs-in-development-seres-second-genome-2018-2">microbiome</a>, or the assortment of microorganisms that live in our gut, contributes to our understand of balance in the body. <keyword id="12602488" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="gut-bacteria" source="Orion">Gut bacteria</keyword> manufactures most of the body's <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-increase-serotonin">serotonin</a>, a chemical that aids in motor skills, cognition, mood, healing, and a variety of other functions. He also pointed to the fact that studies have repeatedly shown eating more vegetables and exercising can <a href="https://www.insider.com/plant-based-diet">prevent against diseases</a> and <a href="https://www.insider.com/less-exercise-linked-to-higher-risk-of-depression-anxiety-study-2020-11">improve mental wellbeing</a>."Restoration of the balance of mind and body is the key line of treatment in Ayurveda," Vaidya said.<h2>Ayurvedic doctors have adapted to work within Western medicine</h2>Raut said she assess a patient by observing their body and emotions by interviewing them during an initial consultation. She then runs physical tests to check a patient's pulse, tongue, nails, skin, facial expressions to determine the body's imbalances.After getting an assessment from the patient, Ayurvedic doctors will suggest changes to their diet, lifestyle, and "thought process," Vaidya said. Many vaidyas, or Ayurvedic doctors, practicing in the US work within allopathic medicine, meaning they do not ask patients discontinue using pharmaceutical drugs and other modern treatments, Vaidya said. He said he makes recommendations within Western diets and does not tell his patients to stop eating meat, even though traditional Ayurveda suggests following a <keyword id="13368749" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="vegetarian-diet" source="Orion">vegetarian diet</keyword>.<h2>Ayurveda is not religious</h2>Furthermore, Vaidya said Ayurveda is not bound to any religion, and he treats clients of many different faiths.Raut said a common misconception about Ayurveda is that it's a "folk medicine," which implies something passed on by word of mouth. Ayurvedic doctors have documented their practices for centuries, she said, and written their findings in reference books.Raut said people who have obtained a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery from an accredited school in South Asia must spend eight to 10 years after graduating high school to learn the entire curriculum. After graduating, Raut then spent years in residency learning from other Ayurvedic doctors."One has to understand that this is a complete, defined science," Raut said. "People many times just think, 'Oh, it's some folk medicine from India.' It is really not like that."

Ayurvedic medicine is taking the wellness industry by storm. Here's what you need to know about the traditional Indian practice.

<ul><li>The Bill seeks to merge three Ayurveda institutes into one institution -- <keyword id="9947245" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Institute-of-Teaching-and-Research-in-Ayurveda">Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda</keyword>. The Bill declares the institute to be an institution of national importance.</li><li>The <keyword id="48510" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rajya-Sabha">Rajya Sabha</keyword> passed the Institute of Teaching and Research in <keyword id="8756726" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="ayurveda-bill">Ayurveda Bill</keyword>, 2020. </li></ul>The Rajya Sabha passed the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda Bill, 2020. The Bill seeks to merge three Ayurveda institutes into one institution -- Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda. The Bill declares the institute to be an institution of national importance. The Bill was moved by Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan in the absence of Ayush Minister Sripad Naik, who is recovering from Covid-19. Harsh Vardhan said, "The ministry is giving deemed university status to the institutes in various parts of the country and the matter is referred to the UGC and Education Ministry." The Minister said that there are 103 institutes of national importance, but there was none in Ayurveda. He said the Jamnagar institute has been chosen because this is one of the oldest institutes of the country founded by the Government of India in 1956. Many MPs from the TRS, Bodoland People's Front, AIADMK, CPM, BSP and others demanded similar institutes in other states also. The Chairman, M. Venkiah Naidu, said, "The minister should take into consideration the demand of such institutes in every state." Congress leader L. Hanumanthiah raised objections during the discussion. He said, "Why Gujarat is given so much importance and Kerala should also be given prominence, which is a pioneer of the Ayurveda." While Thambidurai AIADMK member supported the Bill, he demanded a National Institute of Siddha in Tamil Nadu. Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal raised the issue of mental health and said House the mental counselling is needed in Covid times. RJD MP Manoj Jha demanded a regulator for the Ayurvedic medicines so that no misuse takes place. He cited the claims made by Ramdev that he has made medicine for Covid-19. The Bill seeks three institutes to be merged -- the Institute of Post Graduate Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Shree Gulabkunverba Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Jamnagar, and, the Indian Institute of Ayurvedic Pharmaceutical Sciences, all in Jamnagar. The proposed Institute will be situated in the campus of Gujarat Ayurveda University, Jamnagar. The Institute will be developed on the patterns of teaching in medical education in Ayurveda and pharmacy, bring together educational facilities for training of personnel in all branches of Ayurveda, and attain self-sufficiency in postgraduate education to meet the need for specialists and medical teachers in Ayurveda, also make an in-depth study and research in the field of Ayurveda. The Bill provides that the Institute will consist of 15 members and the Director of the Institute of Post Graduate Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Jamnagar will be appointed as the first Director of the Institute. The Bill states that there will be a Governing Body of the Institute, which will exercise powers and such functions of the Institute, as specified. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/we-wont-have-enough-covid-19-vaccine-for-everybody-until-2024-warns-worlds-largest-vaccine-producer/articleshow/78111779.cms">We won't have enough COVID-19 vaccine for everybody until 2024, warns world's largest vaccine producer</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/amid-india-china-standoff-tencent-is-back-with-an-investment-in-flipkart/articleshow/78140794.cms">Amid India-China standoff, Tencent is back with an investment in Flipkart</a>

Rajya Sabha passes Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda Bill

<ul><li>Currently, under a pilot run in Bengaluru, <keyword id="8628111" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Amazon-Pharmacy">Amazon Pharmacy</keyword> is offering home medical supplies, healthcare packages, prescription medication, and healthcare devices.</li><li><keyword id="18635" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Amazon">Amazon</keyword>’s foray into medicine delivery comes at a time when India already has startups like NetMeds, Medlife, 1mg, Pharmeasy, along with Reliance Jio eyeing to enter the market. </li><li>Globally, in 2018, Amazon had acquired the US-based online pharmacy startup Pillpack for $753 million.</li></ul>Global e-commerce giant Amazon has launched online pharmacy services in India. Currently, under a pilot run in Bengaluru, Amazon Pharmacy is offering home medical supplies, healthcare packages, prescription medication, and healthcare devices, according to <a href="https://entrackr.com/2020/08/exclusive-amazon-launches-online-pharmacy-service-in-bengaluru/">Entrackr.</a> “As a part of our commitment to fulfill the needs of customers, we are launching Amazon Pharmacy in Bangalore allowing customers to order prescription-based medication in addition to over-the-counter medicines, basic health devices, and Ayurveda medication from certified sellers. This is particularly relevant in present times as it will help customers meet their essential needs while staying safe at home,” said an Amazon spokesperson. India’s health-tech industry is expected to grow to $372 billion by 2022 and is expected to create 40 million jobs by 2030, according to a report by Invest India. Amazon’s foray into medicine delivery comes at a time when India already has startups like NetMeds, Medlife, 1mg, Pharmeasy, and others, which have made a mark in the segment. Additionally, Reliance Jio has also been eyeing the medicine delivery segment and has reportedly been in <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/startups/newsbuzz/with-ril-eyeing-netmeds-deal-epharmacy-in-for-consolidation/articleshow/77341675.cms">talks with NetMeds</a> for a possible acquisition. So while Amazon and Reliance could possibly be preparing for another face-off, Amazon comes with the experience of medicine delivery from its global operations. In 2018, Amazon had acquired the US-based online pharmacy startup Pillpack for $753 million. Through the acquisition, the e-commerce giant has been looking at selling prescribed medicines to health plans and employers. Globally, its medicine unit is called Amazon Care. In the US, Amazon Alexa is also <a href="https://intelligence.businessinsider.com/post/what-amazons-2019-health-push-means-for-2020-2019-predictions-we-got-wrong-why-new-fda-commissioner-will-push-digital-health-forward-2019-12">HIPAA</a> (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of the US) compliant, which means that it can access healthcare information and book doctor’s appointments or access reports of individuals. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/masayoshi-son-best-bet-for-future-profit-is-paypay-in-japan-built-on-vijay-shekhar-sharma-paytm-model-in-india/articleshow/77518892.cms">Masayoshi Son’s best bet for future profit is PayPay in Japan⁠ — built on Vijay Shekhar Sharma’s Paytm model in India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/ecommerce/news/indian-e-commerce-industry-has-got-amazon-walmart-and-facebook-betting-on-it-but-it-wont-be-an-easy-ride/articleshow/77193430.cms">India's e-commerce industry has got Amazon, Walmart, and Facebook betting on it – but it won't be an easy ride</a>

Amazon's India foray into medicine delivery is in-line with its global healthcare bets

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Eating more fiber, drinking more water, and exercising regularly can help normalize gut issues. </li><li>If you have bowel issues, cramps, or acid reflux often, see your <keyword id="1850924" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="primary-care">primary care</keyword> doctor or a specialist.</li><li>The best specialist depends on symptoms, insurance, and preference of eastern vs. western medicine.</li></ul>Gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation: If you're experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort, you're not alone. A 2020 <a href="https://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(20)30487-X/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">study</a> polled over 73,000 people in 33 countries and found nearly 40% of adults - mostly women - have some kind of functional gastrointestinal disorder. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31917991/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Looking at</a> just the US, Canada, and Great Britain, the report found more than 1 in 4 adults have a GI issue.And if you're one of these folks chances are you've tried over-the-counter medication or some form of an <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-a-low-fodmap-diet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">elimination diet.</a>But if your chronic <keyword id="98600" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="digestion">digestion</keyword> problems continue to persist, it's important to rule out any underlying medical conditions like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and more. That's where finding the right specialist is crucial. <h2>When should you see a specialist?</h2>Most people have already trial-and-errored with their diet by the time they're looking for a doctor, says<a href="https://www.memorialcare.org/providers/ashkan-farhadi" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored"> Ashkan Farhadi</a>, MD, a gastroenterologist specializing in IBS at <a href="https://www.memorialcare.org/locations/orange-coast-medical-center" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center</a>. If you can't find a pattern among what you're eating, and the basics of<a href="https://www.insider.com/fiber-benefits" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> eating more fiber</a>, drinking water, exercising, and starting a <a href="https://www.insider.com/prebiotics-vs-probiotics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">prebiotic and probiotic routine</a> haven't helped, it's time to see a specialist. Knowing what kind of doctor to turn to for treatment can be confusing - not to mention expensive and exhausting with insurance coverage and paperwork. We've made it simple - below outlines exactly what kind of expert you should see for help with any kind of chronic gut issue.<h2>Who to see: Primary care physician</h2>Best option for: Initial treatment and tests; obtaining a specialist referral; leveraging an established medical history with your PCPWhen to see them: If you've been going to the same primary care physician (PCP) for years, they're the ideal first stop as they're familiar with your medical record and general lifestyle. If your insurance requires a referral for a specialist, this will also be your initial go-to.What to expect: Your PCP will review your medical and medication history, and ask about patterns in your gut symptoms, mental state, diet, and exercise. So, it can be extremely helpful for them if you have a food journal that's tracked how you feel after each meal.A PCP may run lab tests to rule out basic underlying issues (e.g., thyroid issues, bacterial infection). If your symptoms are fairly straightforward, they can also recommend certain trial therapies to attempt to treat you so you don't need to see a specialist.How to find one: Search providers via your insurance. If you don't have insurance, the cheapest option for a PCP is often <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-telemedicine-services" target="_blank" rel="noopener">telemedicine services</a>.<h2>Who to see: Gastroenterologist</h2>Best option for: People with <keyword id="6354750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health">health</keyword> insurance; severe symptoms; a family history of GI issuesWhen to see them: A gastroenterologist is one of the three types of specialists you can see. You'll want to see a specialist if the initial line of treatment from your PCP doesn't fix your symptoms.Gastroenterologists focus on function and diseases of the esophagus, stomach, intestines, and other digestive organs. If you are having bloody stools, severe abdominal pain, or have multiple days consecutively without bowel movements, a GI doc is the person you should turn to, says <keyword id="2049757" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="gut-health">gut health</keyword> specialist <a href="https://www.nourishfunctionalhealth.com/about" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Heather Finley</a>, RD, who works <a href="https://www.nourishfunctionalhealth.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">in private practice</a> with a doctorate in clinical <keyword id="52652" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="nutrition">nutrition</keyword>. These are red flags for an underlying condition; the main purpose of seeing a gastroenterologist is to rule a more serious issue out.What to expect: The gastroenterologist will evaluate your symptoms to determine next steps. If they think you have an underlying condition, they may run stool and blood tests. They may also schedule you for an upper endoscopy or colonoscopy if they suspect you have something like ulcerative colitis or an infection. If you do, you'll continue to see a gastroenterologist for individualized treatment. But if your issues are from diet, gut bacteria, or lifestyle, your treatment then focuses on ongoing education (i.e., stress management, exercise, probiotics, adapting your diet to stressful periods of your life), which can come from the GI doc or from another specialist. How to find one: Search providers via your insurance.<h2>Who to see: Nutritionist</h2>Best option for: People without insurance; with Celiac disease; who can't get an appointment with a gastroenterologist soonWhen to see them: If a gastroenterologist deems your issues nutritional, they may send you to a nutritionist for ongoing education, particularly if you have Celiac disease. But you can also start here, "especially if you are having uncomfortable bloat, constipation, gas, or diarrhea and don't want to wait months to get into the gastroenterologist, or are wanting to use a more holistic approach," says Finley. If you come to an RD with those red flag symptoms, they'll likely send you to a gastroenterologist.What to expect: An RD is going to look at your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle, as well. If you haven't already had a stool analysis or blood work, they may send you to a physician who can run some lab tests. These tests will look for infections, bacterial overgrowth, digestive insufficiencies, and thyroid, vitamin D, and iron levels, which should pinpoint the problem. If the issue is non-medical, a nutritionist's treatment focuses on changing your diet, taking supplements if needed, and shifting your lifestyle to manage stress and get more sleep. This process is quite similar to how a gastroenterologist handles treatment, but with more of a holistic emphasis.After digestive symptoms have calmed, the focus becomes adding foods back in to find a new norm among a calmer gut. All in all, Finley says she typically sees clients for a minimum of three months, but ideally six to reinforce sustainable changes.How to find one: Look for a registered dietician (RD/RDN) or licensed dietician (LD/LDN) first, and then one who specializes in gut health specifically. You can search "gut health RD" in Google or, surprisingly, Instagram.<h2>Who to see: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner </h2>Best option for: People who favor Eastern medicine; who have more general feelings of sluggishness, exhaustion, and improper absorption; who haven't seen relief with the help of other specialistsWhen to see them: Similar to a nutritionist, if you aren't having red flag symptoms, you can start by seeing an eastern medicine specialist (they'll also send you to a GI doc if they spot these alarming symptoms).Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) incorporates techniques that have been used as treatment in eastern or Asian culture for centuries, including herbal medicine, acupuncture, cupping, and more. If you can't find any patterns between your diet and GI issues, or are also grappling with total-body issues like fatigue and strange inflammation, TCM can be helpful as it looks at the body as a whole, explains <a href="https://jenellekim.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Jenelle Kim</a>, doctor of Chinese medicine, master herbalist, founder and chief formulator of <a href="https://jbkwellnesslabs.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">JBK Wellness Labs</a>. While TCM has a long proven history behind it, practitioners are often also more expensive; they're usually not covered by insurance and prescribe herbs and supplements that aren't filled by a pharmacy and, therefore, can be more costly.What to expect: Your TCM practitioner will analyze how all the systems in your body are working via a traditional pulse and tongue diagnosis, and then go over your chief complaints, history, lifestyle, eating habits, general mental state, and any labs you've had run. They may prescribe or perform acupuncture, as well as herbs, supplements, or probiotics to help balance your gut bacteria.Kim says people often feel an improvement after one to three treatments, but it takes six weeks or more of weekly acupuncture and herbal adjustments for sustainable changes.How to find one: Practitioners should be state or nationally board-certified (<a href="https://www.nccaom.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">NCCAOM</a>) and specializing in gut health. Use the <a href="https://www.nccaom.org/find-a-practitioner-directory/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">NCCAOM database</a> to find someone near you, or try <a href="https://www.wellset.co/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Wellset</a>, a telehealth platform connecting you with acupuncturists, Ayurveda specialists, functional medicine practitioners, and more. Look for the blue checkmark which confirms the practitioner is certified and passed a background and reference check.<h2>Insider's takeaway</h2>Gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, gas, and nausea are more common than you may think. But you don't have to tolerate it. Work with your PCP or a specialist to help you determine what lifestyle changes or medications you may take to find relief.<a data-type="5ebec0705af6cc73ae0a0fa7">What causes muscle cramps, and how to prevent or get rid of them</a><a data-type="5ec43a5bf34d0577f000fea2">The most common causes of chills - with or without fever - and how to get rid of them</a><a data-type="5f2c47cf3f7370770531d245">4 home remedies to get rid of gas pain fast</a><a data-type="5f08c99919182440756fb89b">5 reasons why you may be bloated</a>

Which specialist you should see for gut and other GI issues

Until a few years back, herbal product markets in India had just two names to reckon for, <keyword id="6842" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Baidyanath">Baidyanath</keyword> and <keyword id="2057176" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Vicco">Vicco</keyword>. However, in 2006, a new company entered the market and in just 10 years, it has left behind both these companies. 
 
Yoga guru Baba Ramdev's Patanjali Ayurved has set on a wave of Ayurveda love in the country, which has resulted in it being a successful business model using traditional products and the ancient system of medicine. 
 
This wave has also inspired the other two companies to pull up their socks and cash on to the increading popularity of Ayurvedic products. 
 The reason why some of these companies dealing in Ayurvedic products, like Vicco, Sandu, <keyword id="277948" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Amrutanjan">Amrutanjan</keyword> and <keyword id="589160" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="charak">Charak</keyword>, were not able to attract Indians to them was their limited portfolio, which never went beyond the traditional products. However, Patanjali sells products ranging from detergents and toothpaste to ghee, atta and noodles in an FMCG market, thereby making Ayurvedic products a big deal in India. 
 
This success of Patanjali Ayurved has inspired other gurus like Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, Ram Rahim as well as Aurobindo Ashram to enter the consumer segment with Ayurveda-centric products. 
 However, Kolkata-based Baidyanath is of the opinion that they don’t need to rival Patanjali, <keyword id="62997" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Dabur">Dabur</keyword> or <keyword id="26169" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="himalaya">Himalaya</keyword> in the core FMCG segments. "We have been here for 100 years and want to survive another century in a sustainable way. No point getting into all FMCG segments and be a fringe player," Ameve Sharma, its third-generation scion, told ET. 
 
Coming back to Patanjali, why a company the originated in 1997 as a small pharmacy has reached these heights? The reason is the nonconventional approach of catering to categories like noodles, oats and detergents. 
 "What we have done is consistently focused on quality and pricing. Ask consumers about our product quality. Why are repeat purchases coming? It's because of the quality we are offering consumers," said SK Tijarawala, spokesperson of <keyword id="700471" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Patanjali-Ayurveda">Patanjali Ayurveda</keyword>. "As far as pricing is concerned, we are trying to give consumers the best possible prices. 
 
<a href="http://static.panoramio.com/photos/large/73116827.jpg">Image source</a>

Patanjali is taking over the entire Ayurveda industry

India is fast emerging as an attractive destination for medical value travellers from across the globe. The drivers of medical tourism in India include a substantially lower cost of treatment, short waiting times and delivery of high-quality services. A cardiovascular surgery in the country can <a href="https://www.traveltrendstoday.in/news/india-tourism/item/5439-medical-tourism-emerging-as-a-next-growth-driver">cost</a> as little as Rs. 4-5 lakh compared to Rs. 80 lakhs in the U.S. Similarly, the <a href="https://www.tforg.com/how-we-think/sweetspot-blog/2016/08/30/healthcare-markets-india-pharmaceuticals-medical-devices-health-tourism/">waiting time</a> for a knee graft operation in India could be as short as five days compared to nearly 18 months in the U. K’s National Health Service. The <a href="http://bureaucracytoday.com/global_bureaucracy.aspx?id=135512">number of medical visitors</a> to India has been increasing steadily, up from 1,84,298 in 2014 to 3,61,060 in 2016. Future projections also seem promising, with the industry expected to touch <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/healthcare/biotech/india-among-fastest-growing-medical-tourism-destinations-official/articleshow/61056202.cms">$9 billion by 2020</a>. Some key challenges, however, persist. While the government has taken several progressive steps concerning medical visas, more can be done to ease the travel of medical tourists to India. Additionally, the market continues to be largely unregulated, with several informal agents and intermediaries connecting prospective patients to health facilities. Domestic or international accreditation has been acquired by a relatively small number of health facilities, primarily hospitals. Most importantly perhaps, there is considerable lack of awareness in target markets about India’s capabilities, infrastructure and cost advantage in the health and wellness space. In many countries, there are misconceptions about India’s traditional systems of medicine such as Yoga and <keyword id="48379" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ayurveda">Ayurveda</keyword> which are often perceived to be exclusive to Indian culture or even related to religion, instead of means for promoting healthy living. This is perhaps why India currently accounts for only 2% of the global wellness market. The Way Forward While a comprehensive medical tourism policy is in the works, some concrete and implementable measures in the short-term can go a long way in helping India realise its full potential in medical tourism. First, it may be worthwhile to revisit some of the medical visa norms. For instance, the process of registering at the <keyword id="6413540" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="20" keywordseo="Foreigner">Foreigner</keyword> Regional Registration Offices could be made easier for patients by setting up helpdesks at major airports and hospitals across the country. The procedure for visitors who come on a tourist visa to switch to a medical visa should also be streamlined. Further, medical visa on arrival could be piloted for patients from countries like Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Oman, UAE, UK, UK and <keyword id="6356687" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="canada">Canada</keyword>. Second, the need for and importance of acquiring an accreditation should be widely publicised among all types of health and wellness providers, including dental clinics, Ayurveda and Yoga centres as well as medical tourism companies. As per the <a href="https://www.jointcommissioninternational.org/about-jci/jci-accredited-organizations/?c=India">Joint Commission International</a> (JCI) website, 36 Indian providers have been accredited by JCI compared to 61 in <keyword id="3739" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Thailand">Thailand</keyword>. A JCI accreditation is considered to be the gold standard in global health care. Third, to enable better regulation of the market, a system should be put in place for registering agents and intermediaries. They should also be accredited according to the framework developed by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers and listed on all websites about medical tourism. Fourth, for promoting India as a medical and wellness tourism destination, intensive awareness campaigns should be undertaken in high potential markets (e.g. <keyword id="366595" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="South-East-Asia">South-East Asia</keyword> for medical treatments, <keyword id="6355055" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="USA">USA</keyword> and UK for wellness tourism), in addition to traditionally lucrative markets (e.g. SAARC, Middle East and Africa). The launch of the <keyword id="6019965" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="india-healthcare-tourism">India Healthcare Tourism</keyword> website by the government is an important step. There is an opportunity to make the website even more comprehensive by adding information on local travel and accommodation. The website also needs to be actively promoted through social media channels, in partnership with domestic and international medical tourism companies as well as leading hospital chains. By learning from the experiences of countries like <keyword id="8695" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Malaysia">Malaysia</keyword> and Thailand, a welcome lounge could be set up at airports where large numbers of medical tourists land as well as a dedicated call centre for international patients. The <a href="http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=134430">National Medical &amp; Wellness Tourism Promotion Board</a> can serve as the anchor point for the implementation of these measures. In the longer term, state-level boards should also be established to align with the board at the national level. The time is ripe to inject greater vitality into India’s already strong medical tourism industry and overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of the country becoming a global leader in the space. (Disclaimer: The author of this article is <keyword id="3110109" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Urvashi-Prasad">Urvashi Prasad</keyword>, who is a Public Policy Specialist in the Office of the Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, the Indian Government’s Premier Think Tank. The opinions expressed in this post are the personal views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Business Insider India.)

Harnessing the True Potential of India’s Medical Tourism Industry

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image">Lam Yik Fei/Getty Images</div></div></div>A lot of people are in pain.According to a <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhsr/nhsr098.pdf">government report</a> released Wednesday, 54.5% of US adults live with a "musculoskeletal" pain disorder such a arthritis, lower back pain, sciatica, or other problems of the joints and muscles of the body.But that's not really new information. Here's what is new though: People with these disorders use alternative medicine - treatments doctors typically do not prescribe, often for lack of scientific grounding - far more than the general population. National Institutes of Health (NIH) researchers found that 41.6% of people with musculoskeletal pain disorders use what the report calls "complementary health approaches." Compare that to just 24.1% of people without such disorders. The data came from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey, which is the most recent of the annual surveys to specifically examine alternative medicine practices.Here are some highlights from the data:<ul><li>People with neck problems were by far the most likely to turn to alternative medicine, at a rate of 50.6%.</li><li>Most people with musculoskeletal pain disorders who use alternative medicine aren't actually using it to directly treat the disorders. The number doing that is much smaller: 14%.</li><li>Almost 25% of people with musculoskeletal pain disorders use natural <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/what-diet-supplements-should-i-take-2016-7">supplements</a>, compared to just 13.4% without. These can be any of thousands of herbal pills and other concoctions often sold without peer-reviewed research or FDA oversight.</li><li>Almost 15% use what the report calls "mind and body" approaches, such as the exercise practices <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/best-yoga-basics-beginners-differences-hatha-vinyasa-2016-10">yoga</a> or tai chi. That's compared to 10.2% without.</li><li>More than 18% saw alternative practitioners, like chiropractors and osteopathic manipulators, compared to just 6.9% of the general population. Chiropracty, osteopathy, and a third system known as the Alexander technique rely on the outdated belief that illness arises from misalignment of the body and can be treated by adjusting the body's posture.</li><li>And 5.3% used what the report calls "whole medical systems." Those are practices like Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine), acupuncture (a therapy involving puncturing the body with needles), <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/one-of-the-most-popular-alternatives-to-modern-medicine-doesnt-work-2015-10">homeopathy</a> (a pseudoscience involving tiny doses of disease agents), naturopathy (a loosely-defined system of "natural" remedies), and traditional healers. Compare that to just 2.5% of those without such pain disorders.</li></ul>It's difficult to draw specific conclusions from this report. NIH researchers are just digging into their piles of data, finding an interesting trend, and presenting it.There's no causality here, and people in the 2012 survey didn't explain their decisions. Plus, a majority of those with the pain disorders didn't report using these therapies directly to treat their pain.Further, the <a href="https://nccih.nih.gov/news/press/pain_review">scientific grounding</a> for the treatments described in the report vary wildly. Yoga offers <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/best-yoga-basics-beginners-differences-hatha-vinyasa-2016-10">some clear benefits</a>, and treatments like <a href="http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0093739">acupuncture</a> have some firm scientific grounding. Others on the list, less so.What this report reinforces is that a lot of people in the US are living with pain that the medical system may not be adequately handling. And many of them appear to be looking for solutions elsewhere. <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/watch-tarantula-meets-tarantula-hawk-worst-predator-2016-9">What happens when a tarantula meets its worst predator - a tarantula hawk</a></h3> <div> <div> <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="xyNjQ1NjE6OS_O4umYr50-0wjlFNah_N" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div> </div> </div> </div>

Lots of people with chronic pain are turning to 'alternative' medicine

Amid the 50 days of <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=demonetisation&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">demonetisation </a>and the severe cash crunch that a majority of citizens are still facing, an ununsual poster in Delhi's <keyword id="124478" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sadar-Bazaar">Sadar Bazaar</keyword> area gives them some respite. Written in Hindi, this is what the poster says: 
 
"Don't worry if you have old notes or even no money, we will treat you," 
 
It also provides an address to the clinic where Dr Sardan Khan and his wife, Dr Saira Khan are seeing patients. 
 
The duo are not just accepting old notes from patients, but are also treating some who have no cash. As it turns out, patients called the clinic to ask if they were accepting older notes for consultation and medicines. The duo didn't even think before telling them that even if they have no money, they can come and get treated for free. 
 "My wife and I have been doing charity work for more than 15 years and realised that people are facing hardships due to shortage of currency and so we put up the sign," Dr Khan who runs the Unani and <keyword id="48379" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ayurveda">Ayurveda</keyword> clinic with his wife, told NDTV. 
 
Image credit: NDTV

You Searched For "ayurveda medicine" and got 11 results

Prices of specialised medicines for diabetes, BP, arthritis, cancer have risen the most in the last 12 months, reveals LocalCircles survey

Srishti Magan

How to make moon milk, a staple beverage in Ayurvedic medicine that may improve your sleep

Brooke Helton

Celebrities are raving about the benefits of 12-day Ayurvedic cleanses, but a doctor says it only really works if you do it longterm

Allana Akhtar

Ayurvedic medicine is taking the wellness industry by storm. Here's what you need to know about the traditional Indian practice.

Allana Akhtar

Rajya Sabha passes Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda Bill

IANS

Amazon's India foray into medicine delivery is in-line with its global healthcare bets

Sanchita Dash

Which specialist you should see for gut and other GI issues

Rachael Schultz,Jason R. McKn…

Patanjali is taking over the entire Ayurveda industry

BI India Bureau

Harnessing the True Potential of India’s Medical Tourism Industry

Guest Author

Lots of people with chronic pain are turning to 'alternative' medicine

Rafi Letzter

Amid demonetisation, this Delhi doctor couple is accepting old notes, treating patients for free

Poulomi Das

Popular Keywords

Buying Guides