AYUSH wellness centres to come up in every UP district: CM
These centres will offer key treatments such as Panchakarma and Ksharasutra. In addition, the state government has decided to open one AYUSH college at each of the six divisional headquarters that are currently without such facilities.
The CM made the announcement while addressing the inauguration ceremony of Uttar Pradesh's first AYUSH University—Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University.
Welcoming President Droupadi Murmu, the chief guest, and governor Anandiben Patel, the special guest of honour, Yogi stated that both the central and state governments are continuously working to ensure holistic health for all.
Prior to 2014, India's traditional systems of medicine had not gained global recognition. After taking office in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi formed the Ministry of AYUSH, integrating Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Homeopathy, Naturopathy and Siddha, and gave traditional medicine a national platform, he said.
The CM said the Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University is a result of PM Modi's vision for comprehensive wellness. With the inauguration complete, the university will now move forward with its admission process. It will offer medical services across various traditional systems including Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Unani, Yoga, Naturopathy and Siddha. The university will also emerge as a major centre for research and development in the AYUSH sector.
Yogi highlighted that the university will play a significant role in providing employment opportunities to both farmers and youths. Through this institution, cultivation of medicinal plants will become a viable source of income. He said the university will also be instrumental in promoting traditional medicine as a new form of health tourism.
The CM expressed confidence that the university will emerge as a premier destination for health tourism in the future. During his address at the inauguration ceremony, Yogi also spoke about the connection between Ayurveda and the Nath tradition.
He explained that Rasashastra and metallurgical sciences in Ayurveda are linked to the legacy of the Navnath and 84 Siddhas. The credit for systematically organising these disciplines, he said, goes to Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Time of India
‘UP's push to AYUSH to create jobs, strengthen rural economy'
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh is expected to witness a surge in demand for medicinal crops as Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced plans to start 100-bed ayurvedic wellness centres in every district and establish AYUSH colleges in six underserved divisions, officials said. The CM announced the expansion of AYUSH services across the state during the inauguration of Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University in Gorakhpur on Tuesday. "The vision will give a push to holistic healthcare and rural growth by boosting the demand for medicinal crops. This will enhance farmers' incomes and create jobs across cultivation, processing, and supply chains, strengthening rural economy," an official said. "Data trends show that the export of Ayurvedic products rose dramatically from USD 2.85 million in 2014 to USD 18 billion in 2020. This underscores an increasing international trust and demand for traditional Indian health systems," he said. "CM Yogi Adityanath has a personal and traditional association with yoga and Ayurveda and holds great influence as the leader of the Nath sect. He is taking steps to make UP a hub for health tourism. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Sharp Design, Smoother Drives. Toyota Glanza Learn More Undo The state govt is also extending incentives on the farming of medicinal crops under the National AYUSH Mission and the Uttar Pradesh Medicinal Plantation Mission," he said. Key medicinal crops eligible for govt subsidy include sarpagandha, ashwagandha, brahmi, kalmegh, kaunch, shatavari, tulsi, aloe vera, vach, artemisia, giloy, amla, and jatamansi, which are eligible for subsidies ranging from 30 to 75%. "The govt is encouraging farmers to cultivate a single type of medicinal plant collectively in clusters to attract direct market access," the official added. This potential is reinforced by the presence of premier central govt institutions in Lucknow, including the National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) and the Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP). "These institutions are not only engaged in cutting-edge research but also actively support grassroots medicinal farming by training farmers and promoting best practices," they said.
NDTV
6 hours ago
- NDTV
Are Breakfast Smoothies As Healthy As You Think? Experts Weigh In
Smoothies have quietly found their way into breakfast routines around the world, and India is no exception. With more people shifting towards quick, fuss-free, and so-called 'clean' eating, smoothies have claimed a permanent spot in many morning diets. They look healthy, are easy to whip up in a mixer, and usually include nutrient-rich ingredients like fruits, curd, seeds, oats, and even leafy greens. But here's the question the health experts are now asking: Is a smoothie really the best thing to consume on an empty stomach? If you too start your day with a smoothie, you might want to pause and read on. While it is packed with healthful ingredients, the combination, temperature, and timing of consumption may make the option less ideal as your first meal of the day. Let us break it down. Also Read: Do You Eat Chai Biscuit Every Morning? Here's Why You Should Stop What Typically Goes Into A Breakfast Smoothie? Smoothie is typically made with the intent of being healthy, light, and filling. It mainly includes: Fruits like bananas, berries, mangoes, or apples Dairy such as milk, curd, or plant-based alternatives Add-ons like oats, peanut butter, chia seeds, or protein powders Toppings such as dry fruits, seeds, or even granola and breakfast cereals Natural sweeteners like honey, jaggery, or dates It may sound like a nutrient-rich bowl - and technically, it is. But not all nutritious foods are suited for consumption first thing in the morning, especially when combined into a single, cold beverage. According to consultant nutritionist Rupali Datta, "The first meal of the day should be easy on the digestive system and warm in nature to help awaken digestive enzymes." Smoothies, which are usually consumed cold and with variety of ingredients, may not always fit this bill. Also Read: Should We Or Shouldn't We Eat Bananas On An Empty Stomach? Photo Credit: iStock Why Smoothies May Not Be Ideal As Your First Meal? Here is why health experts advise often against starting your day with a smoothie: 1. Fruits like berries and bananas can trigger acidity: Fruits have a naturally acidic profile. While they are antioxidant-rich, eating them on an empty stomach can irritate the stomach lining in some individuals. According to the Surgical Consultants Of Norther Virginia, acidic foods consumed on an empty stomach may lead to symptoms like gas and heartburn, especially in those prone to acid reflux. 2. Dairy may be hard to digest early in the day: Curd is a probiotic and generally gut-friendly, but timing matters. Ayurveda recommends avoiding milk-based products first thing in the morning. Clinical nutritionist Dr. Simran Saini explains, "Curd may not be the best first food for the day as it can cause heaviness or sluggishness in the digestive system. Ideally, it should be consumed mid-morning or with lunch." Also Read: Should You Combine Non-Vegetarian Food With Dairy? An Expert Clears Things Up 3. Cereals and oats may spike blood sugar: While oats are considered healthy, the problem arises when they are combined with sugary fruits or ready-made breakfast cereals that often contain hidden sugars. This, along with the natural sugars in fruits, may cause a sharp rise and fall in blood sugar levels. A study in the journal Nutrients found that high-glycaemic breakfasts might provide an initial energy boost, followed by a crash that leaves one tired and hungry shortly after. 4. Cold temperature can disrupt digestive fire: Smoothies are usually served chilled. While this may seem refreshing, especially in summer, Ayurveda warns that cold food suppresses the digestive fire or agni, making it harder for the body to digest and absorb nutrients. As Ayurvedic expert Dr. Dixa Bhavsar shares, "Starting your day with cold foods slows down metabolism and weakens your digestive fire. Warm, freshly cooked foods are always better in the morning." What You Should Eat Instead For A Healthier Start? We are not saying smoothies must be banished from the breakfast menu, but they may not be the best first food of the day. Experts suggest beginning with something warm, easy to digest, and balanced in complex carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats to fuel you through the day. Here are some options that blend beautifully with Indian morning routines: Also Read: 5 Ways You Can Plan A Healthy Morning Ritual To Prevent Blood Sugar Spikes Photo Credit: Pixabay 1. Begin with warm water (with lemon, jeera or ginger): This helps hydrate the body, boost metabolism, and prepare your gut for the day. Nutritionist Lovneet Batra notes that lemon water or jeera water can support digestion and detoxification. 2. Add soaked nuts and seeds: A handful of soaked almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, or pumpkin seeds provides protein and healthy fats that are gentle on the stomach and help maintain steady energy. Clinical nutritionist Ishi Khosla says, "A few soaked almonds or a teaspoon of soaked chia seeds can nourish the body and keep blood sugar levels stable." 3. Choose warm, light breakfasts: Traditional Indian options like moong dal chilla, upma, poha, idli-sambar, or daliya offer a balanced mix of fibre, protein, and carbs - without overloading the digestive system. They are not only hearty but also rooted in time-tested wisdom. Click here for some of the most popular Indian breakfast recipes. Photo Credit: iStock 4. Enjoy smoothies mid-morning: If you love smoothies, have them around 10.30-11 am, once digestion is more active. That way, your body is better equipped to absorb all the goodness packed into your blender. Bottom Line: Smoothies are not unhealthy. But they may just not be the best breakfast choice for everyone, especially as the first meal on an empty stomach. Cold, complex drinks can hinder digestion, disrupt blood sugar balance, and affect gut health. Instead, take a moment to tune in. Trust your body, ease into the day with something warm and nourishing, and always seek personalised advice from a health expert. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information. Advertisement About Somdatta Saha Explorer- this is what Somdatta likes to call herself. Be it in terms of food, people or places, all she craves for is to know the unknown. A simple aglio olio pasta or daal-chawal and a good movie can make her day. For the latest food news, health tips and recipes, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and YouTube. Tags: Smoothie Healthy Breakfast Is Breakfast Smoothie Healthy Show full article Comments
The Hindu
7 hours ago
- The Hindu
Mixing Ayurveda with modern medicine: What matters is scientific proof
The proposal to integrate MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) and BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) into a single course has sparked controversy and opposition, with some calling it 'mixopathy'. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) and other organisations have voiced concerns, stating it is unscientific and could compromise patient safety. The proposed course, planned for JIPMER, aims to create doctors capable of utilising both allopathic and Ayurvedic treatments and provide a holistic diagnosis and treatment plan for patients. The Hindu webinar examined this proposal by the Central government to merge the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) with the Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) into a single integrated course. It has not just ignited a debate within the medical community, but will also have a direct impact on the way patients will be diagnosed and treated in as little as five years from now. The panellists included Dr. R.P. Parasher from the All India Doctors Association of ISM; Dr. Lakshya Mittal from United Doctors Front; Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, former IMA President in Cochin; and Dr. Manisha Mishra, Ayurveda Physician MD (Ayu). The discussion was moderated by Bindu Perappadan, Senior Assistant Editor at The Hindu. The principle of falsifiability Speaking against this integration, Dr. Jayadevan said that every country has its own traditional knowledge systems; while traditional systems like Ayurveda deserve respect, they cannot be mixed with modern medicine, as Ayurveda and modern medicine are founded on completely different principles. Also Read: IMA opposes proposed integrated MBBS-BAMS course, calls it unscientific He emphasised that modern medicine is evidence-based and founded on proof. So whatever is claimed must be supported by evidence, adhering to the principle of falsifiability. For instance, if it is said that water boils at 100 degrees Celsius, that statement should be demonstrable with proof as true or false. However, if it is said that a particular disease occurs due to one's actions in a past life, it is a belief-based and non-falsifiable statement. 'These systems can exist in parallel, but mixing them is not acceptable,' he said. Dr. Manisha Mishra, speaking in support of integration, highlighted that Ayurveda is fundamentally focused on health preservation and disease prevention, viewing health as a balance of bioenergy, physical and mental attributes, lifestyle (vihar), and diet (ahaar). It considers the soul, emotions, and genotype and phenotype in assessing disease risk and advising lifestyle changes early on to avoid future illness. She said that while Ayurveda once included surgical practices, its strength today lies more in therapeutic and holistic approaches. Unlike modern medicine's precision and symptom-focused interventions, Ayurveda aims to restore physiological balance. Dr. Mishra argued that integrating both systems could lead to holistic patient care, especially in acute cases where diagnostics from modern medicine can be combined with Ayurvedic lifestyle interventions. Integration, she added, would also improve doctor-patient communication, reduce stigma around using alternative supplements, and offer cost-effective, accessible healthcare, particularly in rural and primary care settings. Not at the cost of patient safety Dr. Mittal questioned the scientific basis of integrating the two systems, suggesting that mixing treatments without full knowledge could lead to serious side effects. He said that reforms should be in the larger public interest, and not rushed at the cost of student welfare and patient safety. Dr. Mittal called this policy idealistic but impractical. Drawing on feedback from medical students and young resident doctors, he argued that India's medical education system is already under strain, with infrastructure and quality degrading. Dr. Mittal emphasized that existing issues in medical colleges, including inadequate auditing and poor facilities must be addressed before introducing such major reforms. He warned that students are being treated like guinea pigs in these hybridisation experiments, and that this could eventually compromise both medical training and patient care. No single system complete on its own Dr. Parasher supported the integration of Ayurveda and modern medicine, arguing that no single system of medicine is complete on its own. He said that while modern medicine is heavily evidence-based, Ayurveda has its time-tested wisdom that can be valuable in today's healthcare context. Also Read: Ayurvedic medicine manufacturers support move to launch integrated medicine course at JIPMER Dr. Parasher noted that patients often do not receive complete or satisfactory treatment from a single system, and combining approaches could address the limitations of each. He also highlighted that many modern medicines, like TB drugs and antibiotics, are hepatotoxic, and Ayurvedic formulations can help manage or reduce these side effects, leading to better patient compliance. Lastly, he pointed out that despite scientific advancements, lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and hypertension are rising, and incorporating Ayurvedic principles and treatments could help manage these conditions more effectively. Important to place regulatory norms for Ayurveda Moderator Bindu Perappadan asked whether there is a lack of academic and research rigor in alternative medicine systems like Ayurveda compared to modern medicine. She highlighted that MBBS education involves stringent processes for documentation, publication, and clinical trials, and asked whether the absence of similar standards in Ayurveda could compromise the quality of education and ultimately impact patient care. Also Read: What are the risks of the government's proposed 'mixopathy' move? | In Focus podcast Dr. Manisha Mishra responded by acknowledging the gap in regulatory rigor and agreed that Ayurvedic patent medicines should be subjected to Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs). She pointed out that while modern medicines are target-based and require DCGI approval, similar regulatory enforcement is lacking in Ayurveda, and it is the government's responsibility to address that. However, she defended classical Ayurvedic formulations, noting they've been used safely over centuries and that reverse pharmacology research has been conducted on herbs like Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and Turmeric. She emphasized that CCRAS and PG students are doing research, but conceded that it should become more rigorous. Improve scientific temperament Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan stressed that belief or tradition alone cannot substitute for scientific evidence. He shared an anecdote from his medical training in New York, where his professor dismissed a drug recommendation because it lacked scientific backing, even though it had been taught to Jayadevan by another professor. Jayadevan explained, 'That's the point here, even in modern medicine, we must improve scientific temperament.' He emphasized that modern medicine is built on evidence and transparency, including explicit documentation of side effects, which is often missing in alternative systems. He warned against the illusion of safety in traditional treatments and shared that some liver transplants today are necessitated by unregulated herbal medicine use. As discussions continue around this proposal's implications for future medical education in India, it remains clear that any changes must prioritise patient welfare above all else while ensuring rigorous standards are maintained across all forms of medical practice.
