Ayurveda

The Centre on Tuesday extended the tenure of Ayush Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha by a year till June 28, 2026.

This will be his fourth extension on the post. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the extension in the tenure of Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, on contract basis for a period of one year beyond June 28, 2025, up to June 28, 2025, on existing terms and conditions, said an order issued by the Personnel Ministry.

Kotecha is among the select group of lateral entry appointees who were picked by the Centre as specialists for government departments.
In another departure from the convention of appointing a bureaucrat to the top post, the Centre had in 2017 appointed him as the Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy).

Kotecha is among the select group of lateral entry appointees who were picked by the Centre as specialists for government departments.

Ayush Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha gets fourth extension

For ages, Ayurveda - the traditional Indian system of holistic health, stayed firmly entrenched in the East, studied in families, villages, and traditional centers of healing. Now, though, it has spanned oceans and is being adopted by individuals all over Europe, the United States, and the world. More than a system of medicine, Ayurveda is a philosophy of living, with an emphasis on body, mind, and spirit balance. In a time when lifestyle diseases and stress disorders are on the increase, Ayurveda's stress on prevention and natural treatments strikes a chord with Western health and well-being seekers.

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian holistic health system, is gaining global popularity as individuals seek natural healing methods. Emphasizing balance and prevention, it resonates with those experiencing lifestyle diseases and stress. Its individualized approach, incorporating diet, herbs, and mindfulness, complements conventional medicine, promoting a shift towards sustainable and conscious living.

Ayurveda in the West: Why natural healing is gaining global trust

Ahara: A Diet for Blood Sugar Balance and Vitality
For those managing diabetes, Ahara, or diet, forms the core of Ayurvedic treatment. Ayurveda prioritises foods that digest slowly, giving the body steady energy without causing blood sugar spikes. One should have:
⦁ Cereals and Millets: Grains like barley (Yava), wheat (Godhuma), and millets, such as bajra and jowar, are particularly valued for their stable energy release. Barley, especially, has a revered place in Ayurveda for supporting weight management and maintaining sugar levels without fluctuations
⦁ Vegetables: Ayurveda encourages eating vegetables with bitter (kashaya rasa) and astringent (tikta rasa) tastes, like bitter gourd, moringa (drumstick), fenugreek (methi), and kulattha beans. These foods help balance blood sugar while providing essential nutrients
Also Read:
How caffeine in your blood may impact body fat and diabetes risk
⦁ Fruits: Certain fruits, such as jamun (black plum) and papaya, have unique properties that support the pancreas and help stabilise blood sugar
⦁ Healthy Oils and Ghee: In Ayurveda, the right oils and fats play a supportive role in digestion and energy. Mustard oil and medicated ghee (gritham) nourish the body without causing energy highs and lows, making them excellent choices for cooking


Today, as we face the challenges of diabetes and weight management, it’s inspiring to reconnect with the age-old wisdom of Ayurveda. This timeless science of wellness sees diabetes, or Prameha, not merely as a blood sugar imbalance, but as a deeper disruption in the body’s natural harmony and vitality. Ayurveda categorises diabetes into twenty types, each with distinct symptoms and root causes, reflecting a profound understanding that sustainable health requires more than just managing glucose—it’s about nurturing balance at every level.
This piece of information explores Ayurveda’s three core pillars—Ahara (diet), Oushad (medicine), and Vihaara (lifestyle). These pillars provide a holistic approach, going beyond calorie counting to cultivate a nourishing and balanced lifestyle that heals from within, bringing the mind and body into true harmony.

Role of Ayurveda in helping manage diabetes and sustainable weight

Research has crossed boundaries since the last decade and it is now more regarded as a culture than only a scientific stream. Every new and young scientist paves his or her way into another discipline, in search of something which is concealed and undiscovered. International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharmaceutical Chemistry is one such approach to reveal this amalgamated science of chemistry and ayurveda.

International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharmaceutical Chemistry is a bimonthly peer reviewed journal dedicated for scientific publication in ayurveda and pharmaceutical chemistry. It also allows free-full-text access and is devoted to promotion of research work done in all the fields of Ayurveda and related fields of Pharmaceutical Chemistry.

International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharmaceutical Chemistry publishes original research work, reviews, short communications and notes dealing with ayurveda, pharmacognostical, analytical and pharmaceutical chemistry.

International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharmaceutical Chemistry publishes original research work, reviews, short communications and notes dealing with ayurveda, pharmacognostical, analytical and pharmaceutical chemistry.

Next Issue - Vol. 25, Iss. 3 (Releasing on) 10th November, 2026                    
Manuscripts are invited for -Vol. 26, Iss. 1, 2026
Last date for submission (Volume 26 Iss. 1) - 20th December, 2026

International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Hair fall is something almost everyone experiences at some point. While losing 50–100 strands a day is normal, excessive shedding can be alarming. The good news? You don’t always need chemical treatments or expensive salon visits. With a few natural remedies, the right diet, and consistent care, you can control hair fall and promote stronger, healthier growth.

How to Stop Hair Fall Naturally: Best Home Remedies, Diet & Ayurvedic Tips

How to Stop Hair Fall Naturally

Siddhi Purohit
PG Scholar, Department of Samhita Siddhanta and Sanskrit, PDEA’s College of Ayurved and Research Center, Nigdi, Pune. India.
Yogita A Jamdade
Professor and HOD, Department of Samhita Siddhanta and Sanskrit, PDEA’s College of Ayurved and Research Center, Nigdi, Pune. India.
Sangita U Thombre
Associate Professor, Department of Samhita Siddhanta and Sanskrit, PDEA’s College of Ayurved and Research Center, Nigdi, Pune. India.
Divyashree KS
Associate Professor, Department of Samhita Siddhanta and Sanskrit, PDEA’s College of Ayurved and Research Center, Nigdi, Pune. India.
Swati K Dhamdhere
Assistant Professor, Department of Samhita Siddhanta and Sanskrit, PDEA’s College of Ayurved and Research Center, Nigdi, Pune. India.
Komal K Khairnar
Assistant Professor, Department of Samhita Siddhanta and Sanskrit, PDEA’s College of Ayurved and Research Center, Nigdi, Pune. India.

Keywords: Skin Disease, Twak Rogas, Dosh Vikalpa, Gunas, AI Diagnostic Tools, Dermatology, Diagnostic Methods

ntegrating Artificial Intelligence and Ayurvedic Diagnostic Methods in Dermatology: A Narrative Review of Current Evidence and Future Directions

New Delhi: Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav on Monday called for a stronger connection between India's traditional knowledge and contemporary healthcare needs, saying Ayurveda can help shape a healthier tomorrow through a focus on preventive healthcare, healthy lifestyles and holistic well-being.

Addressing a curtain-raiser press conference for the 11th Ayurveda Day 2026 at the National Media Centre, Jadhav said the occasion should go beyond being a government programme and evolve into a people's movement and a national health communication campaign.

The event marked the commencement of the nationwide campaign leading up to Ayurveda Day.
The main Ayurveda Day celebrations will be held on September 23 in Nagpur, Maharashtra, with "Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow" as its theme, reflecting the vision of connecting India's rich Ayurvedic heritage with the evolving healthcare needs of the future.
Jadhav highlighted that the world is increasingly looking towards preventive healthcare, healthy lifestyles, nutrition, wellness and holistic health -- areas in which India has a rich tradition and experience.

He said Ayurveda Day is not merely an occasion to celebrate India's heritage but also an opportunity to connect this heritage with the healthcare requirements of the future.

Addressing a curtain-raiser press conference for the 11th Ayurveda Day 2026 at the National Media Centre, Jadhav said the occasion should go beyond being a government programme and evolve into a people's movement and a national health communication campaign.

Ayurveda can bridge traditional knowledge, contemporary healthcare needs: Ayush minister

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India (NewsVoir) 1st Ayurveda hospital to be accredited by QAI under TCC standard 3rd hospital country wide to be accredited by QAI under TCC standard Pioneering 'integrative rehabilitation' for Cancer, Stroke, Road Traffic Accident cases, etc.
AyurVAID Hospitals Domlur, Bengaluru, set another historic milestone on May 20, 2023, by becoming the 1st & only Ayurveda hospital to be accredited by the "Quality and Accreditation Institute (QAI), Centre for Accreditation of Health & Social Care" under the Transition Care Centre (TCC) Standard. QAI is India's first and only accreditation organization to provide Transition Care Centre (TCC) certification for healthcare.
QAI is an institutional member of the International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua) with a vision to create an education, training, quality improvement, and accreditation ecosystem. AyurVAID Hospitals is the most awarded Ayurveda hospital group in the country and a leader in Precision Ayurveda. Commenting on this achievement, Rajiv Vasudevan, MD & CEO, AyurVAID, said, "What makes this milestone special is that it is the first time an integrative care provider (AyurVAID) has been certified under a national healthcare accreditation standard. AyurVAID is able to provide step-down-care for cancer patients, patients suffering from neuro/neurodegenerative/orthopaedic conditions, trauma rehabilitation, stroke rehabilitation, palliative care, geriatric care, convalescent care, respiratory therapy, sports physiotherapy-rehab, COVID-19 rehabilitation, diet-nutrition, etc. Our robust protocol determines which patients are eligible to be treated at our centre. A true partnership with systematic physiotherapy in the best interests of patients."

​QAI is an institutional member of the International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua) with a vision to create an education, training, quality improvement, and accreditation ecosystem. AyurVAID Hospitals is the most awarded Ayurveda hospital group in the country and a leader in Precision Ayurveda.

AyurVAID Hospitals Receives QAI Accreditation for its Transition Care Centre

The Ayush services sector supports an estimated 1.76 million livelihoods in India, with women accounting for 43 per cent of its workforce, according to a recent assessment that highlights the sector's growing role in employment generation and economic growth.

The assessment, Ayush Service Sector Report by Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), released recently on Ayurveda Day 2026, said women's representation exceeds 50 per cent in several organised segments, including hospitals, day-care centres, educational institutes and wellness establishments.
Women account for more than 60 per cent of the workforce in spas and wellness resorts, 58 per cent in educational institutes, 57 per cent in day-care centres and 53 per cent in hospitals, it said.
"The growing Ayush services sector is creating meaningful employment opportunities across healthcare, wellness, education and allied services. Its expansion is not only strengthening India's healthcare ecosystem but also opening new avenues for entrepreneurship, skill development and women's participation in the workforce," Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav said.
According to the report, more than one million livelihoods are concentrated in local and standalone clinics, demonstrating the sector's extensive employment footprint across urban and rural areas.

Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha said, "The expansion of organised Ayush services, supported by quality standards, skilling, digital infrastructure and stronger institutional networks, can significantly enhance both the scale and quality of employment. Greater participation of women in organised Ayush establishments also demonstrates the sector's potential to contribute to inclusive economic growth."


The assessment, Ayush Service Sector Report by Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), released recently on Ayurveda Day 2026, said women's representation exceeds 50 per cent in several organised segments, including hospitals, day-care centres, educational institutes and wellness establishments.

Ayush services sector supports 1.76 million livelihoods; women constitute 43% of the workforce

Ayurvedic stances on vision improvement
Ayurveda views the eyes as a precious gift and gives great importance to eye care. The treatments in Ayurveda for improving vision are based on balancing the body’s doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), improving blood circulation, strengthening the nerves, and using herbal remedies to nourish the eyes.
The treatments aim to improve not just the eyes but the entire system, as Ayurveda believes that health is interconnected.
And in ‘Holistic Health: Law and Facts’ by Swami Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, the treatments for vision improvement focus on both internal and external approaches. Internally, herbal formulations and dietary guidelines are used to improve the function of the eyes, and externally, therapies like eye washes, massages, and specific eye exercises are recommended.
One of the key Ayurvedic combinations mentioned in the text is ‘Triphala’, which is a mixture of three herbs, and using it in a mix of different ways.
For example, the book mentions that Triphala, mixed with honey and ghee, should be consumed to improve and increase the power of vision.
The book also recommends using a paste of Triphala, ghee, honey, barley, Shatavari, and Madhuka, for foot massage, and this too gives ophthalmic benefits.
Ayurveda also mentions using a paste of different herbs and elements, and applying it as a Kajal on the eyes for better vision.
One of the mixtures to use is of Tila flowers, Pippali fruits, Jatti flowers, and Marica, and then grinding them with goat’s milk to prepare a wick. This, when applied to the eyes, helps improve vision.
Another Ayurveda therapy used by people is ‘Netra Tarpan’, where medicated ghee is poured over the eyes and retained in a frame made of dough. This therapy is deeply nourishing and is said to improve eyesight, reduce dryness, and strengthen the eye tissues.
It is believed to be especially useful for people who spend long hours on screens or reading.

Vision is one of the most important senses for human life. Eyes help us perceive the world, perform daily tasks, connect with others, and enjoy the beauty around us. Good eyesight supports both physical independence and mental well-being, but due to aging, lifestyle issues, pollution, overuse of digital devices, and lack of proper eye care, vision often deteriorates over time.
This can lead to discomfort, dependence on others, and even serious health issues.
And Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers several natural and holistic treatments for improving and maintaining eye health.

How Ayurveda can help improve vision and nourish the eyes

The consumer health division of Bayer is betting big on India. The Basel-headquartered drug maker plans to bring more over-the-counter (non-prescription) products specific to Indian consumer needs from its global portfolio and launch more line-extensions of its top brands such as Saridon and Supradyn.

In an interview to ET, Sandeep Verma, country head, India, Bayer consumer health division in India, said the company will use its global expertise to launch new formats such as effervescent tablets, topicals and sprays and expand its distribution footprint from 5.5 lakh pharmacies to 10 lakh by 2026, besides launching marketing campaigns to energize the brands.

In an interview to ET, Sandeep Verma, country head, India, Bayer consumer health division in India, said the company will use its global expertise to launch new formats such as effervescent tablets, topicals and sprays and expand its distribution footprint from 5.5 lakh pharmacies to 10 lakh by 2026, besides launching marketing campaigns to energize the brands.

Bayer's consumer health unit plans to step up India play

The food we eat today has a much older story than we think. Long before labels and recipes, the Rigveda and Atharvaveda were already talking about ingredients that still sit in our kitchens. These ancient texts weren’t just about hymns and rituals. They quietly recorded what people cooked, offered, and loved. Some of those ingredients have stayed with us through generations, still nourishing us in the same simple ways. Here’s a look at ten timeless foods mentioned in the Vedas that are still very much part of our lives.

Ancient Indian texts like the Rigveda and Atharvaveda mention foods still eaten today. Barley and ghee were sacred and are still used in cooking. Honey and milk were valued for healing and nourishment. Curd, sesame, and wheat also have Vedic roots. Urad dal, amla, and lotus seeds were part of early diets. These ingredients continue to nourish generations.

10 foods that are part of our diet since Vedic times

How Yoga & Ayurveda are keys to perfect skin
Leading a life of stress and chaos, trying to strike balance between work / personal life is taking a toll on our wellbeing. With this it becomes essential to set aside some time for self-care and reset your rhythm. A holistic approach that is an amalgamation of yoga and ayurveda enables in addressing your ailments and mental aspects of health as well. Not only your flexibility is enhanced, but you feel more at ease, your gut health improves, you have a better immunity and your skin is free of toxins.
Reducing stress requires practicing yoga moves that enables in inducing the feelings of peace.
Mindfulness and meditation help in release of anxiety from the body.
When you are at ease, your nervous system relaxes, the skin health improves dramatically.
Balancing your bodily functions internally impacts the skin, leading to enhanced skin quality.

This international yoga day the most essential thing to remember is to reinforce the principles of Yoga & Ayurveda within our daily lives. Both are ancient practices rooted from our Vedas since time immortal. It is important to note that the belief of both these practices is to lead a holistic life for the wellbeing of the body. While physical practices of yoga helps in achieving physical harmony, the practices of ayurveda are all about balancing the internal doshas, dietary and lifestyle changes that also impact the skin health.

Yoga and Ayurveda are keys to perfect skin and health

From Traditional Knowledge to Scientific Evidence
The Patanjali Research Foundation was established with the aim of translating classical Ayurvedic knowledge into scientifically validated healthcare solutions. Its laboratories are equipped with advanced infrastructure, accredited by national and international bodies, and focus on areas such as drug discovery, microbiology, in-vitro and in-vivo biology, and clinical research.
Unlike traditional approaches, Patanjali follows a structured scientific process that includes identifying bioactive compounds, testing safety and toxicity, and conducting clinical trials under ethical guidelines.
Publications in Prestigious Global Journals
One of the strongest indicators of scientific credibility is publication in reputed journals. Research from Patanjali has appeared in a wide range of national and international journals, reflecting both diversity and depth.
Some of the key journals where their work has been published include:
Environmental Science and Pollution Research
International Journal of Theoretical & Applied Sciences
Journal of Herbs, Spices & Medicinal Plants
Proceedings of the Indian National Science Academy
Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics
International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences
Indian Journal of Ancient Medicine & Yoga
International Journal of Yoga
International Journal of Yoga Therapy
Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
Advances in Mind-Body Medicine
Journal of Religion and Health
Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine
These publications demonstrate that Ayurvedic research is being examined across disciplines such as environmental science, pharmacology, physiology, and integrative medicine.
In addition, studies associated with Patanjali researchers have also been featured in globally recognized platforms, including journals under the Nature Portfolio, highlighting growing international acceptance of Ayurveda-based research.

For centuries, Ayurveda has been regarded as an ancient Indian system of healing rooted in holistic principles. In today’s evidence-driven world, global acceptance depends not only on tradition but also on rigorous scientific validation. This is where the Patanjali Research Foundation is playing a transformative role by bridging ancient wisdom with modern science and placing Ayurveda firmly on the global research map.

Ayurveda Goes Global: How Scientific Research and International Journal Publications Are Validating India’s Ancient Healing System

he wellness journey has never been a one-size-fits-all experience. For some it might be a turn to Ayurveda or yoga, for others meditation, breathwork, energy healing or newer takes on emotional and holistic wellbeing. As India’s wellness ecosystem continues to grow, so does the number of practitioners, philosophies and practices competing for attention.
But in an industry where visibility can sometimes trump credibility, knowing who to trust can be daunting. Social media has helped discover wellness practices, but also created the challenge of separating real experience and impact from fleeting fads. As the ecosystem expands, the need is no longer simply for more options, but for greater structure, transparency and accountability.
What are the categories?
The Forum covers 35 categories across eight disciplines:
Energy and Frequency Healing includes Sound Healing & Vibrational Therapy, Chakra Healing & Energy Balancing, Reiki & Energy Healing, Crystal Healing and Pranic Healing.
Consciousness and Soul Work includes Past Life Regression Therapy, Akashic Records & Soul Reading, Inner Child & Emotional Healing, Consciousness Expansion & Awakening Work and Soul Coaching / Spiritual Mentorship (Soul Sensei-type work).
Mind and Subconscious Therapies includes Hypnotherapy, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Mindfulness & Meditation Therapy and Somatic & Trauma Release Therapy.
Group and Collective Healing includes Group Healing Circles, Family Constellation Therapy, Breathwork Circles & Group Facilitation and Women-Centric Healing Circles.
Body-Based and Traditional Therapies include Chiropractic Therapy, Acupuncture Therapy, Reflexology & Acupressure, Ayurvedic-Based Therapeutic Healing and Naturopathy & Detox Therapy.
Creative and Sensory Healing includes Art Therapy and Color Therapy & Sensory Healing.
Yoga Excellence Awards includes Yoga Guru, Yoga Studio, Yoga Therapist and Emerging Yoga Teacher of the Year. It also includes Best Corporate Yoga Program, Most Innovative Yoga Initiative and Lifetime Contribution to Yoga Excellence.
Wellness Visionaries Awards includes Healer of the Year, Rising Star Healer and Wellness Author/Content Creator of the Year.



he wellness journey has never been a one-size-fits-all experience. For some it might be a turn to Ayurveda or yoga, for others meditation, breathwork, energy healing or newer takes on emotional and holistic wellbeing. As India’s wellness ecosystem continues to grow, so does the number of practitioners, philosophies and practices competing for attention.
But in an industry where visibility can sometimes trump credibility, knowing who to trust can be daunting. Social media has helped discover wellness practices, but also created the challenge of separating real experience and impact from fleeting fads. As the ecosystem expands, the need is no longer simply for more options, but for greater structure, transparency and accountability.


TOI Healing India Forum 2026: Celebrating the people shaping India’s wellness journey; Nominate now

Go back to good ol’ Ayurveda. It aims to detoxify you from the inside out. Says beauty therapist Ashni Mehta, “With our daily lives being so stressful and Mumbai being such a polluted city, there is a toxic buildup under the skin. This leads to acne and inflammation and can manifest into larger issues. Ayurvedic skin treatments use natural substances to restore the skin’s balance and give it a glow.” Try anything from healing oils to massages and face packs.
Abhyanga massage
This ancient treatment leaves skin feeling nourished and soft. It also lubricates the joints and helps moves lymph fluid, aiding in detoxification and overall adds to a calming feeling. It is also said to reduce insomnia. Apply bhringraj oil to the head (shiro abhyanga). You can also prepare a mix at home of sesame (til), fresh basil leaves and fresh ginger and apply this to the body. To start the massage, first warm the oil, apply it first to the forehead, then the scalp, the cheeks, jawline, neck and earlobes, then the body (sarvanga abhyanga) and finally the feet (pad abhyanga). Use the palms for the massage, not the fingertips. The oils help expel the toxins, reduce joint pain, fatigue and dryness. Says Rati Verma, ayurvedic practitioner, “In earlier times, abhyanga was a part of the daily routine. Ask an expert to do this as he or she will use varying pressure techniques. One may also do a dry massage using triphala powder.”
Shirodhara
Shirodhara, which comes from two Sanskrit words: shiro (head) and dhara (flow), is a form of Ayurveda therapy in which oils are gently poured over the forehead. It is one of the steps involved in Panchakarma (cleansing ritual) and is said to improve the vata dosha (energy pattern in the body). The forehead here is regarded as the ‘third eye’. The expert first determines what is the person’s dosha. It is followed by shoulder massage which loosens the tight joints. The steady drizzle of oil with the Ayurvedic herbs is poured from left to right or as per the dosha. The aim of the treatment is to relieve stress and eliminate negative thoughts by opening the ‘third eye’.

Herbal potli or compress
Here’s another indulgence that your body will love. Herbal poultice or compress also called upanada sveda, is where hot round muslin bags are placed on the skin to reduce swelling, pain, improve blood circulation and help one relax. The potli massage is done as per tradition; the round bags with fresh or dried ayurvedic herbs are chosen as per your treatment. You can try ashwagandha to relax tight muscles and reduce stress, neem to detox, lemon-mint to reduces stress and headaches and warmed rice to increase blood circulation. Once warmed, the bags produce heat and are placed in specific areas of the body. Follow it up with a cold shower to feel refreshed.
KEY BENEFITS


From herbal face packs and ubtans to special oil and milk baths Ayurvedic baths, add these ancient therapies to your pre-wedding beauty regimen.
We are in the midst of the wedding season and while there is a rush to get the outfit and shoes right, shopping for jewellery and other accessories and chalk things up with the planner, don’t forget to also focus on yourself. It’s important to have the right diet, get enough exercise and more importantly, have your beauty regimen in place. While there are the usual exotic spa wraps, hot stone massages and seaweed facials, this time, do a return to something that may seem old-fashioned, but is extremely effective.

Get an ayurveda treatment for that pre-wedding glow

Like Sheikh, many Indians have become cupping devotees. The therapy, which has its origins in traditional Chinese medicine and the unani system, involves placing small cups, often heated, on the body part that needs healing. A partial vacuum is created inside the cups and when these are lifted after a few minutes, it sucks out disease-causing fluids and energy (qi), resulting in localized healing.
The therapy has many celebrity followers like Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, Victoria Beckham, Justin Bieber and most recently athlete Michael Phelps sported the red round marks left by the cups at Rio Olympics.
There's no scientific proof on the efficacy of cupping but that hardly gets in the way of its popularity. Mohammad Shahid Malik, a Unani doctor, runs cupping clinics in Delhi and Aligarh and reports that ever since the Phelps news came out, enquiries have spiked. “People have also been calling to find out how to become a cupping practitioner,“ says Dr Malik, who does 25-30 cupping sessions per month. Dr Syed Izharul Hasan, who works under the AYUSH ministry and has a clinic at Rashtrapati Bhavan, says the practice is already quite popular in India. “The Olympic story might have given cupping more space in the public eye but people already knew about it. We have treated lakhs of people till now,“ he claims.

Cupping clinics get a Phelps boost as people try it for pain relief, and even facelifts.
Long before the purple bruises on swimmer Michael Phelps's body hit the head lines, Mumbai doctor Sahil Sheikh was a fan of cupping. Nagged by a chronic shoulder problem, the 35-year-old decided to try this alternative therapy. “Apart from mild dizziness immediately after the session, there were no side-effects,“ he says. But he did report relief from pain.

Ayush Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha gets fourth extension

VaidyaMitra Team

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