TOI Healing India Forum 2026: Celebrating the people shaping India’s wellness journey; Nominate now
VaidyaMitra Team
02-11-2026he 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.
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.
Who can participate? The Forum is open to both individuals and institutions, including certified therapists, healers, wellness coaches, wellness centres and retreats. Both emerging and established practitioners can participate, provided they can demonstrate an authentic practice and meaningful impact. Each nomination is assessed through a 100-point evaluation framework, with the greatest weightage given to the depth of healing impact, verified through documented client transformations, accounting for 25 points. On the other hand, training, lineage and experience account for 20 points. Method & structure and verified client testimonials carry 15 points each, followed by ethical considerations and innovation at 10 points each, and community outreach and workshops at 5 points. Entries also undergo editorial and jury verification. The framework limits claims to cure medical conditions and blind spiritual endorsements without structure and unverifiable claims can disqualify. The idea is to put responsible practice alongside recognition. Nominate now Nominations for the TOI Healing India Forum 2026 are open until October 5, 2026. Judging will take place in October, with the award celebration scheduled for October 15, 2026. Healing is deeply personal, and the practices people turn to can be as diverse as their individual journeys. By bringing these varied approaches onto one platform, the Forum seeks to give greater visibility to practitioners, encourage responsible practices and recognise those contributing to India’s changing culture of wellness and conscious living.