Ayurveda has now turned to modern technology for validation of its beliefs and systems. As the Covid-19 threat continues, the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), under the Union Ayush Ministry, and Indian Institute of Technology(IIT), Delhi, are jointly working to develop innovative diagnostic tools and equipment for various Ayurvedic procedures.
Dr Tanuja Nesari, Director of the Delhi-based AIIA told reporters here on Thursday that at least seven collaborative projects for interdisciplinary research in Ayurveda and applying engineering science principles have been undertaken for which results are on the way.
For instance these include, she informed, ‘dhoopan-yantra’ - a fumigation device for aiding wound healing is being developed to eradicate virus and bacteria from the air while early cancer detection and assessment of breast cancer response to Ayurvedic drugs is being developed.
Others are Ayurvedic rasas (tastes) on gastrointestinal secretions; herbal formulations that would reduce the harmful effects of reusing cooking oil, developing a biodegradable, herbal wound dressing and last but not the least is the study the effects of the ‘Brahmari pranayama’ on the nervous system. Most of these are likely to be completed by the year-end, Dr Nesari said.
She also shared that the institute is now planning to establish ‘Respiratory Rehabilitation Centre’ to cater to post-Covid patients, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients, post-acute respiratory distress syndrome patients, and interstitial lung disease patients, with ayurveda therapies, yoga, meditation and modern equipment like spirometer, incentive spirometry and bronchodilators medicines. “The Hospital is also in the process of establishing a chemotherapy day care center to treat cancer patients using a combination of Ayurveda therapy and chemotherapy,” she added.
These are just a few measures being undertaken where the best of traditional and modern medicine and therapies are being combined, “We are also working to provide holistic people-centered health services for all.
India has committed to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and Universal Health Coverage by 2030.
This is possible only through a preventive and promotive health care orientation in all developmental policies, and universal access to good quality health care services without anyone having to face financial hardship as a consequence,” said Dr Nesari.
