yoga and naturopathy

15 Pages·2016·0.74 MB·English

MEMBERS' REFERENCE SERVICE
LARRDIS
LOK SABHA SECRETARIAT, NEW DELHI
REFERENCE NOTE

No.28/RN/Ref./July/2016

For the use of Members of Parliament NOT FOR PUBLICATION1

YOGA AND NATUROPATHY: A GLOBAL INDUSTRY
(FOCUS ON FINANCIAL AND AS EMPLOYMENT
GENERATING INDUSTRY)

Prepared by Smt. Sunanda Das Mohanty, Additional Director (23035036) and Shri Rajkumar Patton, Junior Library
Assistant of Lok Sabha Secretariat under the supervision of Smt. Kalpana Sharma, Joint Secretary and
Shri Rupa Narayan Das, Director.

The reference material is for personal use of the Members in the discharge of their Parliamentary duties, and is not
for publication. This Service is not to be quoted as the source of information as it is based on the sources indicated
at the end/in the text. This Service does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy or veracity of the information
or views contained in the note/collection for publication. This Service is not to be quoted as the source of
information as it is based on the sources indicated at the end/in the text. This Service does not accept any
responsibility for the accuracy or veracity of the information or views contained in the note/collection.
YOGA AND NATUROPATHY: A GLOBAL INDUSTRY (FOCUS ON
FINANCIAL AND AS EMPLOYMENT GENERATING INDUSTRY)

INTRODUCTION
The concept and practices of Yoga originated in India about several
thousand years ago. Its founders were great Saints and Sages. The science of Yoga
and its techniques have now been reoriented to suit modern sociological needs and
lifestyles. Experts of various branches of medicine including modern medical
sciences are realising the role of these techniques in the prevention and mitigation
of diseases and promotion of health the world over.

Yoga is one of the six systems of Vedic philosophy. Maharishi Patanjali, rightly
called “The Father of Yoga” compiled and refined various aspects of Yoga
systematically in his “Yoga Sutras” (aphorisms). He advocated the eight fold path
of Yoga, popularly known as “Ashtanga Yoga” for all-round development of
human beings. They are: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana,
Dhyana and Samadhi. These components advocate certain restraints and
observances, physical discipline, breath regulations, restraining the sense organs,
contemplation, meditation and samadhi.
Naturopathy is a system of man building in harmony with the constructive
principles of Nature on physical, mental, moral and spiritual planes of living. It has
great health promotive, disease preventive and curative as well as restorative
potential.
According to the manifesto of British Naturopathic Association, "Naturopathy is a
system of treatment which recognises the existence of the vital curative force
within the body." It therefore, advocates aiding human system to remove the cause
2

of disease i.e. toxins by expelling the unwanted and unused matters from human
body for curing diseases.1 The general treatment modalities and diagnostic
methods employed in Nature Cure are the following: Water Therapy
(Hydrotherapy), Air Therapy, Fire Therapy, Space Therapy, Mud Therapy, Food
Therapy, Massage Therapy, Accupressure, Magneto Therapy and Chromo
Therapy.2

PRESENT STATUS OF YOGA AND NATUROPATHY IN INDIA AND
GLOBAL SCENARIO
Yoga and Naturopathy, offer a wide range of holistic treatments covering
preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative and rejuvunatary needs. These
systems of medicine are generally cost effective and valuable and attracting
increasing attention globally.
AYUSH system of medicine are being used for centuries and have continuous
traditions of acceptance and practice. There is a need for spreading the knowledge
and benefits of AYUSH system of medicine to the large section of the people
across the globe. This is possible only if the drugs and practices are validated
through an exhaustive research process based on standard parameters.
The AYUSH Research Councils have been conducting research over last 40 years.
In the country several other educational, scientific institutions and universities have
also contributed significantly to clinical research, ethno-botanical surveys,
pharmacognostical and pharmacological studies on plants and drugs
standardization of simple and compound formulations used in Naturopathy,
Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani system of medicine. In this current genome era

1 Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN), http://www.ccryn.org
2 http://www.dsir.gov.in/reports/ittp_tedo/ism/ISM_YN_Intro.pdf
3

evidence for safety and efficacy is being demanded by the users. The Ministry of
AYUSH has taken up a series of programs/interventions wherein to create
evidence based support for the efficacy, safety, quality control and consistency of
products. The Ministry of AYUSH has introduced a scheme for Extra Mural
Research to tap the potential of these organisations for the research needs of
AYUSH sector. In the context described above the Extra Mural Research Scheme
of Ministry of AYUSH is designed to encourage R&D in priority areas based on
disease burden in alignment to National Health programme.3

YOGA AND NATUROPATHY: A GLOBAL INDUSTRY SCOPE FOR
MAKETING

For global promotion and popularisation of AYUSH system of medicine and Yoga
with Naturopathy, several steps were also taken by the Ministry.
The AYUSH Ministry has also signed a Memorandum of Understandings (MoU)
with a host of countries for the promotion of AYUSH systems.

 The Ministry of Culture has filed nomination to inscribe Yoga as Intangible
Cultural Heritage of Humanity under UNESCO.4
 The Union Cabinet in its meeting held on 17 February 2016 has approved the
proposal of the Ministry of AYUSH to sign an agreement with WHO for
collaborative activities in the area of traditional Medicine including Yoga.5
 There are many countries other than India where Yoga is being practiced
regularly for treatment of psychosomatic disorders. In many of the Western
countries Naturopathy is recognized and is greatly emphasized. There are

3 http://ayush.gov.in/sites/default/files/4380466404Final%20revised% 20Scheme%2016012014.pdf
4 The Economic Times, 2 January 2016
5 Lok Sabha (Starred Question No. 185), Dated: 06 May 2016
4

several Colleges in various parts of USA, Germany, Britain etc. offering
education in this system. This is a good sign for India to tap these markets as
it has a reasonable number of Yoga and Naturopathy practitioners.6 The
State-UT-wise details of number of Registered Yoga and Naturopathy
practitioners is given at Annexure I

In the post globalization era, India has to compete with foreign herbal
products within its own territory. The need to have a greater impetus on research
will not only boost trade and practice of Indian products but will also help in
spreading the traditional Indian knowledge to other parts of the world by fulfilling
the national as well as international regulatory requirements. Many public and
private organisations, pharmaceutical industries, educational institutions,
Universities, hospitals and individuals in India have been also conducting research
on their own initiatives over the years.7

GENERATION OF EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
 The Government has established three autonomous organizations namely;
Morarji Desai National Institute for Yoga (MDNIY), New Delhi; National
Institute for Naturopathy (NIN), Pune and Central Council for Research in
Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN), New Delhi has been established as a
focal institute for planning, training, promotion and co-ordination of Yoga
education, training and therapy. MDNIY conducts, B.Sc (Yoga Science-3
years), Diploma in Yoga Science (1 Year), Certificate Course in Yoga

6 Op,cit. www.dsir.gov
7 Op.cit. ayush.gov.in
5

Science for Paramilitary forces (3 ½ months) and Foundation course in
Yoga (1 month).
 National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN), Pune provides treatment facility to
the patients. It also conducts two years Nursing Diploma in Naturopathy
and Yoga Therapy Course.
 Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN), under
Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, apex
body in the field of Yoga and Naturopathy, actively engaged in
promotion, propagation, research, education, training and publication
work.
 The Ministry of AYUSH has also initiated a Scheme for Voluntary
Certification of Yoga Professionals.
 The Government also carries out print and electronic media campaigns for
the development, promotion and creation of awareness among the people
about health promotive, disease preventive and curative potentials of
Yoga in the country. AROGYA fairs are organized to make public aware
of the benefits of AYUSH systems including Yoga.8
 In Yoga and Naturopathy, meditation and different natural therapies are an
integral aspect. With changing life style and global scenario, there have
been changes in almost all the stream of traditional science to suit
contemporary requirements. Various health clubs and training centers
were opened up to help people get training and therapies comfortably.
Nowadays, all kinds of electronic equipments are provided in these health
clubs and training centers for physical exercises are prescribed by Yoga.

8 Lok Sabha (Unstarred Question No. 1533), Dated: 4th March 2016
6

Naturopathic treatment also uses modern scientific machines to provide
natural therapies.9
STEPS TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TO PROMOTE YOGA AND
NATUROPATHY IN THE COUNTRY AND ABROAD

In the Country
 In aggregate, the Centre plans to spend Rs.1,326 crore on the Ministry of
AYUSH in 2016-17, which is around 83% of the amount set aside for
the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. This year‟s budgeted amount
for the ministry is 9% higher over last year‟s budgeted expenditure and
23% higher than last year‟s actual expenditure. The details of
expenditure incurred on AYUSH and State/UT-wise allocation of Funds
under AYUSH Mission for 2016-17 are provided at Annexure II-III10
 The initiative of the Government has succeeded in the adoption of 21 June,
as the International Day of Yoga and its practice and celebration have
been started in India and abroad.
 The Ministry under its Central Sector Schemes of Information Education
and Communication (IEC) and International Co-operation extends
financial assistance to State Governments and other reputed Government/
Non Governmental Organizations/ Universities for conducting National/
International seminars/ workshops/ symposiums to promote Yoga and
Naturopathy.
 The Co-location of AYUSH facilities including Yoga and Naturopathy at
Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs) and
Districts Hospitals (DHs) and upgradation of exclusive AYUSH
Hospitals including Yoga and Naturopathy facilities are included in the

9 Op.cit.www.dsir.gov
10 Live Mint 22 June 2016
7

AYUSH Services component of National AYUSH Mission (NAM).
Further, under flexible components of NAM, a provision has also been
kept for AYUSH Wellness Centres including Yoga and Naturopathy.
 The Ministry of AYUSH has initiated a Scheme for Voluntary Certification
of Yoga Professionals. First phase of the Scheme to certify Yoga teachers
was launched on 22, June 2015. The Scheme is being operated by the
Quality Council of India (QCI), an apex quality facilitation and
accreditation body, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
 To promote Yoga among the youth and bring talent to the fore, the CBSE
board has included Yoga as one of the 24 disciplines for competition at
the national level. Under Physical Education nearly 17,000 affiliated
schools spread across India and in nearly 27 countries".11
 A scheme titled “Yoga Training for Police Personnel” has been initiated by
the Ministry.
 The constitution of a National Board for the promotion and Development of
Yoga & Naturopathy has been approved, „in-principle‟ in the Ministry.
Abroad
 Under the Abroad Central Sector Scheme of International Cooperation (IC),
the Ministry of AYUSH undertakes measures for global promotion and
popularization of AYUSH systems of Medicine including Yoga.
 The Ministry deputes Yoga experts to participate in fairs/ workshops
organized by the Ministries of Tourism, External Affairs, Culture,
Commerce, etc. and Indian Missions abroad for Yoga demonstration and
lectures. The Ministry of AYUSH had, in collaboration with Indian
Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), deputed Yoga teachers to Indian

11 Op.cit. Economic Times
8

Missions for a period of 7 days by revising IC Scheme to train Yoga
enthusiasts for their participation in the Mass Yoga Demonstration
organized by various Indian Missions abroad to celebrate the first
International Day of Yoga.
 Separately, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), under auspices of
Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), also deputes Yoga teachers
to Indian Missions for imparting training to local students and teachers.
MEA also provides publicity material including videos, documentaries,
coffee table books, instructional manuals on different aspects of Yoga
and Yogic practices to Indian Missions for display and distribution. The
ICCR has recently signed an MoU with Yunnan Minzu University,
China, for establishment of Yoga College named “India-China College of
Yoga”.12

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN AYUSH

Growing global demand of traditional medicine has increased the scope of
international exchange of AYUSH-related information and co-operation with other
countries for collaborative efforts in the development of traditional system of
medicine. Popularity and practice of AYUSH systems exist to varying extent in
many countries. The Government of India has been receiving requests from several
countries for deputation of AYUSH experts to take up teaching, clinical work and
for technical assistance in framing regulations and standards of practice and
education. Invitations are frequently received for participation of India experts and
entrepreneurs in International Conferences, Exhibitions, Trade fairs etc. This
scenario provides an opportunity for India to assume the role of leadership in

12 Op.cit. Lok Sabha Question, 6 May 2016
9

extending assistance to various countries for promotion of AYUSH. This
necessitates providing for an arrangement aimed at promoting International
Cooperation not only to earn goodwill for the country but also to help globalization
of AYUSH.13

CONCLUSION
The First International Day of Yoga (IDY) was celebrated in the country in a grand
manner on 21 June and across the globe involving 192 countries. This Year (2016)
in the second International Day of Yoga (IDY) the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra
Modi too participated in a mass yoga demonstration at the Capitol Complex in
Chandigarh, where over 30, 000 people, including 100 differently-abled children
were present. The theme of this year‟s event was to 'Connect the Youth'.14 Two
days International Conference was also held on “Yoga for Body and Beyond” at
Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on 22 and 23 June 2016. The Conference deliberated
on the use of Yoga in various disease conditions in Tertiary Care Hospitals.15
Reorientation programmes for Yoga and Naturopathy practitioners to update their
knowledge and motivate them for research and training workshops on research
methodology are also organised by the Council. 16

REFERENCES

13 http://ayush.gov.in/sites/default/files/5189729625Revised%20scheme%20for%20International%20Cooperation%20IC%20%
20%2019.pdf
14 The Indian Express, 21 June 2016
15 PIB dated 10.06.2016
16Op,cit. CCRYN