'India should reach out to Ayurvedic diaspora'

Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine and is generally practiced in the modern hi tech age by the ‘Ayurvedic diaspora’, spread in most of the Southeast Asian countries, including India. As per the estimates of Gerry Bodeker, professor of integrated medicines at Oxford University, ‘Ayurvedic diaspora’ was created when the Indian rulers in the ancient India from the Chola and Pandya dynasties spread medicinal plants, seeds, health customs and traditions to the neighboring countries they went. The health traditions and customs along with the seeds of medicinal plants became popular and were practiced by the denizens in the neighboring countries.   

Further talking at the International India Wellness Summit, Gerry Bodeker said that India should reach out to its ‘Ayurvedic diaspora’ through the means of cultural exchange programs, business associations and joint ventures. In this context, referring to China, Professor Gerry Bodeker that Chinese have constructed rod networks and built bridges directly connecting with the countries which practice ancient Chinese medicine system, or Kampo.

Citing an example on this occasion, Gerry Bodeker showed ruins belonging to an ancient Hindu temple situated in Kedah state of Malaysia, which is situated northwestern part of the country. The temple was built according to vaastu traditions and the word ‘Kedah’ has been taken from Sanskrit word ‘Kedar’ or the mountain lord. Talking on ‘Ayurvedic diaspora’ Gerry Bodeker said that Indonesia has world’s largest Muslim population, and the spas make use of fresh medicine that has similarity with the Indian Siddha.

Bodeker acknowledged that ayurveda system of medicine makes use of five elements - earth, fire, air, water and space. However, in Buddhist culture, the use of fifth element is not there.