India has branded itself as destination for alternative healthcare
Naturopathy happens to be an ancient healthcare mechanism that combines traditional and natural forms of medicine with modern scientific knowledge. The ancient healing technique stimulates the body’s natural ability to heal itself. It is the science of disease diagnosis, treatment, and cure using natural therapies, including botanical medicine, dietetics, homeopathy, exercise, fasting, lifestyle counseling, detoxification, clinical nutrition, naturopathic manipulation, hydrotherapy, environmental assessment, and spiritual healing. While the science of naturopathy is gradually gaining prominence all over the world, it comes as no surprise that this curative approach is vastly popular in India where herbal remedies based on Ayurveda have been in use since ancient times. As a result, India has quickly emerged as the preferred naturopathy destination among foreign patients who wish to seek non-surgical and non-pharmacological treatment for different ailments.
Nurturing the ancient practices of Yoga, Ayurveda, Sidha and Naturopathy, India has established itself as an important wellness retreat among its domestic and international tourists. India has positioned itself as the focal point of Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Sidha, Homoeopathy (AYUSH), naturopathy, Vedanta, and Meditation techniques, curated and restored from the most ancient of sciences and arts. The strong branding of AYUSH by the government is drawing patients to India from across the world.
While the system of yoga and naturopathy flourished in India mainly due to non-government activities, later the government also recognised the need for systematic research for the development of yoga and naturopathy systems and thus formed three organisations to look after the development of these systems. These include the Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN), New Delhi, the National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN), Pune and the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), New Delhi. Naturopathy has also been accepted as an independent system of medicine and presently, there are 12-degree colleges that are imparting a five and half year degree course of Bachelor of Naturopathy & Yogic Sciences (BNYS).
India is no stranger to naturopathic treatments and there is a
myriad of naturopathic centres located all over the country. From naturopathy institutes to wellness centres to spas offering naturopathic treatments, people are usually spoilt for choices when they visit India for naturopathic treatments. While all these centres are aimed at providing rejuvenation, relaxation, and detoxification in a natural environment, people can select the destination and duration as per their needs.
The majority of naturopathy institutes blend traditional Yoga with naturopathy for the most calming and rejuvenating experience. And they believe that there’s no better place to learn Yoga than at its birthplace, India. People seek Yoga for various reasons. Some look at it initially as purely physical and to get bodily fit while some might look at it as a way to calm and quiet the mind.
With plenty of naturopathy and Yoga centres offering an array of services suitable for anyone from beginners to seasoned yogis, it’s no wonder why hordes of tourists from all over the world travel to India. Home to mountains, deserts, valleys, beaches and many other stunning landscapes, India offers magnificent diversity to its visitors. Interestingly, most of the naturopathy centres are located in idyllic locations ideal for finding and reconnecting with oneself. People can visit some of the most enchanting and exotic locations as well as engage with the locals which makes the journey even more fascinating. India is a haven for people looking for holistic natural therapies to get cured while finding mental and emotional peace. There is no dearth of naturopathic centres in this country offering the finest care possible.
(The author is Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Jindal Naturecure Institute)
