The second World Health Organization (WHO) summit on traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) is currently taking place in India, exploring evidence-based uses of traditional medicine such as ginger for treating nausea. Despite 40 to 90 per cent of populations in most WHO member States relying on traditional medicine, only about one per cent of global health funding is dedicated to research in this field. WHO surveys also reveal regional imbalances in the adoption of national policies on TCIM, highlighting the need for greater investment and strategic integration.
Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General of India’s Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), emphasized that his upbringing and exposure to classical texts and philosophy instilled a deep respect for Ayurveda as a holistic knowledge system, not merely a treatment modality. Acharya explained that Ayurveda functions both as a way of life and a medical system, focusing on maintaining homeostasis, disease prevention, and promoting long-term well-being through lifestyle practices, dietetics, and ethical conduct. When illness arises, Ayurveda offers structured therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring systemic balance.
This holistic approach aligns with conventional public health priorities, particularly in preventing non-communicable diseases driven by modifiable lifestyle risk factors such as poor diet, inactivity, stress, and environmental exposures. Acharya highlighted the relevance of Ayurveda in addressing global health challenges, including chronic diseases and healthy ageing, while complementing modern medical systems.
CCRAS, in collaboration with WHO, is actively generating robust evidence on traditional medicine through methodologically rigorous clinical studies, observational research, and public health evaluations. Their work spans drug development, pharmacology, medicinal plant research, epidemiology, and health systems studies, ensuring evidence is systematically collected on safety, effectiveness, and appropriate use.
Acharya noted that the limited global funding for traditional medicine research stems largely from structural and methodological challenges, as systems like Ayurveda are complex, individualized, and delivered as whole-system interventions. He argued that achieving broader integration will require a strategic shift toward evidence-informed approaches, sustained investment in high-quality research, and embedding validated traditional medicine practices into national health policies, in line with the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034.
He expressed cautious optimism that more countries will incorporate traditional medicine into their health systems, emphasizing that integration is complementary and not a replacement for conventional care. As an example of evidence-based application, Acharya cited Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), traditionally used as an adaptogen, which has shown potential in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety while being generally safe and well tolerated, highlighting its promise in mental health care.
