News

Half of India Relies on Traditional Ayush Medicine: Survey

According to the survey conducted by the National Sample Survey Office, 46% of rural and 53% of urban residents turn to traditional medicine for their healthcare needs.

• By Pooja Chaturvedi Sah
• New Delhi
• Jun 14, 2024

News

In a groundbreaking revelation, a comprehensive government survey has disclosed that a significant portion of India’s population depends on the Ayush healthcare system. 

According to the survey, 46% of rural and 53% of urban residents turn to traditional medicine for their healthcare needs. 

Nationwide Survey 

This extensive survey, the first of its kind to solely focus on Ayush, was conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) from July 2022 to June 2023. 

As part of the 79th round of the National Sample Survey (NSS), the study covered the entire country, excluding a few inaccessible villages in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. 

High Awareness and Utilization Rates 

The findings reveal an impressive level of awareness and utilization of Ayush practices among Indians. 

Approximately 95% of rural respondents and 96% of urban respondents are aware of the Ayush healthcare system, which includes Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. 

Furthermore, about 85% of rural households and 86% of urban households have at least one member familiar with medicinal plants, home remedies, local health traditions, or folk medicine. 

Definitions of Awareness and Use 

For the survey, a household member aged 15 years or older was considered “aware of Ayush” if they met any of the following criteria: 

• Received treatment using Ayush medicines anytime, with or without a prescription. 

• Heard about any Ayush system through various sources such as family, friends, media, or professional engagement. 

• Known about medicinal plants or traditional practices for treatment or prevention. 

• Engaged professionally with Ayush healthcare centers or service providers. “Use of Ayush” referred to adopting Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, or Homeopathy for treatment, prevention of ailments, or rejuvenation, based on advice from a medical practitioner or self-medication. 

Key Findings 

The survey highlighted several key points: 

• Awareness: 95% of rural and 96% of urban respondents are aware of Ayush. 

• Knowledge of Traditional Remedies: In 85% of rural and 86% of urban households, at least one member is aware of medicinal plants, home remedies, or local health traditions. 

• Usage: 46% of rural and 53% of urban individuals used Ayush for prevention or treatment of ailments in the past year. 

• Popular Systems: Ayurveda emerged as the most commonly used system for treatment in both rural and urban areas. 

• Primary Use: Ayush is predominantly used for rejuvenation and preventive measures. 

The Role of Traditional Medicine 

Traditional medicine has been an integral part of Indian culture for centuries. Ayurveda, one of the world’s oldest medical systems, emphasizes balance in bodily systems through diet, herbal treatment, and yogic breathing. Yoga and Naturopathy focus on holistic health and wellness practices. 

Unani and Siddha systems also have rich histories, offering unique perspectives on health and treatment. Homeopathy, while newer compared to others, is widely accepted and practiced across India. 

These systems collectively contribute to the diverse and holistic healthcare landscape in India. 

Survey Methodology 

The survey employed a stratified multi-stage sampling design. In rural areas, villages were the first-stage units (FSUs), while urban frame survey (UFS) blocks served as FSUs in urban areas. 

Households within these sectors were the ultimate stage units (USUs), selected through Simple Random Sampling Without Replacement (SRSWOR). 

Information was gathered from 1,81,298 households, including 1,04,195 in rural areas and 77,103 in urban areas. 

Integrating Traditional and Modern Medicine: A Holistic Approach 

These findings underscore the significant role of Ayush in India’s healthcare landscape, reflecting a deep-rooted trust and reliance on traditional medicine systems. 

The widespread acceptance of Ayush indicates a robust cultural foundation that values holistic health practices. This trust is built on centuries of empirical knowledge and practices passed down through generations. 

The growing recognition of traditional medicine’s efficacy for prevention, rejuvenation, and treatment of ailments has important implications for public health policy. 

Integrating Ayush with modern medical practices can offer a more comprehensive approach to healthcare, combining the strengths of both systems. 

For instance, while modern medicine excels in acute and emergency care, traditional systems often provide effective solutions for chronic conditions and preventive care. 

Furthermore, this integration could lead to increased research and development in traditional medicine, validating its practices through scientific methods and expanding its reach. 

The survey also highlights the economic dimension, as household expenditure patterns reveal a significant investment in Ayush treatments. This economic insight could guide policies to make Ayush therapies more accessible and affordable, ensuring broader healthcare coverage. 

In conclusion, the survey’s findings not only highlight the enduring relevance of Ayush in contemporary India but also emphasize the potential benefits of a holistic healthcare model that harmoniously blends traditional wisdom with modern scientific advancements.