"Ayurveda for Global Health" – How the International Ayurveda Congress Went

A veritable “epidemic” of so-called lifestyle diseases is heading our way, fears the World Health Organization (WHO). According to the WHO report, diabetes, lung diseases, and even a number of cancers are “the cause of a far greater threat to public health than any other epidemic known to mankind.”

How can Ayurveda address the civilization diseases of the modern world and the resulting cost explosion in healthcare with scientifically verified solutions?

These questions were repeatedly at the heart of the International Ayurveda Congress on April 11 and 12 in Roermond, Netherlands. Over 400 participants from 49 countries, more than 50 expert speakers, representatives from politics, medicine, and society, international press, a delegation from the Indian government, and highly interesting presentations: a magnificent international top event in a unique atmosphere.

For two days, speakers and scientists presented current research results, case studies, new examination methods, and experiences. Panel discussions were held, Ayurveda therapies and approaches were presented and discussed, deep insights into the ancient Vedic science of Ayurveda were given, the global perspective of Ayurveda and many other topics were discussed, and training standards were presented.

The congress took place under the patronage of Dr. Tony Nader, an internationally renowned scholar of Vedic Sciences and author of the books “Human Physiology: Expression of Veda and the Vedic Literature” and “Ramayan in Human Physiology.” The presidents of the congress were Padma Bhushan Dr. Devendra Triguna, President of the largest professional organization of Ayurvedic doctors in India, the “All Ayurveda Congress,” the President of the “International Academy of Ayurveda” in Pune, Professor Subhash Ranade, and the President of the “International Maharishi Ayurveda Foundation,” cardiologist Dr. Rainer Picha.

Many respected scientists had traveled to Roermond. Among the international guests was a three-person delegation from the AYUSH Ministry of the Indian government. A central message was echoed in the contributions of all speakers and delegates: the application of the preventive, efficient, reliable, and tested healthcare system of Ayurveda could help reverse the cost explosion in healthcare.

“Lifestyle diseases” are difficult to cure but easy to prevent, found Professor Subhash Ranade, a leading Ayurveda expert and author of 127 books on the subject. He explained:

“No healthcare system recognizes as early as Ayurveda when the body's balance is disturbed. This allows us to intervene therapeutically and preventatively long before difficult-to-treat symptoms appear.”

The WHO has now recognized the value of Ayurveda, emphasized Padma Bushan Vaidya Devendra Triguna. He acknowledged the achievement of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in spreading Yoga and Ayurveda worldwide and making a complete and authentic form of Ayurveda possible with Maharishi Ayurveda.

As preventive measures, the spiritual approaches of Ayurveda were repeatedly highlighted, such as Yoga in its form as a consciousness technique. Already the first works of Ayurveda, such as the Charaka-Samhita, mention Yoga as a very essential starting point for health, happiness, and fulfillment in life.

“Chronohygiene,” i.e., a regular daily routine that takes into account the natural rhythms of day, year, and life (especially regulated bedtime), can also have a great impact on health. Many study results demonstrated that amazing progress in the health of many patients was achieved simply by improving chronohygiene. Here, too, modern science confirms the ancient Ayurvedic texts. “Kala,” time, is named in the fundamental Ayurvedic works as one of the three main categories of causes of disease, along with detailed recommendations for sleep and meal times, as well as physical exercise or sports.

Speakers from Germany included Dr. med. Ulrich Bauhofer (Ayurvedic doctor, bestselling author, and Western Ayurveda expert from the very beginning), Dr. Karin Pirc (Medical Director of the Maharishi Ayurveda Private Clinic Bad Ems) and Lothar Pirc (Managing Director in Bad Ems), Prof. Dr. H.P.T. Ammon (University of Tübingen) and Dr. med. Christian Kessler (Immanuel Hospital Berlin). At the end of the successful congress, 15 Ayurveda greats from all over the world were honored for their great achievements and their commitment to Ayurveda.

The next International Ayurveda Congress is already planned for next year. The venue will be Rio de Janeiro or London.

The congress was complemented by poster presentations and an exhibition, where we at Maharishi Ayurveda Products also had a stand.

And how did Matt Huntjens, the winner of our raffle for an all-inclusive congress ticket, fare? He raved that he thoroughly enjoyed the International Ayurveda Congress, including and especially the gala concert “Best of India” with top musicians.

Have you become curious and would like to know more about Ayurveda? On our website, you will find many current tips and recommendations.

Book recommendation

For reading on vacation or at home, we recommend the book “Ayurveda for Every Day” by the well-known Ayurvedic doctor and bestselling author Dr. med. Ernst Schrott, founding member and vice-president of the German Society for Ayurveda, founded in 1983, the first and oldest medical association outside India.

Dr. Schrott explains the basics of Ayurveda and the most important principles as well as selected therapies for home use in an easy-to-understand way. With many tips for self-treatment and delicious recipes.

You can find many more exciting questions and answers in our webinars on YouTube.

And maybe you'll be there with your questions at the next live webinar yourself. We look forward to seeing you!

Your Maharishi Ayurveda Team