AGP Executive Report

Ayurveda Spotlight: Acharya Balkrishna is urging people to give bottle gourd (lauki) a real place on the plate, calling it cooling, hydrating, and digestion-supportive, with potential help for constipation, blood sugar, and blood-pressure balance. Gut-Soothing Drink: He also shared a mint-lemon-black-salt home remedy for “weak digestion,” with the piece tying mint’s gut-relaxing effects to peppermint research and lemon’s sour taste to digestion comfort. Alternative Care in the Spotlight: A new Tulsa guide from Snyder Chiropractic & Acupuncture lays out what patients should look for in a chiropractor visit, including how first appointments and insurance questions typically work. Tick-Bite Health Update: A personal Alpha-Gal update describes starting an auriculotherapy MAP ear-point program after a lone star tick bite, framing avoidance as essential while exploring a complementary approach. Regulation Pressure on Hemp/CBD: Local hemp and CBD businesses warn that new federal restrictions could shut down products used for sleep and pain. Ayush Economy Growth: India’s Ayush services sector is projected to scale dramatically by 2047, with the government citing growth in healthcare, wellness, jobs, and medical value travel. Safety Warning on “Cures”: In Hyderabad, a diabetes influencer is booked after a diabetic law student reportedly stopped insulin based on “VRK diet” claims and later landed in hospital. Research & Clinics: Electroacupuncture and acupuncture trials continue to expand, including new work on chronic pelvic pain and other conditions. Wellness Market Moves: Infrared sauna franchises and home recovery products keep rolling out, signaling demand for heat-based self-care.

Ayurveda System Upgrade: Kerala says it will upgrade government Ayurveda hospitals and tackle therapist and inpatient capacity gaps versus private care, as part of broader Ayush expansion. NEET Online Push: India’s education ministry is drafting a national computer-based testing plan to shift NEET-UG from pen-and-paper to online, with a final call pending recommendations from the Nandan Nilekani-led task force after the paper leak. Traditional Medicine Meets Academia: Indian acupuncture practitioners are seeking deeper ties with China’s Traditional Chinese Medicine universities and hospitals, aiming for more education and research collaboration. Ayush Growth Numbers: A new RIS study puts Ayush services at about $36.92B in FY2024-25 and projects $216–318B by 2047, highlighting healthcare, wellness, jobs, and medical value travel. Local Wellness & Recovery: A UK wellness clinic refurbished and listed for £11k, while in the US, a cancer survivor’s beem® Light Sauna franchise hits 81 studios nationwide—both reflecting continued demand for accessible recovery-focused care. Safety Warning in “Natural” Care: A diabetic law student in Hyderabad was hospitalized after following a health influencer’s advice to stop insulin, triggering police action over alleged negligent and misleading treatment.

Herbal Safety Watch: A large multicentre trial reports standardized ashwagandha extract was well tolerated over 24 weeks in 1,200 adults, with no treatment-related liver or kidney injury and no negative effect on vaccine-induced immunity. Mind-Body Wellness in Practice: A Sunderland clinic, LK Therapy and Wellness, opened at the North East BIC offering women-focused reflexology and bespoke aromatherapy rituals. Complementary Care Events: A Wigton mind, body and spirit fair (Nov. 14) will feature Reiki, crystals, readings, and talks, with proceeds supporting Hospice at Home. Ayurveda & Plant Science: Patanjali Research Foundation says it has preserved 27,000+ plant specimens and logged 100+ new plant records, feeding into Kew’s digital database. Policy & Access: India’s education ministry is working on a national computer-based testing infrastructure plan to move NEET from pen-and-paper to online, after a Nilekani-led task force review. Local Health Staffing: Jammu and Kashmir says health vacancies in Kupwara are being filled in phases, prioritizing remote, staff-deficient facilities.

Cultural Heritage Tech: China’s 2026-2030 plan will lean harder on AI, drones, satellite remote sensing, 3D modeling and virtual reality to spot risks earlier and upgrade conservation for relics, murals and historic sites. Self-Care, With Context: A BIPOC Alliance workshop explored why self-care can feel hard, breaking it into physical, emotional, energy, wisdom and “bliss” layers—and urging people to start small with awareness. Ayurveda & Plants: Patanjali Research Foundation says it preserved 27,000+ plant specimens and logged 100+ new botanical records, adding data to Kew’s digital portal. Herbal Safety Check: A 1,200-person multicentre trial reports standardized ashwagandha extract was well tolerated for 24 weeks, with no liver or kidney injury and no negative effect on vaccine immune response. Menopause Wellness: Whittlebury Park launches an ESPA Mindful Menopause Spa Day with targeted massage, aromatherapy oils and a take-home bath & body oil. Pain & Recovery: A Hawaii rehab program highlights integrated dual-diagnosis care for addiction plus mental health needs. Hemp Policy Shock: Oregon businesses warn a new federal law could end much of the hemp product market, reshaping what stores can sell. Acupuncture Abroad: Chinese doctors trained South Sudanese health workers in acupuncture and cupping as part of disability and pain care.

Ayurveda & Integrative Wellness: India’s Embassy in Cairo marked 11th Ayurveda Day 2026 (“Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow”), spotlighting Ayurveda’s prevention-first, mind-body lifestyle approach and pushing India–Egypt cooperation in complementary medicine. Herbal Safety Watch: A large multicentre trial reported 24 weeks of standardized ashwagandha extract was well tolerated in 1,200 adults, with no treatment-related liver or kidney injury. Traditional Healing in Practice: Ghana’s Traditional Medicine Practice Council trained faith healers on licensing, regulatory compliance, and mental health referral—aiming for safer, more accountable care. Mind-Body Events: A Salisbury “Trinity Flow Experience” combined yin yoga, breathwork/hypnotherapy, and Reiki/sound healing for nervous-system regulation and relaxation. Holistic Care in the Real World: Los Angeles’ Mindfulness Dental earned a Breakthrough Business nod for adding flower essences and aromatherapy to reduce dental anxiety. Community Wellness & Culture: James Smith Cree Nation announced a four-day cultural gathering featuring ceremony, cedar baths, traditional healing, and Reiki. Digital Payments (Wellness Adjacent): Trinidad and Tobago moved toward adopting India’s UPI, signaling broader tech and public-infrastructure collaboration.

Eye-Health Misinformation: A new international study of nearly 1,000 people with sight loss found about 19% reported encountering “bogus” eye treatments, with many first hearing about them through online ads—raising alarms about how patients sort claims from credible care. Cancer Care Anxiety: An opinion piece argues that people facing cancer need more trustworthy, less panic-inducing information online and in media, where conflicting wellness claims can overwhelm. Ayurveda Safety Spotlight: India’s Ministry of Ayush cites a large 24-week multicenter trial where daily standardized ashwagandha root extract was well tolerated, with no treatment-related liver or kidney injury and no serious adverse events linked to the supplement. Mind-Body Wellness in Practice: A Salisbury event pairs yin yoga, breathwork/hypnotherapy, and Reiki/sound healing for “transformation,” reflecting growing demand for calming, integrative options. Homeopathy in the Spotlight: A report says a senior homoeopathic physician presented a second edition book on “Homeopathy for Anemia” to Madhya Pradesh’s CM, continuing political visibility for alternative blood-care approaches. Community Ayurveda Push: India’s National Ayurveda Day coverage includes a 2K run promoting preventive health and holistic routines, plus multiple Ayurveda Day events abroad. Holistic Dentistry Branding: Los Angeles’ Mindfulness Dental touts flower essences and aromatherapy as part of anxiety-friendly dentistry, earning a “Breakthrough Business” recognition.

Ayurveda & Wellness Policy: India’s Ayush services sector is valued at $36.92B (2024-25) and could reach $216–$318B by 2047, with Ayurveda leading and growth driven by healthcare, wellness, jobs and Medical Value Travel. National Ayurveda Day Momentum: India’s 11th Ayurveda Day drew massive participation—millions registered and over 22,000 activities logged—while events abroad included India’s embassy celebrations in Kuwait. Preventive Health Push: A Health & Wellness Summit theme echoed “wellness is not mere absence of disease,” urging preventive care plus physical and mental well-being. Community on the Move: Vijayawada marked National Ayurveda Day with a 2K run promoting “Run for Health, Run for Wellness.” Traditional Medicine in the Spotlight: Americans’ interest in acupuncture is rising, with practitioners describing a shift from “what is it?” to “can it help me?” Health & Safety in Practice: Nepal’s Armed Police ran health camps for 4,500 flood-affected people, including special checks for jail inmates and epidemic-prevention spraying. Environment Meets Health: Baltic Sea researchers are tackling pharmaceutical pollution by looking beyond wastewater—at the full medicine life cycle, including prescribing and unused-drug return.

Ayurveda Spotlight: India’s 11th Ayurveda Day drew massive global participation, with 13.1 million registered participants and 132.5 million supporters via the official digital platform, plus thousands of community camps and plant initiatives. Preventive Care Push: At a Health & Wellness Summit, Dr. Jitendra Singh urged a shift from treating illness to building physical and mental well-being, citing Ayurveda, yoga and lifestyle as key to healthier aging. Ayush Growth Numbers: A new RIS study released during Ayurveda Day estimates Ayush services at $36.92B in 2024-25, projected to reach $216–318B by 2047, supporting 1.76M livelihoods and $1.77B in medical value travel. Global Traditional Medicine: Traditional Chinese medicine continues to gain U.S. traction, with acupuncture now familiar to many younger patients. Community Wellness Events: Nepal’s Armed Police ran health camps for 4,500 flood-affected people in Nuwakot, including special checks in holding centers. Legal/Health Debate: Kerala’s “Liver Doctor” withdrew his Supreme Court challenge to homeopathic Arsenicum Album 30 guidance, saying he’d lost faith in the judiciary.

Ayush Economy Boom: A new study says India’s Ayush services sector is surging, contributing about USD 36.92B in 2024-25 and projected to reach USD 216–318B by 2047, with strong job support and medical value travel gains. Ayurveda Day Spotlight: The 11th Ayurveda Day in Nagpur pushed “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow,” rolling out safety dossiers, standard treatment guidelines, and research-focused initiatives. Homeopathy Court Twist: Kerala’s “Liver Doctor” Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips withdrew his Supreme Court challenge over Arsenicum Album 30 guidance, citing lost faith in the judiciary. Acupuncture Research Watch: New clinical and safety-focused reports include acupuncture for prediabetes rationale and a study on acupuncture-related needlestick injuries among healthcare workers. Mind-Body & Peace: India hosted a World Peace Conclave featuring spiritual and yoga leaders, while Parul University’s “Choose Your Response” program trained students in mindful decision-making. Wellness Travel Push: Andhra Pradesh unveiled an AI-powered tourism drive for 130 destinations, with wellness centers and eco-tourism in the mix. Nutrition Warning: Reports on “lunchflation” in South Korea link cost-cutting lunches to rising risk of nutritional imbalance and weaker bone health.

Homeopathy in court: Kerala’s “Liver Doctor” Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips withdrew his Supreme Court challenge over AYUSH guidance allowing homeopathic Arsenicum Album 30 for Covid-19 prevention/immunity boosting, after saying he’d “lost faith” in the judiciary. Acupuncture safety & research: New studies look at acupuncture-related needlestick injuries among healthcare workers in China and compare acupuncture approaches for conditions like knee osteoarthritis and lumbar disc herniation. Ayurveda Day momentum: India’s 11th Ayurveda Day in Nagpur spotlighted research, evidence, innovation, and new safety/standard treatment launches. Wellness in the community: A free reiki/sound-bath style event drew dozens for guided relaxation, while a Nigeria initiative opened a Families’ Wellness Centre to support military and police households with counseling and early intervention. Mind-body care trend: Integrative mental-health coverage emphasized whole-person assessment—sleep, stress, relationships—rather than treating one symptom in isolation.

Supreme Court Watch: Kerala’s “Liver Doctor” Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips tried to block the homoeopathic Arsenicum Album 30 being used as a COVID-19 preventive and immunity booster, but the court dismissed his plea as withdrawn. Ayurveda & Wellness Tourism: Kerala Travel Mart 2026 is drawing global buyers, with wellness and Ayurveda tourism a big hook—especially for Russian visitors seeking warm-weather rejuvenation. Traditional Care in the Spotlight: Sri Sri Wellbeing is expanding doctor-led Ayurveda beyond retreats, using digital tools for ongoing lifestyle and therapy support, including large-scale eye-care consultations. Complementary Medicine in Practice: The New England Aquarium is treating an elderly African penguin with acupuncture to improve gait and reduce pain meds. Local Health Infrastructure: Rainwater flooded the Ayurveda medicine storage area at King George Hospital in Visakhapatnam, raising concerns about storage conditions and prompting promises of corrective action. Women’s Health Education: A new online graduate course from ACHS targets integrative women’s hormonal health, covering menstruation, fertility, nutrition, botanicals, and mind-body approaches. Community Events: A free Holistic Wellness Fair is set for Sept. 26, featuring Reiki, energy healing, chair massages, and practitioner talks.

Integrative mental health: A new explainer argues that whole-person care looks beyond one symptom (like anxiety or low mood) to assess sleep, stress, relationships, meds, and physical health—while still relying on diagnosis and evidence-based treatment, not “one fix” claims. Ayurveda push worldwide: India’s 11th Ayurveda Day celebrations (theme: “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow”) highlighted evidence, innovation, and prevention, including launches like the CCRAS–AGNI web portal and an AYUSH visa pathway for foreign patients. Women’s hormonal health education: ACHS launched a fully online graduate course on integrative modalities for menstruation and fertility, covering nutrition, botanicals, and mind-body approaches. Herbal medicine training: ACHS faculty shared expertise at the American Herbalists Guild Symposium, emphasizing evidence-informed, safety-first clinical herbalism. Community wellness services: DEPOWA inaugurated a Families’ Wellness Initiative Centre in Kaduna to provide psychosocial support and early intervention for military and police families. Complementary care in practice: The New England Aquarium is treating an elderly African penguin with acupuncture to improve comfort and mobility. Migraine guidance update: New American Academy of Neurology recommendations lower eligibility for prevention and elevate CGRP inhibitors as first-line options. Holistic events: A Holistic Wellness Fair and a Holisticon Wellness Expo are set for late September, featuring Reiki, energy healing, and mini-treatments.

Ayurveda Day Wave: India and partners marked the 11th Ayurveda Day with rallies, seminars, and community outreach under “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow,” including AIIA’s evidence-and-innovation themed events and global celebrations from Toronto to Kuwait. Plant-to-people Push: Nagaland’s Ayurveda Day program backed farmers to cultivate medicinal piper plants with a procurement plan, while Uttarakhand inaugurated Patanjali Ayurveda Gurukulam to funnel Sanskrit students into BAMS training. Global Business Moves: The EU Commission cleared Eurazeo/Partners Group’s acquisition of Aroma-Zone and LH91, covering natural cosmetics, essential oils, supplements, and aromatherapy products. TCM Spotlight: In Hong Kong, Selina Wong shared how acupuncture and home herbal practices shaped her path in traditional Chinese medicine. Migraine Care Update: New American Academy of Neurology guidance lowers eligibility for prevention to 4+ headache days a month and elevates CGRP inhibitors as first-line options. Wellness in the Community: A Delaware “Sober Fest” will offer free reiki and recovery resources, and the South Bronx broke ground on a $44M HEArts Center with holistic wellness spaces. Spa & Integrative Care: San Francisco’s Senspa expanded under new owners with its Ammortal Chamber, while Calgary prepares a new thermal spa with “Social/Whisper/Silent” areas.

Patient Safety & Misinformation: A UCL-led JAMA Ophthalmology survey of 955 adults with eye conditions found 19.1% reported encountering “bogus” eye treatments, with online ads a major route to getting pulled in. Doctor-Led Integrative Care: Senspa in San Francisco unveiled its refreshed brand and expanded menu, including Northern California’s only Ammortal Chamber, blending hands-on spa care with new wellness tech. Ayurveda Diplomacy & Community Events: India marked 11th Ayurveda Day across borders—workshops and free consultations in Dhaka and Baku—while Bangladesh-India leaders renewed calls for a joint Ayurveda research centre. Ayurveda Goes Local (Funding & Access): Andhra Pradesh announced Rs 27 crore for 50-bed integrated AYUSH hospitals, plus upgrades to dispensaries and Ayurveda education. Holistic Wellness Businesses: Illinois Valley’s Aligned & Alchemy Collective opened with Reiki, hypnotherapy, massage, lymphatic drainage and infrared sauna sessions. Regulation Watch: Pakistan’s DRAP moved to require barcodes and unique serial numbers on medicines starting Oct. 19, aiming to improve traceability. Energy Healing Debate: A personal piece on “energy healing” highlights growing mainstream interest in practices like reiki and acupuncture.

Ayurveda Day, global push: India and partners marked the 11th Ayurveda Day with events in Dhaka and Baku, featuring preventive-health workshops, free consultations, and cultural programming under the theme “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow.” Regulation & safety: Pakistan’s DRAP moved to tighten medicine traceability, requiring barcodes and unique serial numbers on packaging starting Oct. 19, with unsold products barred after the deadline. Market oversight: Greece’s National Transparency Authority began early inspections of private health facilities after complaints, including cases involving injectable products advertised online. Ayurveda in politics & policy: Uttar Pradesh and Odisha leaders reiterated Ayurveda’s role in prevention and called for stronger research, education, and responsible integration with modern care. Local wellness trends: A new Sydney “human potential” club (EIR LIV) is pitching a more integrated approach to diagnostics and recovery, while a university “Zen Den” adds aromatherapy and vibroacoustic tools for students. Complementary care spotlight: A Boston aquarium’s oldest penguin received acupuncture to ease pain and improve mobility.

AYUSH & Ayurveda Day momentum: Andaman & Nicobar and Peren (Nagaland) hosted Ayurveda-themed health camps and school/community events focused on preventive care, nutrition, and practical wellness. Global Ayurveda push: Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated a Patanjali Ayurveda Gurukulam aimed at Sanskrit students entering BAMS, while Himachal Pradesh AYUSH Minister Yadvinder Goma said the state is among top contenders for an AIIMS Ayurveda institute. Quality and market trust: Source Natural Foods and Herbal Supplements earned Ayush Quality Mark Certification, and World Ayurveda Day coverage highlighted the need for modern clinical support plus sustainable sourcing for botanicals like ashwagandha and turmeric. Ayurveda in the spotlight—controversy included: Baba Ramdev doubled down on claims that Patanjali ghee and medicines are authentic and laboratory-tested amid ongoing allegations. Complementary care beyond India: A New England Aquarium penguin received acupuncture for mobility issues, and local chiropractic clinics promoted integrated care including acupuncture. Wellness services expanding: Two U.S. outpatient mental health centers highlighted separate tracks for mental health, eating disorders, and substance use—aiming to reduce mismatched group care. Natural health trend: A small study reported peppermint oil may help lower blood pressure in people with mild hypertension.