AGP Executive Report

Regulation Crackdown: India’s FDA has permanently cancelled Shivnath Ayurveda’s manufacturing licence in Nashik after an ANiS complaint alleging illegal drug production and quackery, following an inspection that reportedly found major manufacturing-standard violations. Women’s Health Supplements: OmniActive Health Technologies launched Fenavari, a shatavari/fenugreek ingredient for menopause and perimenopause symptoms, backed by a published placebo-controlled trial in Women’s Health Reports. Acupuncture Expansion: Queen City Acupuncture & Wellness Center (Matthews, NC) expanded its space to add more treatment rooms and services like acupuncture, dry needling, cupping, shockwave therapy, electro-acupuncture, and herbs. Herbal Spotlight: Lemon balm is getting renewed attention for anxiety and sleep support, though experts note human research is still limited. Mind-Body Trend Watch: “Bed rotting” is trending as burnout self-care, but clinicians warn that staying bedridden too long can worsen mental and physical health. Traditional Medicine in Care Models: Hong Kong’s Chinese Medicine Hospital is rolling out integrated Chinese medicine programs with Western support, starting with post-stroke and lower-back-pain care. Local Remedy Culture: Patanjali’s Acharya Balkrishna shared monsoon-focused ayurvedic skin tips, including coriander-leaf skincare and kattha (catechu) for painful toe wounds from prolonged water exposure.

Regulation Clash: India’s Maharashtra IMA warns it may shut down medical services if the state moves ahead with registering certain homeopathy practitioners, urging a pause until a Bombay High Court decision. Herbal Skin Care Buzz: Patanjali’s Acharya Balkrishna spotlights coriander leaves for skin, citing antioxidant activity, and shares a monsoon-focused foot-wound remedy using kattha (catechu) for cracks from prolonged water exposure. Mind-Body & Sleep: Lemon balm is getting renewed attention for anxiety and sleep support, but coverage stresses that human research is still limited. Clinic Expansion: Queen City Acupuncture & Wellness Center in Matthews, NC, expands its space and adds more appointment capacity for acupuncture and related pain and wellness services. Traditional Medicine in Practice: Hong Kong’s Chinese Medicine Hospital rolls out integrated Chinese medicine programmes with Western medical support, starting with post-stroke and lower-back-pain care. Wellness Tourism Push: Nepal’s trekking agencies and business partners sign an MoU to package wellness trekking circuits, aiming to grow health-focused travel. Community Holistic Events: A Texas fair returns for its sixth year with tarot, crystals, reiki, reflexology, and other complementary services.

Wellness Tourism Push (Nepal): TAAN and NIB-GA signed an MoU to brand and promote Nepal’s high-Himalayan wellness trekking circuits, including the Annapurna Trekking Circuit, as part of the National Health Tourism Action Plan (2026–2030). Mind-Body & Recovery Culture (US): A metaphysical and holistic fair returned for its sixth year, spotlighting services like reiki, tarot, palm reading, and reflexology—showing how “wellness” keeps moving from clinics into community events. Acupuncture in the Spotlight (Wildlife): After an orphaned owl couldn’t regain grip and survival skills with standard rehab, veterinarians used acupuncture sessions every other day for a month, helping her ultimately fly free. Traditional Medicine Safety Warning (Sri Lanka): Doctors warned dengue patients against unverified home remedies and said a dedicated dengue clinic will open soon for patients seeking Ayurvedic care from qualified practitioners. Ayurveda Crackdown (Nepal): The Nepal Ayurveda Doctors Association asked the public to submit clear, verifiable details to stop illegal production and misleading promotion of Ayurvedic medicines. Wellness Travel Upgrade (Thailand/Hotels): Radisson Resort Layan Phuket opened with a Malai Spa featuring aromatherapy and Thai wellness treatments, plus yoga and recovery-focused facilities. Herbal Research Roundup: A new survey in Goa and Maharashtra documented medicinal uses of mangroves, linking traditional remedies to modern research.

Ayurveda for Aging Parents: On National Parents Day (July 26), coverage highlights common health issues after 60—like diabetes, falls, heart risk, and memory decline—plus simple Ayurveda-style habits aimed at supporting digestion and “Vata” balance. Panchakarma Safety Question: A celebrity reel about drinking a 150 ml medicated ghee shot for Panchakarma (Snehapana) sparked renewed debate on whether large-dose ghee is safe for everyone. AYUSH Push for Credibility: The AYUSH Ministry directed NIA Panchkula to build a public outreach plan, including sharing patient recovery stories and strengthening research and evidence-based messaging. Scam Alerts in Alternative Health: Nepal’s Ayurveda doctors group urged the public to submit proof to stop illegal Ayurvedic medicine sales and misleading promotions; in India, police busted an alleged fake “Ayurvedic job” racket that allegedly trapped recruits in a money scheme. Health Warning on Home Remedies: A dengue outbreak report warns patients not to use unverified home treatments and to seek care from qualified Ayurvedic or Western doctors. Wellness Industry Updates: WorldSprings Dallas expanded thermal and sauna recovery options, while a Haridwar retreat announced a week-long Ayurveda-and-sound wellness program. Eco-Myth Check: A look at biodegradable bags questions whether they truly reduce microplastic harm.

Wellness Tourism: Amrit Bhawan in Haridwar is rolling out a week-long “A Week of Wellness by the Ganga” (July 25–Aug 1) with daily yoga, Ayurveda sessions, nutrition consultations, massage, sound healing, and evening Ganga Aarti—packages start at INR 14,440 plus GST. Sauna & Heat Therapy: WorldSprings Dallas marked its two-year anniversary by expanding thermal and recovery options, adding an Aufguss event sauna plus new sauna experiences (including aromatherapy and red light) and partnering with the Dallas Cowboys for “social wellness and recovery.” Traditional Medicine Policy: Assam’s cabinet approved a stamp duty waiver for SHG loans up to Rs 10 lakh and cleared new Assam Ayurvedic Health Services Rules, 2026. Safety in “Natural” Care: A dengue outbreak report warns patients not to use unverified home remedies and says a special dengue clinic will open July 31 at an Ayurveda hospital. Ayurveda Under Scrutiny: Nepal’s Ayurveda doctors group is asking the public for proof to stop illegal Ayurvedic medicine sales and misleading promotions. Herbal Research: A Goa mangrove survey documents medicinal uses of multiple species, linking traditional remedies to potential future drug discovery. Scam Watch: Uttar Pradesh police busted an alleged fake job racket that allegedly trapped youths by pushing Ayurvedic product “jobs” into a money-circulation scheme.

Dengue Warning: Sri Lanka doctors say unverified home dengue remedies have left patients critically ill, urging people to stick to treatments prescribed by qualified Western or Ayurvedic clinicians and to avoid social-media “cures.” Ayurveda Crackdown: Nepal’s Ayurveda doctors group is asking the public to submit clear, verifiable details to stop illegal production and misleading sales of Ayurvedic medicines. Fraud Exposed: Uttar Pradesh police busted an alleged Ayurvedic “job racket,” arresting nine after claims of forced recruiting and confinement of victims. Men’s Fertility & IVF: A fertility report highlights that sperm health can strongly affect IVF outcomes, pushing couples to treat male reproductive checks as a core part of planning. Panchakarma Spotlight: A new explainer breaks down Panchakarma as a structured Ayurvedic detox and balance-restoring approach, including its five main therapies. TCM Training Abroad: Chinese doctors launched traditional Chinese medicine training in Sierra Leone using a hybrid teaching model, including acupuncture and related techniques. Medication Shortage: UK pharmacies face an extended serious shortage protocol for ramipril 1.25mg, limiting supplies to one month at a time. Wellness on the Move: Transcend Cruises is partnering with Rituals to bring “Mind Oasis” wellness experiences aboard its new European river ship.

NEET Protests & Accountability: India’s NEET exam system is under intense scrutiny after allegations of paper leaks and administrative lapses sparked student protests, with critics warning that one high-stakes test can undermine trust in merit-based healthcare pathways. Public Health Staffing Rights: In Nagpur, the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission ordered the municipal corporation to fill 1,000 health vacancies within seven months and pay ₹3 lakh over human-rights violations tied to gaps in medical and AYUSH services. TCM Goes Global: Chinese doctors are expanding traditional Chinese medicine training abroad, including hybrid programs in Sierra Leone, while international visitors increasingly seek acupuncture, cupping, and moxibustion during travel. Medication Shortage Watch (Ramipril): UK pharmacies must keep rationing ramipril 1.25 mg supplies under a serious shortage protocol extended to Oct 30, raising fresh concerns for millions of patients. Ayurveda in Maternal Care: Uttarakhand plans Supraja Centres in all districts to deliver Ayurveda-based antenatal support, aiming to improve nutrition and reduce complications. Wellness Travel Boom: Cruise lines are rolling out premium wellness experiences—like Mind Oasis by Rituals—bringing massage, aromatherapy, and sound-led relaxation to onboard retreats. Beauty & Wellness Trends: PDRN “glass skin” skincare is surging in popularity, while “I-beauty” continues to spotlight Ayurveda-inspired routines. Local Integrative Care: An acupuncture clinic in Astoria announced retirement and closure, effective July 30, marking the end of a long-running traditional practice.

Ayurveda & Hindu tradition: On Devshayani Ekadashi (July 25), a Hindu fasting tradition explains why rice is avoided—linked to beliefs that rice can absorb “negative cosmic energies” and reduce the fast’s spiritual payoff. Ayurveda for summer heat: Acharya Balkrishna shares home-style ways to cool “excess body heat” tied to Pitta, including a sattu drink meant to calm heat and support digestion. TCM goes global: China’s new 15th Five-Year Plan for Traditional Chinese Medicine aims to standardize care and expand access, as international visitors increasingly seek acupuncture, moxibustion, and cupping. Fertility add-ons questioned: A new review in The Lancet raises doubts about common IVF add-on procedures, finding limited convincing benefits for several popular interventions. Medicine shortages hit patients: UK pharmacists are again rationing ramipril for another three months under a serious shortage protocol. Wellness experiences, not just prescriptions: Sound baths with tuning forks and luxury floating spa retreats in London highlight the growing mainstream pull of relaxation therapies. AYUSH expansion with delays: Uttar Pradesh’s Ballia faces construction delays for 14 Ayurvedic hospital buildings, while Uttarakhand plans Supraja Centres for Ayurveda-based antenatal care. Regulation watch: An FDA panel voted to loosen rules on controversial peptide BPC-157, a move that could reshape access via compounding pharmacies. Self-care in health systems: New research argues self-care works best when integrated into formal health systems with clear referral pathways.

Animal Self-Medication: A new review in Scientific Reports describes how orangutans may mix saliva with medicinal plant leaves to soothe pain and “purify the air,” echoing older plant-based practices. TCM Expansion: China released a 15th Five-Year Plan push to modernize traditional Chinese medicine and expand standardized, higher-quality access for overseas patients. FDA Peptide Debate: An FDA advisory panel voted to loosen restrictions on the controversial peptide BPC-157 for compounding pharmacies, a win for peptide advocates despite researcher caution. Pain Care Guidance: Europe issued new interdisciplinary guidelines for managing pain in acute pancreatitis, including earlier pain measurement and guidance on epidural options. AYUSH Policy Moves: BRICS health ministers approved a working group on traditional medicine, while India’s states keep advancing AYUSH regulation, including Sikkim’s medical council bill. Wellness in the Real World: Luxury hotels are rolling out more dog-friendly amenities, and spas are leaning into aromatherapy and traditional massage experiences as “self-care” travel grows. Integrative Workplace Care: NYC-area acupuncture providers are partnering with corporate wellness programs to target desk-related neck and back tension.

Integrated care push: A Thousand Oaks clinic is bringing chiropractic, primary care, and integrative medicine under one roof for coordinated back and neck pain treatment. Fertility cost relief: A New York State public assistance program is helping one patient cut IVF costs after expensive detours including IUI, acupuncture, and supplements. AYUSH regulation in motion: Sikkim lawmakers advanced bills to set up a State Medical Council for Indian systems of medicine, while Haryana officials discussed AYUSH expansion and an Ayurveda institute update. Wellness economy boom: Las Vegas is leaning hard into luxury longevity and recovery services, from red-light and IVs to hyperbaric experiences. Acupuncture goes corporate: Grand Madison Acupuncture is partnering with NYC workplace wellness programs to target desk-driven neck, shoulder, and back tension with movement and stress support. TCM spreads internationally: Portugal is seeing growing recognition of traditional Chinese medicine, and a China delegation in Davao is offering free acupuncture, herbal medicine, and tuina. Mind-body in public spaces: Shanghai launched a “Museum Healing Alliance” linking doctors, curators, and artists to support mental wellness through cultural experiences. Ayurveda food rules: A new explainer revisits Ayurveda’s “incompatible food” warnings, including meat-and-dairy pairings. Safety spotlight: Reports continue to surface around unlicensed wellness providers and serious patient harm, underscoring the need for regulation and qualified care.

TCM Gains Ground in Portugal: A Portuguese acupuncturist’s personal story won top honors at a Chinese Embassy contest, highlighting how traditional Chinese medicine is becoming more recognized in the country’s healthcare mix. Ayurveda Policy Push in Nepal: Nepal’s health ministry held a high-level meeting to expand Ayurveda services, link them with health tourism, and consider adding Ayurveda to health insurance. Integrative Care Access: A new hybrid integrative oncology model pairs insurance-billed services with low-cost self-pay options, reporting meaningful symptom improvements like pain, anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Senior Living Turns to Behavioral Health: Senior providers are redesigning operations to better screen and treat depression, anxiety, and PTSD—aiming to reduce stigma and improve quality of life for older adults. Community Wellness Openings: MEND Wellness celebrated a grand opening with concierge medicine plus yoga, acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, and IV infusion therapy under one roof. Local Alternative Medicine Growth: Salem’s Dr. Kost Acupuncture expanded downtown, and Amherst’s Spell Book & Candle continues to draw interest as a metaphysical healing shop. Safety Warning: Reports of a death after “anti-aging” serum injection at a Bronx wellness center underscore the risks of unlicensed care. Herbal Spotlight: Ashwagandha coverage renews attention on the stress- and sleep-focused herb’s long Ayurvedic use.

Traditional Chinese Medicine in the spotlight: International visitors tried acupuncture, tuina and auricular plasters at Beijing’s Peking Union Medical College Hospital, where staff highlighted an integrated TCM-plus-Western approach for chronic conditions and sleep. Community health wins: A Banbury woman raised funds for a life-changing rollator after years of chronic pain and reduced mobility, crediting a mix of conventional care and acupuncture. Herbal wellness spotlight: Acharya Balkrishna promoted ashwa­gandha as a long-used Ayurvedic “cure-all” for stress and sleep, while also sharing kitchen-based fennel seed tips for blood pressure and memory. Ayurveda policy push: Nepal hosted a high-level discussion on strengthening Ayurveda and alternative medicine, including plans to expand Ayurvedic tourism and centers like Panchakarma and Yoga. Regulation and safety: India moves to tighten quality checks for Ayush drugs, including those sold online, and Ghana’s TMPC shut down unlicensed traditional medicine clinics. TCIM diplomacy: BRICS met on traditional, complementary and integrative medicine, agreeing on terms for an expert working group to advance evidence-based collaboration. Health risks in “wellness” care: A Bronx case alleges an unlicensed doctor used NAD+ injections for “anti-aging” and a patient died, underscoring the need for proper credentials.

Traditional Medicine Policy: India hosted BRICS talks on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) in Chandigarh, aiming to set up a BRICS Expert Working Group and push evidence-based collaboration. Regulation & Safety: Ghana’s Traditional Medicine Practice Council shut two herbal clinics in the Ashanti Region for licensing and practitioner breaches, while India strengthened quality checks for Ayush drugs sold via e-commerce. Clinical Research (Acupuncture): New animal research reports electroacupuncture at ST36 may help restore early blood glucose balance in prediabetes models, linked to vagus nerve effects. Mind-Body Wellness: A Milton Keynes Reiki teacher won a regional training award, and a UK “W.I.T.C.H.” microfestival is spotlighting Reiki, sound healing, yoga, and community-led wellbeing. Healthcare Risks (Unlicensed Care): In New York, prosecutors say an unlicensed Bronx wellness doctor administered NAD+ via IV before a patient died, raising fresh alarms about anti-aging clinics. Ayurveda in Practice: A Government Ayurveda Clinic in Nallur appointed permanent doctors for public check-ups.

Electroacupuncture for prediabetes: A new U.S. study reports electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST36) helped restore early blood glucose balance, with stronger effects in lower-risk prediabetes and links to vagus nerve activation and reduced pancreatic cell stress. Regulation crackdown on alternative medicine: Ghana’s Traditional Medicine Practice Council shut two herbal clinics in the Ashanti region for licensing and practitioner violations, while India’s Ayush regulators strengthened quality checks for Ayush drugs sold online. Safety warning from “anti-aging” clinics: In New York, an unlicensed Bronx wellness doctor was arrested after a 27-year-old died following an NAD+ injection; prosecutors say he was only licensed as an esthetician. Ayurveda and homeopathy policy updates: Odisha’s High Court questioned delays in faculty recruitment at government homeopathy colleges, and a court in Uttar Pradesh ruled that a certificate in electrohomeopathy doesn’t entitle someone to practice modern allopathic medicine. Mind-body community news: A Milton Keynes Reiki teacher won a regional training award, and the UK’s Womanifest drew 1,500 attendees for Reiki, sound baths, and wellbeing workshops. Complementary cancer care: A randomized trial found adding acupuncture to radiotherapy improved head-and-neck cancer patients’ quality of life.

Healthcare Under Strain: Cuba’s hospitals say a de facto U.S. energy blockade is driving medicine shortages, surgery delays, and higher infant mortality as officials hand over solar panels and supplies to a pediatric teaching hospital. Reiki in the Real World: A former journalist in the UK turned grief into a Reiki healing business, opening a dedicated therapy room and pitching Reiki for stress and recovery. Safety Alarm in “Holistic” Care: In the Bronx, police say an unlicensed doctor at a wellness center injected a 27-year-old with an “anti-aging” serum; she died and the provider faces reckless endangerment and unauthorized practice charges. Integrative Oncology Update: A randomized trial reports traditional acupuncture alongside radiotherapy improved quality of life for head and neck cancer patients. Regulation Watch (Electrohomeopathy): In Bhopal, a council is still issuing BEMS degrees and registering practitioners despite government claims electrohomeopathy isn’t recognized. Wellness Education Expansion: ACHS partners with Knew Health to expand integrative health education and wellness benefits. Policy & Access: Sikkim tables bills including a state medical council for Indian systems of medicine and changes affecting private universities. Ayurveda & Longevity Tourism: India’s “integrated longevity” retreat launches in Gurugram with Ayurveda, diagnostics-led programs, and recovery-focused stays.

Electroacupuncture Breakthrough: New research reports gentle electroacupuncture can improve long-term facial paralysis and calm brainstem excitability, even at barely perceptible stimulation levels. Real-Time Mechanism Watch: A separate study used a high-resolution microscope to show electroacupuncture suppresses immune-cell swarming during inflammation in live mice, strengthening the case for acupuncture’s anti-inflammatory effects. Pregnancy Mental Health: A review of 115 trials finds yoga and omega-3 supplements can ease antenatal depression as effectively as psychological therapies. Wellness Tourism Boom: Costa Rica opened The Vessyl, a 4D sound wellness resort aimed at nervous-system regulation, while India’s The Wellness Co. launched a luxury integrated longevity retreat with Ayurveda, diagnostics, and personalized programs. Safety Alarm: A Bronx woman died after an anti-aging injection at a clinic; police say an unlicensed doctor was arrested. Alternative Medicine & Fraud Watch: An Ayurveda doctor linked to a Gurugram cyber/ponzi case was arrested again in Hyderabad over alleged losses of Rs 15–20 crore. Everyday Wellness Trends: Anti-anxiety “kinetic” jewellery is trending with Gen Z, but handheld fans are criticized as another fast-tech e-waste problem. Gut-Skin Focus: Coverage highlights the gut–skin connection in eczema and why diet and gut microbes may matter.