'Need research in ancient medicine'

KANNUR: Union minister of state for ayurveda, yoga and naturopathy, unani, siddha and homeopathy (Ayush) Shripad Yesso Naik has said the central government is planning to conduct more researches on the ancient systems of medicine, including ayurveda, yoga and naturopathy, and it would set up 'Yoga Villages' across the country.


Addressing a function after laying foundation stone for the country's first Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy at Kinanur-Karinthalam panchayat in Kasaragod on Sunday, he said the ayurveda and Ashtavaidya tradition of Kerala, and the siddha-marma therapy practised here, are invaluable. He stressed the need for more research in these traditional treatment practices.

"Ayurveda and yoga can be used effectively to treat lifestyle diseases," he said, adding that yoga is a science and ayurveda is as old as the Vedic period. "Yoga is being introduced in 15 tourist centres, which are jointly run by the central and state governments, in the country. Ayurvedic treatment has gained prominence in tourism centres and this joint venture is being set up in that connection, said the minister.

"Once the research centre comes up, the possibility of starting postgraduate courses could be considered," he said responding to the request of health minister K K Shailaja. "The work on the 100-bed hospital complex would be completed in a year," he said.

Shailaja, who presided over the function, said the state government would set up an international ayurveda research institute in Kannur.