10TH WAC INVITES
PAPERS ON THE THEME
Dravyaguna Vijnana
Blog by Theme Co-ordinator – Dr. Shivani Ghildiyal, AIIA, New Delhi
The World Ayurveda Congress and Arogya Expo are renowned global events where luminaries, practitioners, and enthusiasts of Ayurveda come together to celebrate the holistic wisdom of this ancient healing science. One of the central themes in Ayurveda, which will take prominence in these gatherings, is Dravyaguna Vigyana– the branch of Ayurveda that explores the therapeutic properties of medicinal plants and natural substances.
Dravyaguna Vigyana is the Ayurvedic discipline that focuses on the understanding of the qualities, actions, and therapeutic potential of medicinal plants and substances (Dravya). This branch deals with the systematic study of natural herbs and other substances used in Ayurvedic formulations, detailing their taste (Rasa), potency (Veerya), post-digestive effect (Vipaka), and pharmacological actions (Prabhava).
Why focus on Dravyaguna Vigyana at the World Ayurveda Congress and Expo?
- Global Shift Toward Plant-Based Medicines: With the increasing health challenges, such as chronic diseases, lifestyle disorders, and a surge in antibiotic resistance, there has been a noticeable shift towards more sustainable and natural methods of healing. Dravyaguna Vigyana offers deep insights into using plant-based medicines to address these health concerns. Highlighting this knowledge at a global platform like the “World Ayurveda Congress and Arogya Expo” would help spread awareness about the efficacy of Ayurvedic remedies rooted in Dravyaguna.
- Bridging traditional knowledge with Modern Science: Dravyaguna Vigyana is the foundation of Ayurvedic pharmacology, and its detailed insights help bridge the gap between ancient Ayurvedic wisdom and modern medical science. By categorizing medicinal plants and substances based on their actions and effects on the human body, Dravyaguna provides a scientific approach to natural healing.
- Personalized Medicine: Ayurveda, unlike modern medicine, emphasizes the uniqueness of each individual. Dravyaguna Vigyana plays a crucial role in this personalization, offering specific herbs and remedies based on an individual’s constitution (Prakriti), health condition, and environmental factors. This tailored approach enhances the efficacy of treatments and promotes long-term wellness.
- Global Market Demand and Economic Opportunities: As the global nutraceutical, herbal, and wellness markets continue to grow exponentially, the knowledge encapsulated in Dravyaguna Vigyana becomes a powerful tool for economic growth. The Congress and Expo, through discussions on Ayurvedic pharmacology, can boost the Ayurvedic industry by fostering international trade, collaborations, and investment in Ayurvedic medicinal plants and formulations.
- Empowering Practitioners: For practitioners of Ayurveda, a deep understanding of Dravyaguna is vital. It empowers them to make informed choices about which herbs and formulations are best suited for their patients. The ongoing global interest in Ayurveda increases the demand for practitioners who are well-versed in Dravyaguna.
- Preservation and Promotion of Medicinal Plant Knowledge: In the face of rapid industrialization and modernization, many traditional medicinal plants are either endangered or forgotten. Dravyaguna Vigyana plays a critical role in not only documenting these plants but also offering sustainable methods for their cultivation and usage. The congress provides a forum to discuss the urgent need for plant conservation, the cultivation of medicinal herbs, and the ethical sourcing of Ayurvedic ingredients to ensure their continued availability for future generations.
Key Areas of Focus for Dravyaguna Vigyana in the Healthcare system
- Standardization and Quality Control: One of the significant challenges Ayurveda faces globally is ensuring the quality, efficacy, and safety of Ayurvedic products. Dravyaguna Vigyana provides a framework for the standardization of Ayurvedic herbs, helping to establish global benchmarks for quality control.
- Ethical Sourcing and Sustainability: With the rise of Ayurvedic products in the global market, the ethical sourcing and sustainable cultivation of medicinal plants must be prioritized. Sessions focusing on these topics will address the environmental and ethical concerns of the Ayurvedic industry.
- Education and Awareness: Increasing the understanding of Ayurvedic pharmacology among healthcare practitioners, researchers, and the public is essential. By creating educational programs and workshops, the Congress can emphasize the global relevance of Dravyaguna Vigyana in maintaining health and preventing disease.
- Collaborations and Policy Development: Global collaboration between nations is essential to promote Ayurveda and establish it as a reliable health system. Dravyaguna Vigyana plays a crucial role in the policy dialogues that can encourage the inclusion of Ayurveda in the healthcare frameworks of various countries.
At the WAC and Arogya Expo, Dravyaguna Vigyana will be highlighted through:
1.Workshops and Seminars: Experts will conduct sessions exploring how Dravyaguna can be integrated with modern science for research and clinical applications.
- Live Exhibitions: Medicinal plants and herbs will be showcased, giving attendees a hands-on experience to understand their properties and uses.
- Panel Discussions: Thought leaders in Ayurveda will engage in discussions on the role of Dravyaguna in addressing global health challenges, emphasizing its relevance in today’s world.
In the end as the world looks for more sustainable, effective, and natural healthcare solutions, the significance of Dravyaguna Vigyana cannot be overstated. By deepening our understanding of this ancient science and promoting its integration into global healthcare, events like the World Ayurveda Congress and Arogya Expo ensure that Ayurvedic wisdom continues to thrive and offer healing to people worldwide.