Despite sharing ancient roots and rich medical philosophies, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda have taken very different global routes. As of 2025, TCM is integrated into the public health systems of over 60 countries, backed by 100+ universities worldwide, and supported by 30+ WHO collaborating centers. China’s government has invested billions in standardization procedures, clinical trials, and global export strategies.
In contrast, Ayurveda, India’s traditional system of medicine is still under-represented on the global stage. India has only 5 WHO collaborating centers focused on all the traditional systems combined (Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani). While there are 500+ colleges under Ministry of Ayush, very few produce internationally recognized research studies. Ayurvedic medicines account for less than 2% of India’s pharmaceutical exports, and the lack of global pharmacopoeia alignment, standardized coding systems, intact regulatory systems, robust scientific validation along with large-scale clinical trials continue to limit its reach.
What is often overlooked is our Ayurveda’s unique strength in personalized healthcare, maintenance of gut microbiome, preventive medicine, and mind-body connection; all of which that modern healthcare system is now beginning to value.
1. What is truly holding “Ayurveda” back – Science, Systems, or Strategy?
2. How can India reposition Ayurveda to match global standards without losing its authenticity?
I think not the science itself. Ayurveda has deep wisdom, but lacks standardized global research, strong regulatory systems, and unified strategic promotion like TCM.
2. Based research, standardizing formulations, integrating modern clinical trials, and promoting Ayurveda’s unique strengths (like personalized care and gut health) through global collaborations—all without diluting its traditional essence.
What I personally feel is that it is held back by poor systems and weak global strategy. While the world is now embracing personalized and preventive care, Ayurveda knew it all along. India just needs to back it with solid research and smart positioning without losing what makes it truly unique.
Ayurveda has immense potential, but what’s holding it back it is not it’s wisdom,it’s lack of integration between tradition and modern scientific validation. To match global std., India needs strong clinical research, standardization, and global communication strategies, without diluting ayurvedas core principle. It’s time we back our heritage with evidence and global vision.
Global acceptance demands complying utilising global norms: TCM established codes of codes of conduct and fit into international pharmacopoeias early, but Ayurveda has just lately begun to establish inroads with tools, the newly released WHO ICD-11 indigenous medicine module. This step might finally establish the foundation for a data-driven acceptance.
I think for our traditions to thrive, a certain reverence and appreciation fo the craft must be instilled within our people. With Traditional chinese Medicine, I observe that practitioners in China practice their craft with pride and are also respected for it. In India however, the fast-paced pursuit towards establishing oneself in modern medicine over traditional practice has resulted in Ayurveda being overlooked.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the Ayurvedic system of medicine originated in India are among the time-honored holistic approaches to healing, beginning thousands of years ago that are still utilized today. Practitioners in TCM and Ayurveda base their healing recommendations on an individual’s constitutional condition—or group of generalized symptoms—and not on what usually consider a diagnosed disease or disorder. After obtaining a detailed verbal health history, carefully noting the pulse, and performing a physical exam, the TCM or Ayurvedic practitioner may suggest a variety of interventions with the goal of re-balancing the organ systems and the body’s energy. These interventions usually include herbs, but may also include diet and lifestyle changes, exercise, meditation, acupuncture and other approaches.
Ayurveda has the soul, but lacks the system. TCM surged ahead because China treated it as both a science and a strategy.
If India wants Ayurveda to shine globally, we need rigorous research, global-standard protocols, and modern storytelling-without losing its ancient wisdom.
Everyone are seeking for the fast treatments so most of the people are preferring the English medicines. and not showing interest on the ayurveda as it is a late process for cure.
In my opinion if the revolution among the India is to be raised by the doctors to go to ayurveda treatment if any type of disease is treated with English medicines will harm the patient then the ayurveda will not lose the standards.
Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicine (TIM) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) remain the most ancient yet living traditions. There has been increased global interest in traditional medicine. Efforts to monitor and regulate herbal drugs and traditional medicine are underway. China has been successful in promoting its therapies with more research and science-based approach, while Ayurveda still needs more extensive scientific research and evidence base.
Ayurveda don’t have any lacking point or issues instead of that the government and system is lacking to build up the ayurveda field in India as well as over the world. As traditional medicines are acknowledged by different countries over the world. But in India ayurveda don’t getting that much attention and due to this ayurveda is lacking as compared to TCM.
I feel Ayurveda has great potential, but it lacks global support and strong scientific proof.
The main problem seems to be the strategy and system, not the science itself.
If India invests more in research and global standards, Ayurveda can grow worldwide while keeping its traditional roots.
Ayurveda doesn’t need reinvention it needs repositioning. With the right science, systems, and strategy, it can evolve into a globally respected health paradigm offering exactly what modern medicine is beginning to seek personalized, preventive, and integrative care.
@dranu1120 truly agree. Global strategies that can position it with the foundation of trust will be extremely beneficial and also strong research that’s acceptable in the global research.
@caryn valid point. They truly know the strategies associated with how to display their research with much of authenticity and same or better strategy should be adopted by India as well.
