AGP Executive Report

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Arsenicum Album 30 being used as a COVID-19 preventive and immunity booster, but the court dismissed his plea as withdrawn.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.

Ayurveda Spotlight: India marked 11th Ayurveda Day, “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow,” with renewed focus on prevention, daily routines, and blending traditional knowledge with modern research. Funding & Integration: The Centre released Rs 6,406.99 crore via the National Ayush Mission to expand Ayush clinics, co-locate services in public facilities, and grow traditional medical colleges—supporting thousands of Ayush doctors and paramedics. Practical Home Care: Acharya Balkrishna shared Ayurvedic home remedies for common skin issues, framing many conditions as dosha-imbalance “Kushta Roga.” Acupuncture in the Wild: The New England Aquarium treated its oldest African penguin, “Pip,” with acupuncture to improve mobility and reduce reliance on pain meds. Community Wellness Moves: A Davenport collective is opening a downtown healing hub with yoga, sound baths, breathwork, and Reiki mentorship, plus pay-what-you-can days. Quit-Smoking Support: A Charlottesville-area six-week Zoom program pairs meditation, acupuncture, stress reduction, and nutrition with group support. Wellness Policy Watch: New Delhi Municipal Council approved a 50% EV parking fee concession and a 50-bed AYUSH hospital plan.

Longevity & skin care from home: Mon Chère launched a remote “360° Longevity Program” led by Janette Holland-West, using a decode-then-intervene approach spanning cellular health, nervous-system “somatic” work, and visible skin/hair/nail patterns. Ayush funding push: India’s Centre released Rs 6,406.99 crore via the National Ayush Mission to expand and integrate Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and homeopathy into public care, including more Ayush clinics, co-located services, and Ayush colleges. Ayurveda workforce pressure: Ayurveda interns in Madhya Pradesh demanded a stipend hike to match MBBS interns, warning of a strike if not resolved soon. Acupuncture for Parkinson’s: A sham-controlled trial reported Qihuang needle acupuncture improved both motor and non-motor Parkinson’s symptoms and quality of life when added to usual meds. Spa access expands in Pembroke: Plans are underway to open a former holiday-apartment spa to the public, including sauna, hot tub, cold-plunge and aromatherapy. Recovery community event: Attack Addiction’s Sober Fest returns Sept. 26 with free reiki and recovery resources in an alcohol- and drug-free setting. Caution on polypharmacy: Doctors’ advice column highlights risks when older adults accumulate multiple prescriptions and supplements without a full medication review.

Ayurveda & Wellness Expansion: Sri Sri Wellbeing reopened an expanded doctor-led Ayurveda satellite centre in Ahmedabad with more Panchakarma rooms and Gujarati/Hindi/English consultations. Community Holistic Events: Doncaster’s Soul Sisters fair returns with reiki, tarot, sound healing, laughter therapy, and low-tox beauty stalls. Local Growth Stories: Lotus Wellness in Shelby grew from a home massage practice into a full wellness studio with infrared sauna and yoga. Wellness Travel That’s Getting Shorter: RXV Wellness Village in Thailand added a one-night “wellness getaway” for guests who want a quick reset. Mind-Body & Recovery Trends: Toronto’s wellness guide spotlights waterfront trails, cold plunges, saunas, and sound baths for city breaks. Homeopathy in the Spotlight: Boiron celebrated a new U.S. logistics centre as it scales homeopathic distribution. Herb Watch: Licorice root is back in focus for liver, digestion, and oral health—along with warnings about serious side effects. Policy & Access: India’s Ayurveda Day plans draw international participation, while AYUSH insurance coverage guidance highlights what’s covered and what needs pre-approval. Health Caution: A roundup of supplements for blood sugar control says results vary and they shouldn’t replace diabetes care. Industry Regulation: NCISM reportedly derecognised multiple private BAMS colleges in India for 2026-27 over compliance gaps.

Wellness & Community: Wellness influencer Alena Hennessy, 49, died after a secret terminal cancer battle, with her family asking for privacy while planning a public memorial in spring 2027. Herbal Spotlight: Licorice root is back in the spotlight for liver, digestive and oral health uses—alongside renewed warnings that its glycyrrhizin can cause serious side effects. Ayurveda Global Push: South Korean star Son Ye-jin says she wants to visit India for Ayurveda after hearing about Ayurvedic massage. Ayurveda Day Countdown: India’s Ayurveda Day 2026 (Sept. 23) is set to draw participation from 10 countries and territories, with thousands of events and pledges reported nationwide. Policy & Safety: India’s AYUSH health insurance coverage is expanding, but coverage depends on medical necessity, recognized facilities, and proper documentation. Regulation Watch: NCISM reportedly derecognized multiple private BAMS colleges in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat for 2026-27. Research Roundup: A review of 11 supplements for blood sugar control finds mixed results and says they’re not a substitute for standard diabetes care. Mind-Body Trends: “Scent-scaping” and functional fragrance are gaining traction as people look for mood and home-comfort benefits from smell. Palliative Care: A hospice CEO urges the public to rethink palliative care as support for many serious illnesses—not “giving up.”

Wellness Travel: Miraval The Red Sea (Saudi Arabia) leans into all-inclusive resort recovery with spa credits and group programming, while “scent-scaping” is turning fragrance into a mood-setting home wellness ritual. Metabolic Health: Experts warn that pre-diabetes is showing up in younger adults, with sedentary routines, processed diets, stress, and poor sleep flagged as key drivers. Traditional Medicine on the Move: TCM is being pitched as astronaut support for China’s crewed missions, and South Korea is seeing growing tourist interest in traditional Korean medicine beyond cosmetic care. Ayurveda Policy & Safety: India’s CCRAS calls for stronger evidence and safety monitoring for Ayurveda’s market adoption, as NCISM denies recognition to nine private Ayurvedic colleges in Madhya Pradesh. Research & Remedies: A major review spotlights Leucas aspera’s drug potential, while a supplement roundup looks at options for lowering blood sugar naturally (with caution that lifestyle still matters). Mind-Body & Care Trends: Face yoga is marketed as a Botox alternative, and head oiling (shiro abhyanga) is promoted for stress relief and sleep. Community Wellness: Even Keel Wellness Spa expands its free Calm for a Cure day to four Maryland locations for people affected by cancer. Holistic Lifestyle: A Harvard family credits alpaca proximity with easing severe migraines, adding to the growing interest in unconventional wellness approaches.

Ayurveda Evidence Push: India’s top Ayurveda research body (CCRAS) is calling for stronger scientific proof, safety monitoring, and better translation of Ayurveda studies into market-ready tools—aimed at boosting trust and adoption for non-communicable diseases. Ayush Goes Digital with AI: The Ayush Ministry says it’s expanding AI across Ayurveda and other traditional systems, including voice-based health records, disease-trend detection, and chatbots for research and education. Traditional Medicine in Space: Chinese experts say Traditional Chinese Medicine could help astronauts with sleep, digestion, heart-rate stability, and muscle atrophy during microgravity. Holistic Wellness Spotlight: A Pune wellness centre is marketing Ayurveda, yoga, and naturopathy for conditions from diabetes and thyroid issues to stress and women’s health. Wellness as Prevention: Acharya Balkrishna reiterates Ayurveda’s “protect the healthy first” message, pairing it with practical routines like weekly head oil massage. Regulation Watch: NCISM denied recognition to nine private Ayurvedic colleges in Madhya Pradesh for 2026-27 over compliance and infrastructure gaps. Culture & Community: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta joined Haritalika Teej celebrations with the Nepali and Gorkhali community, while a Warangal Ganesh idol theme blends eco-friendly craft with a Supreme Court concept.

Ayush & Ayurveda Tech Push: India’s Ayush Ministry is rolling out AI across Ayurveda and other traditional systems—voice EHR support, disease-trend detection, and personalized treatment help—via the Ayush Grid and tools like MAISP and research assistants. Regulation Watch: India’s NCISM has denied permission to nine private Ayurvedic colleges in Madhya Pradesh for 2026-27, citing regulatory and infrastructure gaps, raising concerns for BAMS students. Mind-Body & Burnout: A South African wellness feature challenges the idea that burnout only means “can’t work,” pointing to research linking high burnout with higher GP visits and medical-aid costs, and promoting “rest without performance.” Complementary Care in Practice: Even Keel Wellness Spa expands its free Calm for a Cure cancer-care day to four Maryland locations, adding Reiki and other treatments. Wellness Tourism Boom: Nepal’s Wellness Nepal Investment Summit backed a 2026–2035 strategy and 2027 as Wellness Tourism Year, while the UAE launched the “UAE Grand Tour” platform for multi-emirate wellness, culture, and family routes. Alternative Medicine Education/Access: NTA released AIAPGET 2026 results for Ayurveda, homoeopathy, siddha and unani postgraduate admissions. Spa Trends (Cow-Inspired): Stonyfield’s limited-time “Organic Cow Spa” in Maine turns farm cow-care routines into human aromatherapy, scalp massage, meditation, and foot care.

AI in Ayurveda: India’s Ayush Ministry is expanding artificial intelligence across Ayurveda and other traditional medicine—aiming for AI-enabled tools for healthcare, research, education, and public information, including voice-based electronic health records and disease-trend detection. Wellness Jobs & Training: Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath handed out appointment letters to 818 newly selected candidates, including roles in AYUSH (homoeopathy, Ayurveda, Unani) and medical support like X-ray technicians. Traditional Medicine Push: A Supreme Court move rejected a plea to raise medical teachers’ retirement age from 70 to 75, keeping policy debates around medical education on the boil. Exam Updates: NTA released AIAPGET 2026 results for postgraduate admissions in Ayurveda, homoeopathy, Siddha, and Unani, with scorecards available online. Cow-Inspired Spa Trend: Stonyfield launched a limited-time “Organic Cow Spa” in Maine, turning farm routines into aromatherapy, scalp massage, foot care, and a meditation trail. Acupuncture for Pain: A new study reviews ultrasound-guided low-level He-Ne laser therapy after acupotomy for carpal tunnel syndrome. Wellness Tourism: Karnataka Tourism wrapped up its Arabian Travel Market push in Dubai, spotlighting heritage, wildlife, coastal and wellness offerings for GCC travelers.

Wellness Tourism Push: Nepal’s Wellness Nepal Investment Summit wrapped in Kathmandu, with officials backing a National Wellness Tourism Strategy (2026–2035) and declaring 2027 “Wellness Tourism Year,” urging more investment, infrastructure, and skilled talent. Ayurveda in the Spotlight: In Vijayawada, an AYUSH rally framed Ayurveda as daily lifestyle and prevention (“Ayurveda for a Healthy Tomorrow”), while Andhra Pradesh plans to link Sanjeevani with home yoga through the Intintiki Yoga programme. Integrative Care Goes Tech: Hong Kong’s Elite Asia Group launched an integrative TCM center using AI-supported consultations and an “AI Mugwort Robot” for moxibustion, alongside acupuncture and cupping. New Healing Destinations: Four Seasons Maldives opened Urja Naturopathy Island with heliotherapy and naturopathic pathways; near Denver, VESPR wellness sanctuary is set to open with Reiki, sound baths, and recovery tech. Ayush Education Update: India’s NTA declared AIAPGET 2026 results—Ayurveda topper Vinod (99.997 percentile). Safety & Oversight: Greece reported expired vaccines and unqualified providers in private clinic inspections, renewing calls for stronger monitoring.