Globalisation of South Asian Medicines: Knowledge, Power, Structure and Sustainability

Abstract

The discourses on globalisation focus their attention on the flow of capital and technology from the global North. Historical, anthropological and sociological studies, however, point to crucial flows of medical knowledge, health practices, medicinal plants, other genetic resources and the first-hand knowledge of their applications into the global North from other regions rich in biodiversity. These flows do not just continue to happen but have been significant in shaping the postmodern condition. This collection is an attempt to draw attention to the less visible flows by presenting the epistemic, political, social and ecological dimensions of the globalisation of South Asian medicines and the ramifications of this process abroad and at home. The introduction outlines a framework to understand the convergences and divergences in the medical systems and health practices in the South Asian region. Although contemporary trajectories of traditional medicines in South Asian nations are many and varied, they face similar issues and share common anxieties. The challenge will be in evolving effective solutions at many levels and there are several possibilities for mutual learning among the South Asian nations.

Yoga and meditation as a health intervention 1

“…'Yogic' and meditative healthcare interventions are one of several possible approaches that an individual may try in hopes of alleviating a particular health issue. Patterns of engagement with this diversity of healthcare providers vary in distinctive ways between groups with particular cultures, caste, social class and income levels (Priya 2005(Priya , 2012Sujatha 2020 ). But despite these structure diff erences in access and engagement, yoga and meditation interventions are now part of the menu from which individuals may choose in seeking to improve their health and wellbeing.…”

“…Although there have been many areas of overlap, in general, ayurvedic, siddha and yogic systems of treating bodily suff ering off er distinct ontological frameworks and practical techniques. While there is much more consistency within ayurveda and siddha than yogic systems per se, it is extremely important to note that all of these traditions are best understood as being internally plural and diverse (Lambert 2018 ;Sujatha 2020 ).…”

“…For example, it appears that a kind of 'sick bay' evolved at the guru Madhavdasji's ashram in Malsar, Gujarat by the beginning of the twentieth century (Rodrigues 2008 : 43-44, 47). Further research is needed to determine to what extent ascetic institutions and wandering s ā dhu s served as repositories of medical knowledge in other areas of India throughout the Mughal period and into the colonial one (Sujatha 2012(Sujatha , 2020Narayan 1989 ;Newcombe 2017b , forthcoming a).…”

Assessing the availability of Repurposed Orphan Drugs in India

“…These are the alternative systems of medicine prevalent especially in the South Asian countries on the global map [18]. Hence, these too were attempted to match with the FDA OD list.…”

Ayurveda in Knee Osteoarthritis—Secondary Analyses of a Randomized Controlled Trial

“…According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Ayurvedic therapies can represent effective treatment options for certain diseases [ 9 ]. Outside of South Asia, the political, scientific, and professional medical recognition of Ayurveda is still in a pioneer stage [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ].…”