HEALTHCARE

Eastern health practices like Yoga, acupuncture, ayurveda has penetrated in every area of Western society. There are increasing numbers of westerners looking to ancient knowledge of Traditional Chinese and Indian medicines and health practices.

Yoga actually made its first appearance in the west in the early 19th century. But it wasn't till 1960's that yoga really began to take off. Prominent Indian yogis began moving to Western countries to extend their teachings. It was around at this time that the Beatles were first exposed to Yoga. George Harrison was fascinated by this ancient practice and began studying yoga and Eastern religion. By 1966, Harrison journeyed to India to study Sitar, a type of stringed instrument, under the master Ravi Sahnkar.

Today Yoga is the integral part of many people's excercise regimens in Western world.International universities are now offering courses in Yoga Psychology, Metaphysics, & Hatha yoga.

Many foreigners are now arriving in India in droves, often staying on to teach and become part of the fabric of ashram life. There are lot of young Europeans who are totally into it, and are interested in teaching Yoga as their career.

We see so many foreigners getting attracted to this ancient form of practice that instead of singing hymns, we see them sitting in the Lotus position chanting “Omm” at the America’s oldest school of theology (Harvard Divinity School)

Ayurvedic system of medicine of India, which remains commonly practiced in India is now spreading worldwide. Ayurveda is the traditional yogic system of medicine. Combining Yoga and Ayurveda can provide the foundation to create such Yoga doctors who can revolutionize healthcare in the world.

By 400 AD, Ayurvedic works were translated into Chinese; by 700 AD, Chinese scholars were studying medicine in India at Nalanda University. Indian thought, as well as influencing Chinese spirituality and philosophy through Buddhism, greatly influenced Chinese medicine and herbology through Ayurveda. In 800 AD, Ayurvedic works were translated into Arabic. In 16th century Europe, Paracelsus, who is known as the father of modern Western medicine, practiced and propagated a system of medicine, which borrowed heavily from Ayurveda. In the following discussion, we would take a global view of Ayurveda.

Today Ayurveda is increasingly popular because it speaks of those elementary concepts of (1) contact with nature, (2) holism, and (3) we are what we are. Its principle s are utilized not only to treat persons who are ill but also to prepare a balanced meal and to construct a harmonious environment. Ayurveda brings to life the concepts of preventive health care and health promotion. The goal of ayurveda is to help the individual discover a personal knowledge of leaving.

Western and Indian culture have blended in many other ways. Fair skin is the current craze in India, where number of fairness products, cosmetic surgery have been used by the Indians. Being white still rules in India.

On the other hand we see the tanning obsession which is the current new craze in the western world. There are number of tanning studios which help the people to get a tanned skin easily.

We See that there are end number of things which has influenced both the cultures. There have been both positive and negative influence n both the cultures in some way or the other, but at the same time adopting different cultures and accepting each others ways has truly been rewarding.

References

http://www.policyinnovations.org/ideas/briefings/data/000074

http://www.motleyhealth.com/eastern_health_and_fitness/acupressure-for-relaxation-and-healing

http://people.howstuffworks.com/beatles-yoga.htm/printable

http://www.infinityfoundation.com/mandala/t_es/t_es_agraw_ayurveda_frameset.htm

http://www.vedanet.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=158&Itemid=2