Considered one of the oldest forms of medical sciences, the Ayurvedic medicine system has an impeccable history of more than 5,000 years. Not just that, Ayurveda has also touched other various branches of medicines around the world. As a matter of fact, whether it is the West’s ancient Greek medicine, the Chinese medicines, and therapy, or the Tibetan in the East, Ayurveda has been prevalent in all four corners of the globe. Therefore, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that Ayurveda is one of India’s best gifts to the world. Let’s learn a bit more about Ayurvedic theories and how the ancient school of medicine proved to be beneficial to the world, Russia in particular. 

Ayurveda for everyone 

Even after centuries of its discovery, the Ayurvedic medicine system still continues to be prominent enough in the modern world. Despite several new discoveries and novel inventions, Ayurveda has been officially recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). Moreover, the school of medicine is gaining immense popularity in the United States, Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands as well. 

Lately, Russia has too joined the bandwagon to understand and implement the boons of Ayurveda. This is the first time the Soviet superpower’s interest in Ayurveda arose for the first time post the Chernobyl episode. Since then, Russia has been actively developing Ayurveda medicine.

The popularity of Ayurveda in Russia – A Chronological overview 

Let’s see the development of Ayurveda in Russia from 1989, explore academic literature on the subjects available in Russian and review the existing Ayurvedic products and services available in the Russian market.   

• 1989 – Right after the Chernobyl nuclear plant mishap, soviet scientists and medical professionals began researching Ayurveda, leading Ayurvedic practitioners to being invited from India for the proceedings. 
• 1990 – Russia delegated a special department of the Ministry of Healthcare of the former USSR to integrate Ayurveda with the Russian healthcare system. 
• 1991 – The first Russian professional medical association of practitioners of traditional and folk medicine (Russian Association of Traditional Medicine) was registered for effective training and registering practitioners of traditional and Oriental medicine. 
• 1996 – 2005 – Moscow unveiled its first Ayurvedic medical center called “NAAMI”, which also included several Indian practitioners. 
• 1996 – 1998 – Many Chernobyl survivors were treated in Moscow by a joint team of Russian doctors and Indian Ayurvedic practitioners.
• 2002 – 2009 – Dozens of doctors received Ayurvedic training by Indian and Russian practitioners at The Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine. 
• 2003 – An educational project called Vsya Ayurveda (“All About Ayurveda) was launched and is still active. 
• 2005 – The Ayurveda Russia-Indian Association was created and is still active even today.
• 2006 – Two Ayurvedic clinics were opened for the common public in Moscow, and they still continue to serve everyone. 
• 2014 – A council on traditional/complementary medicine was established as part of the State Duma Committee on Healthcare, which included Chinese experts as well. 
• 2015 – The second All-Russian Congress of Ayurveda took place.

Ayurvedic Literature available in Russia 

The “Sattva” publishing house has played a prominent role in making Ayurvedic literature available in Russia by translating the ancient Indian texts and Ayurvedic terminologies more viable for the Russian locals. 

Some of the leading Russian books on Ayurvedic literature are Ayurvedic Healing, Ayurveda and The Mind: The Healing of Consciousness, Ayurvedic cooking for self-healing, Prakriti: Your Ayurvedic Constitution and The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies among many others.  

Ayurvedic products available in Russia 

The Russian healthcare system has included several Ayurvedic medicines from leading brands like Himalaya, Herbion, Lupin Limited, and Plethico Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Common formulae like cough syrups, ointments, lozenges, other medicines, and dietary supplements are also prevalent in the Russian market. 

The Soviet superpower has also adopted many Ayurvedic oils and herbal medicines that are well tolerated by patients, and effective to use without any side effects. 

The takeaway

Ayurveda is extremely popular in Russia among both — the doctors and the general public. There are several thousand spas and massage centers that utilize the Ayurvedic massaging techniques, herbal steam baths, etc. 

Many Russian doctors resort to Ayurvedic preventive, therapeutic, and rehabilitation methods and medicines in their medical practices. On the other hand, Russian people are increasingly preferring Ayurvedic practitioners and their treatment methods apart from using modern medicine.