Ayurveda, the science of life, is one of the oldest and comprehensive systems of healthcare. It was discovered through suitable sources of acquiring knowledge and evidence (Pramana), viz. (l) Pratyaksha (Direct perception), Anumana (logical inference), Aptopadesha (verbal & authentic documentary testimony), (4) Yukti (experimental evidences), etc. These pramanas are very well comparable with the present research methodology

• Research and documentation has always been an indispensable part of Ayurveda.
• It is the oldest system of medicine, being practiced in India since ages, though its patronage decreased during the medieval period.
• After Independence in 1947, the movement for revival of Indigenous Systems of Medicine gained momentum.
• The Chopra Committee in 1948 identified the objectives and areas for research in the Indian Systems of Medicine, and based on its recommendations, the Central Research Institute for Ayurveda was established at Jamnagar in 1953.
• The Udupa Committee in 1958 further streamlined the research priorities with establishment Of the Post Graduate Institute of Indian Medicine at Banaras Hindu University Varanasi in 1963.
• Later for undertaking integrated and coordinated Research, Composite Drug Research Scheme (CDRS) was initiated in 1964.
• In 1969 Central Council for Research in Indian Medicine and Homeopathy (CCRIM&H) was established for systematic research in Indian systems of medicine after Vyas Committee recommendations in 1966.

Ayurveda:

• Life in Ayurveda is conceived as the union of body, senses, mind and soul.
• The living man is a conglomeration of three humors (Vata, Pitta &Kapha), seven basic tissues (Rasa, Rakta, Mansa, Meda, Asthi, Majja & Shukra) and the waste products of the body i.e. mala, mutra and sweda. Thus the total body matrix comprises of the humors, the tissues and the waste products of the body.
• The growth and decay of this body matrix and its constituents revolve around food which gets processed into humors, tissues and wastes, Ingestion, digestion, absorption, assimilation and metabolism of food have an interplay in health and disease which are significantly affected by psychological mechanisms as well as by bio- fire (Agni).
• Ayurvedic practice involves the use of medications that typically contain plants, metals, minerals, or other materials.
• In Ayurveda special focus is given to purification and other processing of potentially toxic plants and metalo-mineral materials.

Integration of Ayurveda with Modern System of Medicine:

• Ayurveda defines health as a state of equilibrium of dosha (regulatory and functional entities of the body), dhatu (structural entities), mala (excretory entities) and agni (digestive and factors) along with healthy state of sensory and motor organs and mind with their harmonious relationship with the soul.
• The Strength of Ayurveda lies in its three fold holistic approach of prevention of disease, promotion of health and cure of disease. This is achieved through care of body, mind and soul where physical, mental and spiritual aspects of health are considered.

National AYUSH Morbidity and Standardized Terminology E- Portal (NAMASTE portal)

• In order to enhance the global footing of Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani systems of medicine, the Ministry of AYUSH has been actively pursuing efforts to include AYUSH systems of medicine in the Traditional Medicine chapter of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). In this regard, CCRAS has been involved in the development of Standardized Ayurveda Terminologies.
• The National Ayurveda Morbidity Codes (NAMC) is an important part of this document which is also being used for morbidity data collection under NAMASTE Portal. This portal has the potential to revolutionize morbidity statistics data collection.

Conclusion:

India has a long history and strong base of traditional medicine and Ayurveda is poised to get globalized for the benefit of humanity. The health promotive, disease preventive, rehabilitative and recuperative roles of Ayurveda coupled with its holistic approach is a driving force that has taken the world by a storm. Global community is looking towards Ayurveda for solutions to the emerging health problems, which are otherwise not manageable with concurrent medical approach. Now the time is to harness the benefits of AYUSH with its rational, affordable, evidence based and discriminate use. The core aspects for integration comprise education, health care and research.