Ayush Ministry Champions Ayurveda for Osteoporosis Prevention & Bone Health
On World Osteoporosis Day 2025, the Ministry of Ayush emphasizes Ayurveda's preventive, holistic pathways-including diet, therapy, and herbs-to strengthen bones and prevent fragility.
(New Delhi, October 19, 2025)-As the world observes World Osteoporosis Day 2025, the Ministry of Ayush is leveraging the occasion to shine a light on Ayurveda's profound and preventative role in tackling osteoporosis, a silent yet major global public health challenge. The Ministry stresses the critical need for early lifestyle interventions to build and maintain bone strength throughout life.
Osteoporosis is a common condition that slowly weakens bones, making them fragile and highly susceptible to fractures, often without prior symptoms-leading to its designation as a "silent disease." A fracture, frequently in the hip, wrist, or spine, is often the first sign, potentially causing pain and postural changes like hunching.
Traditional Wisdom Meets Modern Science
Ayurvedic experts correlate osteoporosis with the classical concept of Asthi Saushirya (porous bones) and the vitiation of Vata dosha. Vata, the principle of movement, dryness, and lightness, when aggravated, is believed to weaken the bone tissue (Asthi Dhatu), thus reducing bone density.
This traditional understanding, according to Prof. Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General of the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), remarkably parallels modern scientific insights into bone demineralization. "The wisdom of Ayurveda offers an effective path toward stronger bones and healthier aging," stated Prof. Acharya. He also confirmed that CCRAS is undertaking scientific studies to validate classical formulations like Laksha Guggulu and Pravala Pishti for the management of musculoskeletal disorders, generating robust evidence.
Holistic Pathways for Bone Strength
Ayurveda offers a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to strengthen bones, restore systemic balance, and prevent age-related degeneration. Key measures highlighted by CCRAS include:
Rasayana Therapy (Rejuvenation): Adopting specific rejuvenating formulations early in life is recommended to strengthen the skeletal system and delay age-related bone loss.
Snehana (Therapeutic Massage): Regular massage with medicated oils such as Mahanarayana Taila helps nourish deep tissues, improving bone and joint health.
Herbal Formulations: Classical Ayurvedic preparations like Laksha Guggulu, Maha Yogaraj Guggulu, Pravala Pishti, and Mukta Shukti Bhasma are traditionally used to promote bone strength and assist in healing.
Vata-Pacifying Diet & Lifestyle: A diet incorporating foods like kulatthi (horse gram), shunthi (ginger), rasona (garlic), munga (green gram), and fruits such as pomegranate and mango is encouraged to maintain bone density and vitality by calming Vata dosha.
Yoga and Moderate Exercise: Specific asanas (postures) are advised to enhance flexibility, improve circulation to bones and joints, and prevent stiffness, supporting overall skeletal integrity.
The Ministry of Ayush strongly urges all citizens, particularly the elderly and postmenopausal women who are at a higher risk, to integrate these Ayurvedic preventive measures, balanced nutrition, and gentle physical activity into their daily routines. By embracing these holistic pathways, individuals can proactively strengthen their bones, significantly reduce the risk of debilitating fractures, and ensure a more active and healthier aging experience.
