Colonization historically undervalued, if not rejected, traditional Eastern medicine. Today, these same practices are making billions in the West. How has skepticism and superiority impacted our relationships with Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Eastern sciences? Globally, the Ayurvedic herbs market was valued at $9.5 billion in 2020, and is anticipated to reach $21.6 billion by 2028. The acupuncture (a traditionally Chinese procedure) needles market is estimated to reach $177 million by 2026. Alternative medicine is making a resurgence, spurred by the pandemic. Western science and medicine have been regarded superior, while centuries old Eastern practices are depicted as mysterious, exotic, and even false. Today these holistic approaches to physical and mental health, including relying on herbs, spices, balance, and diet, are reemerging with force. What does it tell us about global power and control? And is it shifting?
Colonization historically undervalued, if not rejected, traditional Eastern medicine. Today, these same practices are making billions in the West. How has skepticism and superiority impacted our relationships with Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Eastern sciences? Globally, the Ayurvedic herbs market was valued at $9.5 billion in 2020, and is anticipated to reach $21.6 billion by 2028. The acupuncture (a traditionally Chinese procedure) needles market is estimated to reach $177 million by 2026. Alternative medicine is making a resurgence, spurred by the pandemic. Western science and medicine have been regarded superior, while centuries old Eastern practices are depicted as mysterious, exotic, and even false. Today these holistic approaches to physical and mental health, including relying on herbs, spices, balance, and diet, are reemerging with force. What does it tell us about global power and control? And is it shifting?