Through Ayurvedic treatment, NIA is bringing smiles back to faces
More than 500 people gave up addiction in 2025
Patients addicted to alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis are recovering
Panchkula, February 11. The National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Panchkula, is emerging as a new hope in the campaign against substance abuse. Through Ayurvedic treatment, the institute is helping young people trapped in addiction return to normal life, supporting broken families and restoring smiles on their faces.
Under NIA’s de-addiction initiative, more than 500 people quit substance abuse in 2025 and rejoined the mainstream of society. In January 2026 alone, more than 50 patients received treatment. These figures show that the Ayurvedic system is proving to be a lasting and effective solution in overcoming addiction. Patients visiting the institute are treated through Panchakarma, Shirodhara, and other therapies.
Under the aegis of the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, the institute, guided by Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Sanjeev Sharma and Dean Prof. Gulab Pamnani, is contributing to the success of the Haryana government’s anti-drug campaign.
Patients primarily seek treatment for addiction to alcohol, opium, marijuana, cannabis, charas, tobacco, cocaine, and heroin. Substance abuse severely affects both physical and mental health. Addicted individuals often develop problems such as memory loss, depression, psychosis, and confusion. Physically, they may suffer from heart disease, lung ailments, liver damage, cancer, and even life-threatening infections such as AIDS.
Treatment methods used
At the National Institute of Ayurveda, patients are treated through Ayurvedic procedures. The major therapy includes Panchakarma Shirodhara, which helps reduce mental stress and restlessness. It also controls cravings and improves insomnia, depression, mental calmness, memory, and concentration.
Nasyakarma is used because addiction greatly affects the brain and nerves. In Abhyanga, the patient’s entire body is massaged with medicated oils. Through Swedana, therapeutic heat is given to induce sweating.
Nasyakarma proving effective in de-addiction: Dr. Sunita Yadav
Dr. Sunita Yadav, Assistant Professor in the Agad Tantra department, said that patients are treated with Ayurvedic medicines, Panchakarma therapies, meditation, and psychological counseling. Nasyakarma is also proving effective. This therapy helps reduce restlessness, physical weakness, and mental stress in people suffering from addiction. Yoga and dietary management further support patients in coming out of substance dependence. Patients admitted to the institute are treated under the supervision of specialist doctors and trained staff.