Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Tech: India’s First AI-Powered Ayurvedic Pulse Diagnostic device Approved
Pune,January 6,2025 – A groundbreaking development in teh world of Ayurvedic medicine has emerged from India. Nadi Tarangini, an innovative pulse diagnostic device, has received approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), India’s national regulator for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. This marks a significant milestone, making Nadi Tarangini the first Ayurvedic medical device to gain such recognition.
The device, the brainchild of Padma Bhushan Prof. J. B. Joshi, Chancellor of the Institute of Chemical Technology (formerly UDCT) and President of Marathi Vidnyan Parishad, was developed by dr. Aniruddha Joshi following over six years of intensive research at IIT Bombay. The duo unveiled the device at a press conference in Pune,alongside Parag Kulkarni.
“I am indeed happy to see the idea conceptualized about two decades ago coming into reality by getting the Government’s approval for its use,” said Prof. J. B. Joshi. “It will not only give a new direction to Ayurvedic treatment, but it will also mark the beginning of the standardization process of Ayurvedic practices with the use of technology so that it can be taken across the globe for the benefit of people.”
Dr. aniruddha Joshi explained the device’s capabilities: “Nadi tarangini is an advanced AI-powered pulse diagnostic device designed to speed up traditional ayurvedic practices. It combines ultra-sensitive sensors with cutting-edge algorithms to deliver precise pulse readings and provide detailed health insights. This patented device helps practitioners analyze 22 Ayurvedic parameters, including Tridosha balance (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), stress levels, digestive health, and overall well-being of a person.”
The inspiration for the device, according to Dr. Joshi, stemmed from his father’s health journey: “My father Prof. J. B.Joshi had some health problems about 20 years ago, and Vaidya Ashok Shripad Bhat from Pune treated him successfully. That time he realized that pulse examination played a very vital role in diagnosis. Thus,he came with an idea to develop a medical device suitable for pulse examination,which is an critically important part of the diagnostic process in Ayurveda. During my intense research work at IIT Bombay,I worked on 7 to 10 different sensors before I could successfully develop a device that came very close to the tactile sensation of a finger based on piezoelectric pressure sensors. It was my PhD topic too.”
Dr. Joshi continued, “Since it is a device that picks up the pulse wave, it was named ‘Nadi Tarangini’. Now we are able to carry forward the legacy of ancient Indian knowledge tradition like pulse examination through a modern device. A research grant was received from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) for this research project. After this, when renowned entrepreneur Anand Deshpande suggested that research should not be limited to the laboratory only but should be brought to the market for the use of people at large, I founded the company Atreya Innovations and worked to make this device suitable for the use of Ayurvedic doctors.”
Nadi Tarangini’s technological prowess extends beyond India. The device secured a U.S. patent last year, in addition to patents in Europe and Indonesia. Currently,over 1250 Ayurvedic clinics across India utilize Nadi Tarangini,with over 500,000 individuals already benefiting from its diagnostic capabilities. the CDSCO certification process involved the examination of over 25,000 individuals. The device generates a extensive 10-page report detailing 22 Ayurvedic parameters,available in 10 Indian languages. dr. Joshi noted that the device boasts an accuracy rate of approximately 85%.
Prof. J. B. Joshi concluded by highlighting the future potential of Nadi Tarangini, suggesting its global reach and impact on the integration of ancient Ayurvedic practices with modern technology.
Indian Tech aims to Globalize Ayurveda with Nadi Tarangini
A groundbreaking device, nadi Tarangini, is poised to transform the practice of Ayurveda, potentially bringing this ancient Indian healing system to a global audience. The device, which has received approval from India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), offers Ayurvedic practitioners a more precise diagnostic tool. With approximately 600,000 registered Ayurvedic doctors in India, the potential impact is significant.
The Indian government’s initiative to integrate Ayurvedic treatments into 12,000 primary healthcare centers nationwide further underscores the device’s importance. Nadi Tarangini’s application extends beyond clinical settings; its use in Ayurvedic medical schools is also anticipated.
“Just as yoga has gained popularity globally, Nadi Tarangini is an critically important step towards making Ayurveda available to people all over the world,” stated Professor J. B. Joshi. He also confirmed that both the hardware and software components of the device have received CDSCO approval, placing it in the organization’s ‘B’ category.
The device has even garnered attention from Prime Minister narendra Modi,who praised Nadi Tarangini during his “Mann Ki Baat” radio address. Priced at approximately $675 (Rs 55,000),the device is manufactured by Atreya Innovations in Hinjewadi,Pune.The company currently produces 5,000 units annually and recently secured $600,000 (Rs 5 crore) in seed funding to expand research, distribution, and production capacity.
This technological advancement in Ayurvedic diagnostics could signal a new era for the practice, potentially increasing its accessibility and appeal to a wider international audience. The integration of technology into traditional medicine represents a fascinating intersection of ancient wisdom and modern innovation.
