Ancient science of Ayurveda is seeing thriving growth via franchising centres in India

Ayurveda, an ancient system of treatment and healthcare, has expanded tremendously in recent times. This has led to the mushrooming of Ayurvedic centres across the country. The various herbal combinations, treatments and massage procedures used in Ayurveda have been known to treat many disorders and diseases.

The demand for Ayurvedic treatment has motivated many players to get into the field. The sector has become organised with many brands offering excellent franchise opportunity to the aspirants. 

Speaking about his centre, Dr.Mruthyunjaya, CEO, Shathayu Ayurveda said, “Our Ayurvedic centre is owned and run by doctors. Majority of the Ayurvedic centres in India are more like massage centres, rather than pure treatment centre; whereas in Shathayu, we target prevention, cure and wellness. So we provide a holistic Ayurvedic package. All our treatments are research-based. We have around 25 categories of treatment, and we are in the process of adding more treatments with time.”

During the last three decades, the world has accepted the Indian disciplines of yoga, meditation and Ayurveda. People from abroad have shown great interest in Ayurveda. However, to extend its reach across the world many organised players took the franchise route to expand their presence worldwide.

Similarly, Shahnaz Husain, Founder, Chairperson and Managing Director of Shahnaz Husain Companies, attributes the success of her brand to the franchise model.

She said, “The franchising system has been at the core of success of the Shahnaz Husain brand. All our ventures have extended on the franchise system. Initially, our franchise system was not a consciously conceived idea or decision, but later we realised that it offered distinct advantages in terms of business expansion and for spreading Ayurvedic beauty care around the world.” Some of the treatments offered by the Ayurvedic centres are beauty and wellness treatments, weight reduction, stress management, etc.

Motivating factor
Awareness of the people and positive response towards the mode of treatment offered by this system have led to the growth of the Ayurveda industry. On people’s demand for Ayurvedic treatment and services, Anand Shrivastava, Chairman and Managing Director, Maharishi Ayurveda Products Pvt Ltd (MAPPL) said, “There was an increasing demand from the consumers of Ayurvedic products to get consultation for these products from our vaidyas. This led Maharishi Ayurveda to start its own health centres. Seeing positive response to our health centres and their growing demand, we were encouraged to undertake expansion of these centres all over the Indian landscape, which was decided to be done through the franchise route.”

Being an ancient form of treatment people found it more reliable, as it doesn’t have any side-effects. It can be looked upon as a pocket-friendly treatment, as it does not cost much.

Franchise players
The increasing demand of Ayurvedic treatment centres across the world has resulted in the emergence of many organised players in the field.

Shathayu Ayurveda: Shathayu Ayurveda Wellness centres have been pioneers in promoting research-based Ayurveda since 1901. Presently, it has more than three centres and is targeting the metro cities to launch Ayurvedic centres.

MAPPL: The origin of Maharishi Ayurveda dates back to 1980. Presently, it operates more than 11 company owned health centres.

Vaidyaratnam: The family of Thaikkattu Mooss, a legend in its own right, is engaged in the practice of Ayurveda, the science of life, mastered by ancient Indian saints. The company has more than 1, 000 outlets in Kerala, and in other states more than 750 franchised outlets.

Birla Kerala Vaidyashala: Birla Kerala Vaidyashala Pvt Ltd is a part of Birla Wellness and Healthcare Pvt Ltd. Birla Kerala Vaidyashala is India’s finest integrated retail chain of Kerala Ayurvedic wellness & treatment centers. They intend to have more than 100 centres in India as well as overseas in the next five years.

Opportunity for aspirants
Ayurvedic treatment centres make a promising sector with lucrative business opportunity for aspirants interested in providing healthcare to people. The industry is well-organised with many brands providing franchise opportunity to aspiring entrepreneurs.

On the business opportunity available in this sector, N Venkat, CEO & Managing Director, Birla Wellness Group, says: “The aspiring franchisees would have the following benefits and advantages: They can join the Ayurveda revolution for preventive healthcare, which is growing at the rate of 30 per cent each year. We have seen a lot of interest shown by many franchisees that have a genuine interest in healthcare of people through preventive methods.”

Aspirants interested in taking up the franchise of Ayurvedic centres need to have knowledge about the industry.

Elaborating on the basic requirements for prospective franchisees to join this industry, Dr Mruthyunjaya says: “We want dedicated franchisees to look after the centre and devote ample time to it. S/he must have a little knowledge about the health and beauty industry and must be driven towards excellence. We do not want people who only have financial capability, rather we want people who have interest in this concept and who can help us promote Ayurveda across the nation.” To acquire a franchise of an Ayurvedic treatment centre, the investment and area requirements vary from brand to brand. However, the estimated investment would be about Rs 15-20 lakh, along with an area of100-500 sq ft.

It is, therefore, apt to say that it is a healthy opportunity for those who have the passion to build their career in health industry. The industry has many well-organised brands providing franchise opportunity, and the sector is profitable and perpetual too.