BEIJING: India will set up a centre for traditional medicine here for the first time to reclaim its centuries-old legacy of Ayurveda and Yoga which became part of Chinese milieu along with Buddhism over 1500 years ago.

Plans are afoot to set up a centre of AYUSH, ( Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) at Indian embassy, Indian ambassador to China Ashok K Kantha said here today while inaugurating a four-day Yoga workshop being conducted along with China's successful Yoga college 'Yogi Yoga'.

Indian embassy also has a cultural centre where Indian classical music and dances are taught.

Run by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, AYUSH Centre is expected to bring the Indian touch of "pure yoga" which is growing rapidly in China as physical exercise without regulated standards.

AYUSH will nominate qualified specialists from India who in turn will work with established Chinese institutions to promote Indian medicine and Yoga, Kantha said.

The four-day Yoga festival also include a Workshop on Stress Management, Obesity, Back pain and Neck pain and Diabetes besides session on general yoga training and meditation.

The workshop started today at the Chaoyang Park, Beijing's largest Park.

The workshop came alive with hymns of Surya Namaskar as Chinese students of Yogi Yoga demonstrated intricate Yoga postures.