This document provides an overview of various drugless therapies and their relevance in healthcare. It discusses concepts and evidence for therapies including naturopathy, yoga, diet and fasting therapy, hydrotherapy, mud therapy, massage therapy, heliotherapy, air therapy, physiotherapy, chiropractic, osteopathy, aromatherapy, acupuncture, acupressure, reflexology, and others. For each therapy, it outlines relevant concepts and principles as well as citing studies that provide evidence of their health benefits.

1. CONCEPT OF DRUGLESS
THERAPIES AND ITS
RELEVANCE IN HEALTH
CARE
Dr.SatyendraSingh
BNYS,MD

2. Contents
• Introduction
• Concept of naturopathy
• Concept of yoga
• Concept of diet therapy
• Concept of fasting therapy
• Concept of hydrotherapy
• Concept of mud therapy
• Concept of massage therapy
• Concept of heliotherapy
• Concept of air therapy
• Concept of physiotherapy
• Concept of chiropractice
• Concept of osteopathy

3. Contnd….
• Concept of aromatherapy
• Concept of acupuncture
• Concept of acupressure
• Concept of reflexology
• Concept of chromotherapy
• Concept of magnetotherapy
• Concept of reiki
• Concept of pranic healing
• Concept of music therapy
• Concept of gem therapy
• Concept of pool therapy
• Concept of cryotherapy

4. According to WHO in 1996
“Drug is any substance or product that is used or is intended to be
used to modify or explore physiological systems or pathological
states for the benefit of the recipient”
• Sources of drugs
• Routes of drug administration

5. Concept of drugless therapies
• Drugless therapy is a science of healing which
excludes medicinal and surgical agents and
depends entirely on natural forces.”

6. INTRODUCTION
• चिकित्सा वैधायत्ता प्रि
ृ त्याध्।
“chikitsyavaidyayathaprakruthyadhinamarogyaha”
Thescienceoftreatmentwhichdependsupon naturefor
thehealingleadstocomplete healthwhichisnothingbut
naturopathy

7. Naturopathy
• Naturopathy is a scientific and holistic system of man building in
harmony with constructive principles of nature and stimulating
the body’s inherent power to regain health and treating disease
with the help of five great elements.

8. Concept&evidence
Unlike the other systems of medicines, naturopathy believes in certain principles and
theories for its treatments. They are
• 3 basic concept
• Basic principles of naturopathy
• Panchamahabhoota theory
• Panchatanthra theory

9. Yoga therapy
• YOGAHA CHITHA VRITHI NIRODAHA.
• SAMASTWAM YOGA UCHYATHE.
• SUKHA PRAPRTI DUKHA NIRVRUTHI JEEVANA
• Yoga is the equilibrium between mind and the body.
Two concepts :
 Adhis and vyadhis
 Pachakosha theory

11. Relevance & evidence
&

12. Diet therapy
• Diet therapy is a treatment method used to adjust the quantity
and quality of food intake that will help to improve the health
of an individual(Energy yielding foods, body building foods,
protective foods )
• To restore the alkalinity of blood
• Balanced diet

13. Relevance & evidence
• Being alkaline, these diets help in improving health and purifying the
blood.
• Improves our immune system to fight against diseases.
• Our diet should consist of 20 % acidic and 80 % alkaline food for
maintaining health.
• A balanced diet is a must for any individual seeking good health.
title author conclusion
Immediate effect of
bitter gourd, ash
gourd, Knol-khol
juices on blood sugar
levels of patients
with type 2 diabetes
mellitus: A pilot study
G.Selvakumara
Shathirapathiy
Jainraj Yuvaraj
Paul
bitter gourd juice immediately lowers the blood
sugar level in 30 min, and significantly lowers at
120 min but Knol-khol juices significantly lowers
the blood sugar level in 90 min and 120 min but
lasting effect was not noticed. This study shows
the significance of hypoglycemic effects of bitter
gourd and Knol khol juices among the type 2
Diabetic patients. Hence Bitter gourd juice, Knol
khol juices may be beneficial in Diabetes patients
to reduce the blood glucose level.

14. Endogenously Decreasing
Tissue n-6/n-3 Fatty Acid
Ratio Reduces
Atherosclerotic Lesions in
Apolipoprotein E–Deficient
Mice by Inhibiting Systemic
and Vascular Inflammation
1.Jian-Bo Wan,
2.Li-Li Huang,
3.Rong Rong
To our knowledge, this is
the first study to provide
direct evidence for the role
of tissue n-6/n-3 ratio in
atherosclerosis using the
fat-1 transgenic mouse
model. Our findings
demonstrate that a
decreased n-6/n-3 fatty
acid ratio reduces
atherosclerotic lesions in
apoE−/− mice. This
protective effect may be
attributed to the
antiinflammatory
properties of n-3 fatty
acids, rather than their
lipid-lowering effect.

15. Fasting therapy
• Fasting is the voluntary abstinence from all the food and drink
except water for a definite period of time by giving rest to GI
system.
• Atharva veda says : “SARVE ROGAHA MALA VASHAHA
LANGANAM PARAMOUSHADAM”
Concept :
• Conservation of Digestive Energy and acting against the
infective agent or removal of unwanted matter from the body.
• Utilizing the energy from stored energy levels.
• Calorie restriction.

16. Relevance & evidence
• Rejuvenation of body and mind
• Removal of basic cause of disease by eliminating morbid matter from the
body
• Reduction of excess body weight
• Decrease in serum cholesterol and triglycerides level
• Elevation of Hb levels in the blood
• Improvement in immunity, which helps in preventing diseases
• Decrease the pain and inflammation
Title author conclusion
Intermittent fasting
combined with
calorie restriction is
effective for weight
loss and cardio-
protection in obese
women
Klempel, M.C.,
Kroeger, C.M.,
Bhutani, S.,
Trepanowski, J.F. and
Varady, K.A., 2012..
the combination of IF plus CR is an effective
means of reducing body weight, fat mass,
and visceral fat mass in obese women also
decreased key indicators of CHD risk, such as
LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and the
proportion of small LDL particles.

17. Hydrotherapy
• Itistheapplicationofwateratdifferenttemperature&pressurewithdifferentmodes
anddurationstotreatvariousdisorders.Itgivestonic,stimulative,sedativeorrelaxing
effectstothebody.
Concept:
• Bodyhealsitself
• Balancebetweensympatheticandparasympatheticsystem
Relevance:
• Equalisesthecirculation
• Boostsmusculartone
• Aidsdigestionandnutrition
• Tonesuptheactivityofprespiratoryglandandintheprocesseliminatesthedamaged
cellsandtoxicmatterfromthesystem

18. Evidences
title author conclusion
Effect of a
hydrotherapy based
alternate compress
on osteoarthritis of
the knee joint: a
randomized
controlled trial
Archanah T.
Shashikiran
H. C.
Prashanth
Shetty
Chandrakanth
K. K.
Following 10
days of regular application of alternate hot
and cold
compress, there was a significant decrease in
pain
intensity, symptoms and function daily living,
quality of life but no significant changes were
seen in sports and
recreational activities. This study concluded
that an alternate hot and cold
compress was effective in the management of
pain and
improves the ROM in case of OA of knees

19. Mud therapy
• Mud is one of five elements of nature having immense impact on the body both in
health and sickness.
• It is a system of treating patients through the medium of mud. The mud used for this
should be clean and taken from 3 to 4 ft. depth from the surface of the ground
Concept :
• Nourishment to the body.
• Elimination of toxins through skin media.
• Increases blood circulation
Relevance :
• Treatment of chronic inflammation caused by internal diseases,bruises,sprains,boils
and wounds
• Able to retain moisture and coolness for longer periods than cold water packs and
compress
• The cold moisture in the mud packs relaxes the pores of the skin, draws the blood in
to the surface, relieves inner congestion and pain, and promotes heat radiation and
elimination of morbid matter

20. Evidences
• Analgesic efficacy of the serial application of a sulfurated mud
bath at home.
• Functions of the hypo thalamo pituitary axis in patients with
fibromyalgia syndrome undergoing mud pack treatment.
title authors conclusion
Mud pack
therapy in
osteoarthrosis
Changes in
serum levels of
chondrocyte
markers
Simona
Bellometti ,
Maurizio
Cecchettin ,
Lauro Galzigna
MT acts as an extracellular stimulus to
which
chondrocytes react with an anabolic
response. This is probably a standardized
mechanism for thermal therapy, which
acts by increasing the physiological
Reactions. t MT is able to improve serum
antioxidant defences, reducing oxygen
radical damage to the cartilage

21. Heliotherapy
Also called as climatotherapy makes simple use of intentional
direct exposure to natural sunlight to get the therapeutic benefits
of the included ultraviolet radiation.
Concept :
• Germ killing power of sunlight.
• Production of vitamin D in the skin.
• Improves elimination from the skin.
• Opens up the skin pores.
• Prevents skin diseases

22. Relevance & evidence
• Healthy looking complexion & Increase melatonin output at night
• Regular exposure builds natural resistance against harmful sunrays
• UV rays – antiseptics & Clears skin diseases
• Enhance immune system & Encourages healthy circulation
• Sooth nerves and boost mood by increasing production of endorphins and
serotonin.

23. Massage therapy
Massage is the manipulation of superficial and deeper layers of
muscle and connective tissue using various techniques, to
enhance the function and promote relaxation and well-being.
Concept :
• Touch- bondage
• Balance of flow of energy
• Ability of body to heal itself

24. RELEVANCE and EVIDENCE
• Relief
• Correction
• Strengthening
• Maintenanace

25. Air therapy
• It is a system of treatment by using air.Fresh air is most essential for good
health.
concept
• Improves efficiency of oxygen exchange & Stimulates PNS
Relevance & Evidence
Air bath has soothing and tonic effect upon the millions of nerve endings all
over the surface of the body. It has good results in cases of nervousness,
neurasthenia, rheumatism, skin, mental and various other chronic disorders.

26. Physiotherapy
Physiotherapyisthetreatmentofmusculoskeletalsystembymeansofexercise, electrotherapy.
Concept:
Totreatandcorrectthedisabilityanddeformity.
Relevance &Evidence
• Rehabilitation &Occupationalhealth
• ImprovesStaminaandstrength
• Injuryprevention&Maintains Functionalmobility
• Increasedrecoveryrate

27. Chiropractice
• It focuses on disorders of the musculoskeltal system and the nervous system, and the
effects of these disorders on general health.
Concept :
• Your body has a powerful self healing ability
• Your body’s structure and it’s function are related
• Understanding the cause of illness inorder to eliminate it,rather than simply treating
symptoms
 Improper function of the spine due to slight misalignments-called subluxations-can
cause poor health or function
 chiropractice believe in prevention is the key to health and wellness.
Relevance :
• Backpain,neck pain,pain in the joints of arms or legs, headaches,
wiplash,sports and work related injuries
• Research also supports chiropractice as a treatment method for conditions such
as carpal tunnel,colic,otitis media, asthma,Healthy pregnancy, Organ function,
Surgery prevention

28. Evidence
title author conclusion
The effect of chiropractice
spinal manipulative
therapy on salivary cortisol
levels
Peter j tuchin
Articles from australian
chiropractic and
osteopathy
The study examines the
effect of chiropractic spinal
manipulative therapy on
salivary cortisol
levels.statistical
significancs for reduction
of salivary cortisol over the
complete 5week study.in
addition there was no
apparent alteration in
salivary cortisol levels
immediately preceding and
15 min after spinal
manipulative therapy.

29. Osteopathy
• Osteopathy is a medical practice based on the theory that diseases are due to
loss of structural integrity which can be restored to harmony or equilibrium by
manipulation. The manipulation allows the body to heal itself.
Concept :
• The body is a unit.
• Body possesses self regulatory mechanisms
• Structure and function are inter related.
• Rational therapy is based on consideration of the first three principles
Relevance :
• Somatic pain
• Systemic problems
• Pregnancy
• Respiratory illness
• ENT problems
• Pediatric problem

30. Evidence
title author conclusion
Osteopathic manipulative
treatment for low back
pain: a systematic review
and meta-analysis of
randomized controlled
trials
John C Licciardone et al.
BMC Musculoskeletal
Disorders
OMT significantly reduces
low back pain. The level of
pain reduction is greater
than expected from
placebo effects alone and
persists for at least three
months.

31. Aromatherapy
• The art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from
plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and
spirit. It seeks to unify physiological, psychological and spiritual processes
to enhance an individual’s innate healing process.
Concept:
• Activation of limbic system
• Understand that treatment is centered on the administartion of pure
essential oils
• Means more than smelling something to feel good

32. Relevance :
• Anti septic, anti viral, anti inflammatory, pain relieving, anti depressant,
stimulation, relaxation, digestion improvement, diuretic properties,
expectorant properties
Evidence :
title author conclusions
The Effect of Lavender
Aromatherapy on
Autonomic Nervous
System in Midlife
Women with Insomnia
Li-Wei Chien,1, 2 Su Li
Cheng,3 and Chi Feng
Liu4
significant decrease in mean HR and
increases
in time domain analysis HRV
parameters after 20 min of lavender
inhalation. all these indices have been
used to reflect
primarily parasympathetic influences,
e also
showed that 24 sessions of
aromatherapy improve sleep
quality in women with insomnia up to
1 week

33. Acupuncture
• Acupuncture is the procedure of inserting and manipulating fine filiform
needles into specific points on the body to relieve Disorders or for therapeutic
purposes
Concept :
• Concept of Qi
• Concept of yin and yang
• Endorphin release theory
Relevance :
• Analgesia
• Homeostasis
• Sedation
• Motor recovery
• Immunity improvement
• Psychological

34. Evidence
title author conclusion
Acupuncture for
ovulation induction in
polycystic ovary
syndrome: a randomized
controlled trial
Julia
Johansson, Leanne
Redman. et al.
American journal
of physiology
Acupuncture treatments
resulted in higher ovulation
frequency in lean/overweight
women with PCOS and were
more effective than just meeting
with the therapist. Ovarian and
adrenal sex steroid serum levels
were reduced with no effect on
LH secretion

35. Acupressure
• It is a part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and a blend of acupuncture. In
acupressure physical pressure is applied to acupuncture points by the hand, elbow
finger or with various devices.
Concept :
• Every disease is cured by treating the body as a single unit comprising of physical
and emotional forms.
• All the main centres of the blood circulating nerves, nervous system and glands are
located in the palms and soles of the feet.
Relevance :
• Relieving pain and stress
• Increases circulation and enables the body to relax deeply
• Strenghthens resistance to disease
• Promotes wellness

36. Evidence
title author conclusion
Effects of Acupressure on
Lower Limb Blood Flow for
the Treatment of
Peripheral Arterial
Occlusive Diseases
Xiangfeng Li
Masayuki Hirokawa. et al.
Surgery today journal
Acupressure was found to
cause significant increases
in the lower limb blood
flow of stage II PAOD
patients. This treatment
modality may therefore be
effective for improving the
symptoms of such patients.

37. Reflexology
• Reflexologyistheapplicationofappropriatepressuretospecificpointsand
areasonthefeet,hands andear

38. Concept :
• Blood supply theory
• Nerve stimulation theory
• Lymph theory
• Counter irritation theory
Relevance :
• The treatment is free from any drugs and chemical, and it is a wide option for many
health problems
• Its ability to reduce pain
• It helps body to maintain the dexterity and locomotion ability.
• It promotes general sense of relaxation especially overused or tired hands, feet, and
the whole body parts.
• It stimulates the release of body's pain-relieving chemicals
• As a prevention from any illness.
• It promotes recovery process from any injury particularly at any region at hands
and feet.

39. evidence
title author conclusion
Reflexology treatment
relieves symptoms of
multiple sclerosis: a
randomized controlled
study
Siev-Ner, D Gamus et al.
Sage Journal
Specific reflexology
treatment was of benefit in
alleviating motor, sensory
and urinary symptoms in
MS patients

40. Chromo therapy
• Chromo therapy or Color Therapy is the science that uses the colors to modify or to
keep the vibrations of the body in a frequency that results in health, welfare and
harmony
concept :
• Imbalance of colours can manifest itself in physical and mental symptoms.
Relevance :
• Safe and pain free
• Addresses the physical symptoms of an ailment
• Balances the chakras in the body
• Has a positive influence on not only physical levels but also mental and spiritual
levels
• Helps meditation and relaxation
• Eliminates emotional blockages before they can manifest as mental or physiacl illness.

41. Evidence
title author conclusion
Combination blue (415 nm)
and red (633 nm) LED
phototherapy in the
treatment of mild to severe
acne vulgaris
David J. Goldberg & Bruce
A. Russell
Journal of Cosmetic and
Laser Therapy
Combination blue and red
LED therapy appears to
have excellent potential in
the treatment of mild to
severe acne. Treatment
appears to be both pain‐
and side effect‐free.

42. Magnetotherapy
• It is a system of treating patients through the medium of magnets.
Concept:
• All living beings on the earth have magnetic power, which is always
replenished by the earths magnetism.
• Relevance :
Cellular effect Biological effect
Improves intercellular fluid & blood flow Significant pain relief
Stimulate the production of ATP Accelerates tissue repair
Increases cellular energy levels Accelerates cell growth
Increases cellualr o2 levels Promotes faster healing for injuries
Promotes cellular healing Reduces fibrous tissue formation
Stimulate inter cellular communication Reduces swelling and inflammation
Stimulate electron transport in cells Stimulates the release of endorphins

43. Evidence
title author conclusion
Effects of static magnets on
chronic knee pain and
physical function: A
double-blind study
Hinman, Martha R, Ford
Jennifer. et al.
The application of static
magnets over knee joints
appears to reduce pain and
enhance functional
movements.

44. Reiki
• It is a system of treatment by using cosmic or universal energy (life force
energy).It is a palm healing or hand on healing form of alternative
medicine.
Concept:
• Universal life force energy & body’s ability to heal itself.
Relevance :
• Creates deep relaxation, release stress and tension
• It accelerates the bodie's self-healing abilities
• Aids better sleep, breaking of addictions .
• Reduces blood pressure, Helps relieve pain
• Can help chronic problems (asthma, eczema, headaches, etc.)
• Removes energy blockages, adjusts the energy flow of the endocrine
system bringing the body into balance and harmony
• Supports the immune system

45. Evidences
ttile author conclusion
Using Reiki to Decrease
Memory and Behavior
Problems in Mild Cognitive
Impairment and Mild
Alzheimer's Disease
Stephen E. Crawford, V.
Wayne Leaver. et al.
The Journal of Alternative
and Complementary
Medicine
The results indicate that
Reiki treatments show
promise for improving
certain behavior and
memory problems in
patients with mild
cognitive impairment or
mild Alzheimer's disease.
Caregivers can administer
Reiki at little or no cost,
resulting in significant
societal value by
potentially reducing the
needs for medication and
hospitalization.

46. Pranic healing
Pranic Healing is a revolutionary and comprehensive system of natural healing
techniques that uses prana to treat illness.By focusing on specific chakras.
Concept :
• principle of self recovery
• Principle of life force
Relevance :
• In cases of fever, Coughs and colds can usually be alleviated in a day
• Major illnesses such as eye, liver, kidney, and heart problems can be partially
or substantially relieved in a few sessions
• Improved health and increased stamina
• Inner peace and happiness
• Better memory and concentration
• Rapid spiritual growth and Reduced stress.

47. Evidence
title author conclusion
A Randomized
Study to Assess
Effect of 'Pranic'
Healing in
Chronic
Musculoskeletal
Pain
Ghanshyam Singh
Soni, Raj Soni and
Shriya Sharma
Biological Forum –
An International
Journal
Highly significant reduction in pain and
sympathetic activity in pranic healing group
(student's t-test p<0.001) and non-significant
change in placebo group. Multivariate
discriminate analysis followed by Wilks
‘Lambda criteria for significance showed
Pranic healing is the best in both groups a
and B.

48. Music therapy
Music Therapy is an established health profession in which music is used within
a therapeutic relationship to address physical, emotional, cognitive, aand social
needs of individuals.
Concept :
• Music has been used as a therapeutic tool for centuries and has been shown
to affect many areas of the brain, including the regions involved in emotion,
cognition, sensation, and movement.
Relevance :
• Depression ,Mood-related concerns,Anxiety,Schizophrenia,Substance
dependency,Autism,Personality issues,Insomnia,Dementia
• Music therapy can both assess and enhance cognitive, social, emotional, and
motor functioning, and studies have shown positive results among
individuals who have intellectual or physical difficulties, brain injuries, or
Alzheimer's. This type of therapy has also been used in the treatment of
physical ailments such as cancer and hypertension.

49. Evidence
title author conclusion
Effect of music of specific
frequency upon the sleep
architecture and
electroencephalographic
pattern of individuals with
delayed sleep latency: A
daytime nap study.
Dubey , Kumar , Singh , Jha
Kumar.
It was concluded that 432
Hz music has some
significant calming effect as
reflected by increased
alpha activities without any
significant effect upon the
sleep latency in the
daytime naps.

50. Gem therapy
• Gem therapy is the oldest and royal method, there is a mention of ash of
gems which is considered to be a medicine for instant releif and powerful
life saver.
• Concept : an ancestral technique used to relieve pain, harmonize and
balance the mind, reduce stress, or for self-healing.
• Relevance :
Ruby blood related disorders
Sapphire Removes burning,injuries and restivity
pearl Skin cracks,calcium deficiency,
Topaz Unique for sex disease of women
Agate Stomach disorders
Emrald Mental disorders,insanity,mania
Diamond Male sexual disorders
Cat’s eye Skin disease like ringworm,itching,eczema,cancer
Coral Ulcer,chronic wound,tumour

51. evidence
title author conclusion
CRYSTAL HEALING and
GEM THERAPY -
“Using energy vibrations to
heal and harmonise”
Ilse Truter,
Department of
Pharmacy,
Nelson Mandela
Metropolitan
University
it may be
concluded that stone can cure any
disease. It appears, however, that in
many cases of duplicate healing
powers, either the colour or the
constitution of the stone has
indicated
its appropriateness for a particular
disease and that most of this has
evolved over many centuries

52. Pool therapy
• Doing certain exercises after immersing the body in deep water is called pool
therapy.
Concept : buoyance
Relevance :
• Effective for management of painful conditions such as arthritis and contraction of
the muscles
• Management of poliomyelitis and spastic muscles
Evidence :

53. Cryo therapy
Any treatment that uses cold as a destructive medium is called cryotherapy.
Concept : immediate vasoconstriction followed by vasodialatation
Relevance:
• Acute sprain &Collection of fluid in the knee joint
• Acute pain in the back and shoulder joint
• Inflammation of bursa &Arthritis
• Injury to the brain &hypertension
Evidence :
title author conclusion
Cryotherapy in ankle
sprains
JOHN E. HOCUTT, JR., M.D.,
REBECCA JAFFE, M.D., C.
ROY RYLANDER, Ph.D.,
AND J. KIRK BEEBE, M.D
It is obvious that prompt
application of
ice to an ankle sprain helps
control hemorrhage and
edema
formation.

54. Reference
• Naturecurehealingwithoutdrugspublishedbysterlingpublishers
• Dr.H.K.Bakhru,thecompletehandbookofnaturecure
• Healingwithoutharmbyarnold
• Neonaturopathy,louiskhunepublishedbyBenedictLust
• Practiceofnaturaltherapeutics–HenryLindhlar
• Prakriti-DrRobat.E.Svoboda
• Backtonatureforhealthyliving-A.P.Dewan
• Naturopathy,artofdruglesshealing-V.M.Kulkarni
• NaturecureawayoflifebyDr.S.R.Jindal
• Speakingofnaturecure-K.lakshmansarma&swaminathan
• Handbookofnaturopathy–Dr.sukhbirsingh
• Totalhealth-paramajitrana
• Naturopathyandyogaforwellnessandhealing-Dr.prashanthshetty
• Nonharmingtherapynaturopathy-Dr.Rajeev sharma
• Scienceofnaturallife-Dr.RakeshJindal
• Pubmed
• Googlescholar
• Sciencedirect