2. ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
INTRODUCTION : The term Alternative Medicine means any form of medicine that is outside
the mainstream of western medicine or conventional medicine as practiced a majority of doctors
today. This term is loosely used to over all forms of medicine except allopathy.
There are more than 100 systems of alternative medicines still in practice all over
the world. Every country, region or areas has its own traditional systems of health and medical
cares.
IMPORTANCE OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
People following an alternative medicine may do physical exercises
Users may undergo massage therapy, which manipulating and rubbing the body tissues
for mental and physical relaxation
Change the way of thinking
Improvement in bodily function
Essential for the prevention and control the diseases.
TYPES OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE:
:AYUSH
A-AYURVEDA
Y- YOGA
U-UNANI
S-SIDDHA
H-HOMEOPATHY
History of ayush
3. -Department of ayurvedic,yoga,unani,siddha,homeopathy was established in march 1995 as a
indian system of medical & homeopathy (ISM&H).
-AYUSH received its current name in march 2003.
-The government of india created national AYUSH mission (NAM)
AYURVEDA SYSTEM OF MEDICINE(ASM)
Origin &Nature :-
The word Ayurveda implies the science of life. The origin of Ayurveda is linked with origin of
universe and developed from hymns. Atharvaveda describing the fundamentals/philosophies
about the world and life, disease and medicine. In 1000 BC, the comprehensive documentation
of knowledge was done by CharakaSamhitia (Medicine) and by the SushrutaSamhitia (Surgery).
The Ayurveda takes holistic view of health comprising of four integrated
component mainly physical, mental, social, andspiritual affecting one another, and achieving the
goal of life, for dharma’s, artha, kama, moksha. The body of knowledge of Ayurveda is derived
from Darshanas (science).The practice of Ayurveda is based on the ofPanchmahabhutas (five
element). According to this theory there is a combination in the form of Tridosha e.g. Vata
(Ether and air), Pitta (Fire), Kaph (Water and Earth). In addition to there is also combination of
seven body tissues (Saptadhatu), five senses (PanchIndriyas) performing sensory and motor
function, intellectual, mind, and soul.
DIAGNOSIS AND TEATMENT :-
It requires not only diagnosis of disease to medicine but also study of various factors such as age,
sex; temperament (Prakriti), sleep, rest and work patterns, diet, metabolic fire (Agni). Treatment
includes preventive and curative measures. Preventive measures include personal hygiene,
regular daily routine, appropriate use of RasayansSevana i.e. rejuvenating material/food and
Theoretical Basis :-
4. rasayans drugs, appropriate social behavior. Curative measures include Aushadhui (drugs),
Anna(diets) and Vihara (exercise and general mode of life). Diagnosis is done on the basis of
history taking and examination of pulse, urine, faces, tongue, eyes etc.
SIDDHA SYSTEM OF MEDICINE :-
The Origin And Nature :
Siddha is one of the oldest system of medicine. The term Siddha implies achievement. It was
practiced by “Sidharas” who aimed to maintain perfect health in order to achieve Siddhi or
heavenly bliss. Siddha system believed to have evolved in Tamil Nadu, although Siddha medical
literature talks of the” Siddha of Varanasa”.
The basic philosophy of Siddha is that there is an intimate link
between man and environment. It believes that all objectives in the universe including human
body are composed of five elements- earth, water, fire, air, space or ether.
The diagnosis of disease involves indentifying its
causes. Causative factors are identified by examination of pulses, eyes, color of body, tongue,
status of digestive system, urine and study of voice. Siddha medicine makes use of mercury,
silver, arsenic, lead, sulpher etc. The Siddha system is effective in treating chronic case.
UNANI SYSTEM OF MEDICINE :-
BASIC PHILOSOPHY :-
DIAGNNOSIS AND TREATMENT :-
5. The Origin and Nature :-
Unani System Medicine has its origin in Greece and it was introduce in India around the 11th
century by Arabs and Persians. This type of therapy has no side effects. It makes use of naturally
occurring mostly herbal medicine through the ingredient of animal, marine origin.
Unani medicine is based around the concept of the four humours : Phlegm (Balgham), Blood
(Dam), Yellow bile (Safra), Black bile (Sauda).
The Unani System Medicine is not only in therapeutic in nature but also
deals withhealth promotion and prevention of disease. It treats the diseases and provides
remedies in a systematic manner. It based on four humors i.e. blood is hot and moist, phlegm is
cold and moist, yellow bile is hot and dry, black bile is cold and dry. Any changes in the humors
bring about changes in the temperament of a person affecting his health status.
Diagnosis and Treatment :-
The diagnosis of a disease is done by feeling of pulse, observation of urine, stool, color of skin,
and gait. The treatment comprises of three components i.e. preventive, promotive, and curative.
Treatment is carried out in four forms i.e. Pharmacotherapy, Dietotherapy, Regimental therapy,
and Surgery.
Pharmacotherapy : Make a use of natural drugs mainly the herbal drug of animal and
mineral origin.
Dietotherapy : It deals with certain alignment by administration of specific diets or by
regulating the quantity and quality of food.
Theoretical Basis :-
6. Regimental therapy : It includes venesection, cupping, diaphoresis, diueresis, Turkish
bath, massage, cauterization, purging, emesis, exercise, and leeching.
HOMEOPATHY SYSTEM OF MEDICINE
Homeopathy is a form of alternative medicine in which practitioner treat patient using highly
diluted preparation. The basic principle known as the law of similar is “let like cured by like”. It
was first stated by German physician Samuel Hahnemann in 1796. Homeopaths examine aspect
of the patientphysical and psychological state.
Basic Laws, Diagnosis And Treatment Methods
There are four cardinal laws or principles
1. The law of direction of cure
2. The law of single remedy
3. The law of minimum doses
4. The theory of chronic diseases
Homeopathy has effective treatment for individuals with chronic diseases such as diabetes,
arthritis, bronchial asthma, and skin, allergic, and immunological disorders, mental disease and
for several diseases. It can be used in undiagnosed case in which prevent very scanty sign and
symptoms and acts as a preventive medicine.
NATUROPATY AND YOGA
Naturopathy
7. Naturopathy system is not only therapeutic but also it is way of life. Some see ancient Greek
“father of Medicine”, Hippocrates, as the first advocate of naturopathic medicine before the term
existed. The term naturopathy was coined by in 1895 by John Scheel, and purchased by
Benedict Lust, the “father of U.S.Naturopathy”. It is based mainly on the application of simple
laws of nature. The system is closely associated to Ayurveda as far as the fundamental principles
are concerned. Naturopathic ideology focuses on naturally occurring substances, minimally
invasive method, and encouragement of natural healing. Prevention through stress reduction and
healthy diet and lifestyle is emphasized, and pharmacological drug, ionizing radiation, and
surgery are generally minimized. Naturopathy is the holistic system and its helps promote
physical, mental/emotional, social, and spiritual health by self regulation of life activities on a
normal and natural basis.
YOGA
Yoga is an ancient science. It has been describe in Vedas, and propounded by Patanjali about
2500 years ago. Yoga is a science which helps to co-ordinate body and mind more effectively. It
promotes mental, physical, social, and spiritual health. It also helps in the prevention and cure of
various psychosomatic disorders, psychosis and physical disorders.
It consist of eight elements
1. Restraint in every sphere of life;
2. Austerity in every sphere of life;
3. Maintaining physical posture;
4. Breathing exercise;
8. 5. Restraining of sense of organs;
6. Contemplation;
7. Meditation;
These yoga practices have the potential for the improvement of personal and
social behavior, improvement of individual resistance and ability to endure stressful
situation. Improvement of physical health and prevention and control of psychosomatic
disorder by encouraging circulation of oxygenated blood supply on the body, restraining
the sense of organ and therapy inducing tranquility and serenity of mind and body.A
number of postures in yogic works to improve health, to prevent disease and to cure
illness. Meditation is the mental exercise in which one directs one`s mind to think
inwardly by shutting one`s sense organ to external stimulation. By regular practices
reduce bodily responses to bare minimum and can direct mind to perform more useful
function.
CONCLUSION
Alternative medicine is often based on the belief that a particular health regimen has
efficacious effects even while there exists various bodies of evidence to support such a belief
under the rigorous standards of evidence based medicine.
Bibliography
Basvanthappa B.T: Community Health Nursing. 4th edition, Jaypee brothers
medical publishers, New Delhi : 2006 P.p.9-17
Dr.Sundarlal, Adarsh, Pankaj: Text book of community medicine. 1st
edition,CBS brothers & distributers, New Delhi: 2007. P.p. 229-236.
Ghai O.P, Gupta Piyush: Textbook of preventive and social medicine. 2nd
edition, CBS brothers & distributers, New Delhi: 2007.P.p 778-781.
Gulani K.K: Community healthnursing.1st edition, kumarpublication,Delhi:
2007. P.p. 10-25.
8. Samadhi.
9. OBJECTIVES
GENERAL OBJECTIVES: At the end of the seminar, the group will be able to understand
alternative medicine
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:
Define the alternative medicine
Enlist imporatnce of alternative medicine
Classify the types of alternative therapy
Describes the types of alternative medicnes in details
