INTRODUCTION TO AYURVEDA, YOGA AND NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA, HOMEOPATHY NEED FOR INTEGRATION OF VARIOUS SYSTEMS OF MEDICINE, HEALTH SCENARIO OF INDIA PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE; PUBLIC HEALTH IN INDIA

1. INTRODUCTION TO AYURVEDA, YOGAAND
NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA, HOMEOPATHY
NEED FOR INTEGRATION OF VARIOUS SYSTEMS OF
MEDICINE, HEALTH SCENARIO OF INDIA: PAST,
PRESENT AND FUTURE; PUBLIC HEALTH IN INDIA
(EPIDEMIOLOGY AND DEMOGRAPHY)
Dr. Aishwarya Rai
PhD Scholar, MPT (Neurology),
Fellowship in Regenerative Rehabilitation, BPT (WBUHS)
Assistant Professor
Brainware University
MODULE 2

2. AYURVEDA

3. • Origin:
Ayurveda, meaning “science of life,” is one of the world’s oldest systems of medicine, originating
in India more than 5,000 years ago. It is rooted in the Vedic tradition and recorded in classical
texts like Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita. It emphasizes the connection between the
universe, nature, and human beings.
• Focus:
The central focus of Ayurveda is maintaining a balance between body, mind, and spirit. Health is
defined as a state of equilibrium of the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—along with proper
functioning of tissues, waste elimination, senses, and consciousness.
• Method:
Ayurveda employs a holistic approach including herbal medicines, dietary regulation, yoga,
meditation, and detoxification therapies such as Panchakarma. Diagnosis involves pulse
examination, observation, and individualized assessment of a person’s constitution (Prakriti).
Treatments are tailored to restore balance and strengthen immunity.
• Relevance:
In modern times, Ayurveda is gaining global recognition for its preventive and natural healing
strategies. It plays a significant role in managing chronic conditions, lifestyle diseases, and
promoting wellness. Its integrative and personalized approach makes it relevant as a
complementary system alongside modern medicine.

5. Naturopathy
•Principle: Healing power of nature; body’s ability to heal itself.
•Methods: Diet therapy, fasting, hydrotherapy, mud therapy, sun exposure, lifestyle
regulation.
•Focus: Preventive and holistic health, minimal or no side effects.
•Relevance: Cost-effective, eco-friendly, promotes natural living.
Yoga
•Origin: Ancient Indian practice, part of Ayurveda.
•Components: Asanas (postures), Pranayama (breathing), Dhyana (meditation).
•Benefits: Improves physical fitness, mental health, stress reduction, and spiritual
well-being.
•Global recognition: Adopted worldwide as a preventive and therapeutic practice.
Common Goal
•Both emphasize holistic health, disease prevention, and lifestyle modification.
•Complementary to modern medicine and other traditional systems.
YOGA
&
NATUROPATHY

7. Origin
• Rooted in Ancient Greece, based on the teachings of Hippocrates
and Galen.
• Further developed and systematized by Arab and Persian scholars
like Avicenna (Ibn Sina).
• Introduced to India during the medieval period and flourished
under the Mughal era.
Principles
Based on the concept of four humors:
• Dam (Blood) – hot and moist
• Balgham (Phlegm) – cold and moist
• Safra (Yellow bile) – hot and dry
• Sauda (Black bile) – cold and dry

8. • Health = balance of humors; Disease =
imbalance or disturbance.
Therapies
• Ilaj bil Ghiza (Dietotherapy): Regulating food
and nutrition.
• Ilaj bil Dawa (Pharmacotherapy): Use of
herbal and natural medicines.
• Ilaj bil Tadbeer (Regimental therapy):
Cupping, massage, exercise, leech therapy.
• Ilaj bil Yad (Surgery): Limited surgical
interventions.
• Relevance: Still widely practiced in India,
recognized under AYUSH. Emphasizes
preventive care, natural remedies, and lifestyle
balance

10. Origin
• One of the oldest traditional systems of medicine.
• Originated in South India, especially Tamil Nadu.
• Attributed to the teachings of the “Siddhars” (saints with spiritual
and medicinal knowledge).
Principles
• Health depends on the balance of three humors (Mukkuttram):
Vadham (Vata) – controls movement and nervous functions.
Pitham (Pitta) – governs metabolism, digestion, heat.
Kapham (Kapha) – responsible for structure, strength, and
immunity.
• Disease occurs due to imbalance of these humors.

11. Treatments
• Herbal Medicines: Use of medicinal plants.
• Mineral & Metal Preparations: Rasayanas to
restore balance.
• Diet & Nutrition: Food tailored to individual
constitution.
• Lifestyle Regulation: Yoga, meditation, discipline
in daily life.
Special Focus
• Strong emphasis on preventive health.
• Promotes longevity, immunity, and holistic well-
being.
• Recognized under AYUSH in India and integrated
into healthcare services

12. HOMEOPATHY

13. Origin
•Developed in the 18th century by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, a German
physician.
•Emerged as an alternative to harsh medical practices of that time.
Principle
•Based on the doctrine “Like cures like”:
• A substance that causes symptoms in a healthy person can cure similar
symptoms in a sick person when given in small doses.
Methods
•Remedies prepared through serial dilution and succussion (vigorous shaking).
•The dilution process is believed to enhance the healing essence while
minimizing toxicity.
•Remedies are tailored to individual symptoms and constitution.

14. Relevance
• Focuses on stimulating the
body’s natural healing power.
• Cost-effective, non-invasive,
and widely accepted.
• India is one of the largest
centers of homeopathic
practice, with government
recognition under AYUSH.
• Popular in managing chronic
illnesses, allergies, and
lifestyle-related conditions.

15. NEED FOR INTEGRATION
OF SYSTEMS

16. Holistic Healthcare
• Focuses on the whole person – physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-
being.
• Encourages prevention and wellness, not just treatment.
Synergy of Modern & Traditional Medicine
• Modern medicine: Effective in emergencies, surgery, infections.
• Traditional systems (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy): Effective
in chronic diseases, lifestyle disorders, preventive care.
• Integration ensures a comprehensive care model.
Cost-Effectiveness & Cultural Acceptance
• Traditional remedies are affordable and rooted in local culture.
• Enhances patient trust and compliance.
Accessibility & Quality of Care
• Expands reach to underserved areas with resource limitations.
• Promotes patient-centered, safe, and quality healthcare.
• Supports India’s universal health coverage goals.

17. HEALTH SCENARIO OF INDIA – PAST
Ancient Era:
• Health care primarily based on Ayurveda, Yoga, Siddha, and Unani.
• Emphasis on holistic well-being – body, mind, and spirit.
• Use of herbs, minerals, diet, and lifestyle for preventive and curative care.
Medieval Period:
• Expansion of Unani medicine through Arab influence.
• Development of Siddha in South India.
• Temples and monasteries functioned as centers of healing.
Colonial Period:
• British introduced allopathy (modern medicine) in India.
• Establishment of hospitals, medical colleges, and dispensaries.
• Focus shifted toward curative medicine and Western practices.
• Indigenous systems marginalized though still widely practiced by communities.
Public Health Infrastructure:
• Very limited access to organized health services.
• Sanitation, vaccination, and hygiene awareness were poor.
• Epidemics like plague, cholera, and malaria were widespread.

19. HEALTH SCENARIO
OF INDIA – PRESENT

20. • India’s current health scenario reflects a dual system of healthcare, where modern medicine
coexists with traditional systems like Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. This
pluralistic approach caters to the diverse cultural and healthcare needs of the population.
• The country is witnessing expanding health infrastructure, including an increase in hospitals,
primary health centers, and diagnostic facilities, supported by both public and private sectors.
Alongside infrastructure, digital health initiatives and telemedicine are bridging gaps in access,
particularly in rural areas.
• National health programs play a significant role in tackling major health challenges. These include
initiatives against communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV/AIDS, as well as
programs addressing non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. Maternal
and child health services remain a priority, supported by immunization and nutrition programs.
• Despite progress, India faces critical challenges. Healthcare inequalities persist between urban and
rural populations, with limited access to quality services in remote areas. Rising lifestyle diseases
due to sedentary living, poor diet, and stress are straining the system further. Strengthening universal
health coverage and integrating preventive and promotive care remain essential for sustainable
progress.

22. HEALTH
SCENARIO
OF INDIA –
FUTURE

23. • The future of healthcare in India is expected to move toward a more integrated and holistic
system. The government is actively promoting the integration of AYUSH systems
(Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy) with mainstream healthcare, ensuring that
traditional and modern practices complement each other. This will provide patients with a
broader range of safe, effective, and culturally acceptable treatment options.
• Digital health and telemedicine are set to play a transformative role, bridging gaps in
access, especially in rural and underserved regions. Initiatives like the National Digital
Health Mission aim to create electronic health records for every citizen, making healthcare
more efficient, transparent, and patient-centered.
• A greater emphasis will be placed on preventive healthcare to tackle the growing burden of
lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity. Promoting
healthy lifestyles, nutrition, mental health, and wellness practices will become central to
healthcare strategies.
• India is also working toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), ensuring that
every individual has access to affordable and quality healthcare without financial hardship.
With increased investments in infrastructure, human resources, and policy reforms, India’s
healthcare system is poised for a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future.

25. • Epidemiology is the study of the distribution, patterns, and determinants of health-related
events in populations. In India, it serves as the backbone of public health, guiding policies,
programs, and preventive measures to improve community well-being.
• The key applications of epidemiology include disease surveillance, which helps track the
occurrence and spread of communicable diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, and COVID-19. It
also plays a crucial role in outbreak investigations, allowing health authorities to identify
causes, modes of transmission, and appropriate control measures to prevent escalation.
• Epidemiology contributes significantly to health planning and prevention. By analyzing
data on morbidity, mortality, and risk factors, policymakers can allocate resources effectively,
design targeted interventions, and monitor the impact of health programs. For example,
epidemiological studies have shaped India’s vaccination drives, maternal and child health
programs, and strategies to combat non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and
hypertension.
• In a diverse country like India, with its vast population and varying socio-economic
conditions, epidemiology provides evidence-based insights for addressing both communicable
and non-communicable disease burdens. It forms the foundation of preventive medicine,
ensuring timely and effective public health action.

26. Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic
fever (CCHF), Ebola and
Marburg viruses (EboV and
MarV), Zika virus (ZIKAV), Rift
Valley fever (RVF), Middle East
respiratory syndrome, severe
acute respiratory syndrome
(SARS), Nipah and Hendra
virus (NiV and HeV), and
Lassa fever virus (LASV)

27. • Demography is the scientific study of human populations, focusing on size, structure, and
distribution, along with changes due to births, deaths, migration, and aging. In India,
demography is a critical tool for understanding health needs and planning effective public
health policies.
• India is experiencing a demographic transition. Over the past decades, the country has
witnessed a decline in birth and death rates, accompanied by increased life expectancy
due to improved healthcare services, immunization, and nutrition. The fertility rate is
gradually approaching replacement levels in many states, reflecting shifts in family planning
practices and urbanization.
• These trends have significant health implications. With a declining birth rate, India faces an
aging population, which increases the burden of chronic and lifestyle-related diseases
such as diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and cancer. At the same time, regional
disparities persist, with some states still grappling with high fertility and maternal mortality.
• For public health planning, demographic data guides resource allocation, program design,
and workforce needs. Understanding these trends ensures India can effectively address
both communicable and non-communicable diseases while preparing for challenges of
elderly care and sustainable healthcare delivery.

28. 1 2 3 4
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
Birth Rate Vs Death Rate

29. Population Pyramid of India comparing Past (1950), Present (2020), and Projected (2050).
• 1950: Wide base showing high birth rate, very young population.
• 2020: Narrower base, more middle-aged population due to declining fertility.
• 2050 Projection: Further narrowing base, expanding top — indicating aging population and rising chronic
disease burden.