UNIT 1

Structure
1.0 1.1 12 Objectives Introduction

INDIAN SYSTI

Ayurveda and Unani Systems of Medicine

1.2.1 1.2.2 AyurvedicSystem Unani System

1.3
1.4

Homoeopathy System of Medicine Siddha, Yoga and Naturopathy

1.4.1 Siddha Yoga Naturopathy

,
1.5 1.6 1.7
1.8

1.4.2 1.4.3

Acupuncture and Acupressure Traditional Midwifery Let Us Sum Up Glossary Model Answers Further Readings

1.9 1.10

1.0 OBJECTIVES
After completing this unit, you should be able to: explain the meaning of Indian system of medicine and Homoeopathy; describe the various Indian system of medicine and Homoeopathy; explain the role of Indian system of medicine in health care delivery system; and

discuss the role of traditional midwifery in maternal health.

1 . INTRODUCTION
In block 3 of this course you studied National Health Problems and Programmes. In this Unit

These systems have become part of Indian culture and tradition. They continue to be an important source of medical relief to the people in India till the begining of 19th century. Traditional indigenous systems of medicine were largely used for health care and treatment of sickness irrespective of existence of allopathic system or Scientific medicine.

/ The National Health Policy assigns an important role to the Indian systems of medicine in the
respect, they can influence the health practices and beliefs of the communities. In this unit we will discuss about various indigenous systems of medicine practiced for treatment of

'the diagnosis and treatment, drugs used in hkalth care delivery, weakness and strengths of leach of these systems respectively.

Syrtems of Medicine and Health Agencies

1.2 AYURVEDA AND UNANI SYSTEMS OF ~ D I C I N E

In this section we shall discuss about Unani and Ayurvedic systems of medicine.

1.2.1

Ayurvedic System

Ayurveda is a way of life. Ayurveda (Ayu +Veda) means science and knowledge of life or knowledge through which life can be prolonged. Its origin is traced back to the Vedic times about 5000 BC. It is considered divine in origin and is widely practiced in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Ayurveda deals with measures of healthful living during the entire span of life. Concept of Life and Health in Ayurveda These traditional systems define positive health as physical, mental, social and spiritual well being, which is very close to the definition of Health by WHO which defines Health as physical, mental and social well being. According to Indigenous system of Medicine health is considered to be a state of balance or equilibrium internally and externally. This equilibrium is the balance of qualities of body e.g. hot, cold, wet and dry or different elements or humors. Any disturbance in the balance of humors leads to disease: and the therapy lies in restoring the balance through use of medicines of natural origin i.e herbs and minerals. Government of India is giving importance to utilise indigenous systems ofmedicine for more effective and total health care coverage.
(In March 1995, Government of India created a new department by dividing department of health in Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Indian System of Medicine and Homoeopathy.)

Health and Sickness in Ayurveda The philosophy of Ayurveda is based on the theory of Panchmahabhutas (five elements) of which all the obhcts and living bodies are composed of. The combination of these five elements are represented in the form of Tridosha, e.g. three doshas or humors as Vata (ether +air), Pitta (fire), Kapha (water + earth). These are also known as three humors. When these are in perfect balance and harmony, a person is said to be healthy. Disease is explained as a disturbance in the equilibrium of the three doshas or humors. The loss of equilibrium can happen by the type of food contents, undesirable habits and non-observance of rules of healthy living. Diagnosis and Treatment The diagnosis involves man as a whole. A complete knowledge about the physical, physiological and mental state of a person is gathered and systematically recorded. This includes his habits, diet, temperament, sleep, external living, examination of conditions and details about the disease. Examination of the patient generally involves - pulse, tongue, eyes, urine, faeces, visual/sensual and examination of the parts of the body and body structure. Ayurveda considers human beings in totality and their relationship with the universe. Treatment of the disease generally consists in avoiding factors responsible for causing loss of equilibrium. It is restored through regulating diet, correcting life routine and administration of drugs. For the promotion, prolongation and maintenance of positive health and prevention of diseases, Ayurveda prescribes the observatibn of certain principles e.g. regulated diet, sleep, sex etc. Treatment aims at not only curing the disease but also increasing the strength of the body to fight the disease and minimize the chances of relapse. Drugs Used in A y u ~ e d a Ayurvedic medicines are prepared in the following form: Distillates - Arka Fermented Preparations - Asava and Arista Linctus - Avaleha Incinerated matter - Bhasma Minerals, shells etc. - Bhasma Powder - Chuma - 'Vati gutika Pills Decoctilon - Kwatha