Traditional Medicine in Asia

Ayurveda
Athe Indian subcontinent and has been
practised since the 12th Century BC.
Ayurveda is not merely a system of medicine;
rather it is a way of life. Its objective is to
accomplish physical, mental, social and
spiritual well-being by adopting preventive
and promotive approaches as well as
treating diseases with the holistic approach. 1
The theory of Loka Purusha Samya2 yurveda, which means the Science of
Life, is the oldest medical science in
–
macrocosm, microcosm continuum,
Panchamahabhuta, Tridosha, Dhatus,
Prakriti and Vikriti, Agni and Ama – is the
unique concept of Ayurveda. Ayurveda is
effective not only in common ailments but
also in many incurable, chronic and
degenerative diseases as well as iatrogenic
conditions. It not only takes care of the
health of human beings but also of animals
and plants, known as Pashu Ayurveda and
Vriksha Ayurveda, respectively. Ayurveda is
prevalent not only in India but also in Nepal,
Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Bangladesh, Pakistan,
Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Maldives,
etc. The traditional systems prevalent in
Myanmar, Bhutan and Thailand bear a
close resemblance to Ayurveda. It is also
practised in Japan, Australia, USA, Russia,
UK, Germany, etc., as herbal medicine or
alternative medicine. Recently Australia,
Ayurveda
P.N.V. Kurup
The Netherlands and Hungary have
recognized Ayurveda as an alternative
medicine. A White House Commission for
Alternative Medicine has been constituted
in the US to find ways and means of
recognizing alternative medicine, which
includes Ayurveda also for the purpose of
practice.
Four types of Ayurvedic practitioners exist
in various parts of the world:
� Traditional Ayurvedic practitioners
(about 300,000) who are not
institutionally trained, but have gained
knowledge through their family
traditions;
� Tribal healers who practise in the tribal
areas using various local medicinal
herbs;
� Institutionally qualified physicians
(around 300,000 throughout the
world);
� Graduates of modern medicine who
have faith in Ayurvedic practice.
Siddha System of Medicine
The Siddha system of medicine, more
prevalent in the Southern States of India
as well as Sri Lanka, Singapore and
Malaysia, traces its origin to Dravidian
3