Traditional Medicine in Asia

I
ndia has a rich, centuries-old heritage
of medical and health sciences. Some
of these systems date back to 5000 years
BC. These systems have taken care of the
health needs of the people and have
survived due to their strengths, efficacy of
treatment and drugs. India has the unique
distinction of having six recognized systems
of medicine under Indian Systems of
Medicine and Homoeopathy (ISM&H). The
Indian systems are Ayurveda, Siddha,
Unani, Yoga & Naturopathy. Within the
ambit, however, of Indian Systems of
Medicine and Homoeopathy is covered the
Homoeopathy system, though it originated
in Germany and came to India in the early
18th century. This system has got
completely assimilated, accepted and
enriched like any other Indian system of
medicine.
The Ayurveda system of medicine is
of great antiquity and dates back to about
5000 BC Ayurveda is a branch of Atharva
Veda, which is the repository of and treatise
on the knowledge and wisdom of great
sages and seers, acquired, tried and handed
down to succeeding generations. Ayurveda
is not only a system of medicine, but also
represents a way of healthy living. It is
holistic in approach and enshrines the
Indian system of medicine and homoeopathy
Indian system of medicine
and homoeopathy
L. V. Prasad
complete philosophy of health. It is welldocumented.
The most exhaustive classic
on medicine is Charaka Samhita; Sushruta
Samhita is an exhaustive treatise on surgical
principles and procedures. Ksyapa Samhita
exclusively deals with matters of maternity
and child health. The four key concepts of
Ayurveda which guide the preventive,
promotive and curative aspects of the
practice of Ayurveda are : Panch
Mahabhutas, Tridoshas, Sapta Dhatus and
Three Malas. Though it is ancient in origin,
the system is modern in approach.
Undergraduate education in Ayurveda has
a course curriculum and training schedule
for five-and-a-half years, including clinical
exposure. It has eight distinct branches of
teaching disciplines corresponding to
modern systems. Postgraduate courses are
of three years’ duration. The training in
Ayurvedic medicines and surgery is
regulated by a statutory body, namely, the
Central Council of Indian Medicine
(CCIM). The registration of physicians,
practice and ethics are governed by the
regulations made by the Council. The drugs
are manufactured according to formularies;
pharmacopoeial standards have been laid
down. Drug manufacture is licensed and
regulated under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act,
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