Traditional Medicine in Asia

Traditional Medicine in Asia
physical postures, breathing exercises,
restraining the sense organs, contemplation,
meditation and Samadhi.
Researches are fortifying and validating the
preventive, promotive and curative aspects
of Yoga.
Naturopathy is a recognized system of
medicine. Its philosophy is fully based on
the holistic approach. Naturopathy believes
that health is the normal and harmonious
vibration of the elements and forces
comprising the human entity and disease is
abnormal or non-harmonious vibration of
the elements and forces. The primary cause
of disease is violation of the laws of nature.
It advocates a natural way of living, and the
treatment covers regulation of eating,
drinking, breathing, etc., elementary
remedies, biochemical remedies,
mechanical remedies and mental remedies.
Naturopathy advocates diet therapy,
hydrotherapy, mud therapy, fasting therapy,
massage therapy, etc. Naturopathy
treatment has no side or after-effects. These
are simple, scientific, easy, cost-effective
methods and can be practised by everyone.
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There are five degree colleges
conducting bachelor courses in Naturopathy
and Yogic practices of five-and-a-half
years’ duration. These are affiliated to
various universities. A large number of
institutions are conducting diploma and
certificate courses. There are a number of
good Yoga and Naturopathy treatment
centres. There is the National Institute of
Naturopathy, Pune, and the Morarji Desai
National Institute of Yoga, New Delhi, under
the Central Government, as well as a
research council, namely, the Central
Council for Research in Yoga and
Naturopathy, New Delhi.
All drug-based systems under ISM&H,
namely, Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and
Homoeopathy, largely use medicinal plants
as raw materials for the preparation of
drugs. To develop the medicinal plant
sector, this department has set up a
Medicinal Plants Board to coordinate all
efforts to conserve, cultivate, process and
market raw materials with a view to making
available standard products relevant to
each medical system.