Traditional Medicine in Asia

Traditional Medicine in Asia
body element could be responsible for a
fever. Humans should adjust themselves to
the diseases which occur in the different
seasons. These are given below:
� Summer - Diseases of fire
element;
� Rainy season - Diseases of wind
element;
� Winter - Diseases of water
element.
Age variation
Age can be related to the propensity of a
particular disease to occur in a particular
person. Different age-groups are correlated
with the diseases of a particular
element. This relationship is shown below:
� Primary age (0–16 years)
Water element diseases;
� Middle age (17–32 years)
Fire element diseases;
� Old age (over 32 years)
Wind element diseases.
Place variation
The environment has a relationship with the
occurrence of a particular disease. Illness
can be caused by a different geographical
location, extremes of temperature or a
new water supply. It is suggested that such
an influence could be mediated through
the immune system. Information as regards
the birthplace of the patient or the actual
place of residence may give the physician
clues as regards the diseases which are
likely to afflict the patient. The correlation
between geography and diseases is given
below:
� High mountains are associated with
diseases of the fire element;
� Rain, water and mud are associated
with diseases of the wind element;
� Rainwater, soil and groundwater are
related to diseases of the water
element;
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� Salt water, mud and the beach are
related to diseases of the earth element.
Time variation
The time of the day or night has an
influence on the different body elements or
Dhatus. These are described below:
� 06.00–10.00 a.m. and
� 18.00–22.00 p.m.
Nasal secretion problems or
indigestion;
� 10.00 a.m.–14.00 p.m. and
� 22.00 p.m.–02.00 a.m.
Fever caused by the fire element,
stomach ache or hunger pains;
� 14.00 p.m.–18.00 p.m. and
� 02.00 a.m.–06.00 a.m.
The wind element causes giddiness,
feeling of being worn out, exhaustion
and fainting in the afternoon.
Behavioural variation
Certain behavioural patterns are associated
with disease. Some of these are:
� Having too much or too little food and
eating spoilt food; imbalance in
activities such as standing, sitting,
walking or lying down;
� Exposure to hot or cold weather;
� Going without food, water and sleep;
� Delayed defecation or urination;
� Overwork;
� Excessive sorrow;
� Excessive anger.
Diagnosis
A correct diagnosis is extremely important
as a wrong diagnosis would lead to
inappropriate treatment, which could be
fatal. The method of arriving at the correct
diagnosis in Thai traditional medicine
consists of two factors – history-taking and
physical examination.