Role of alternate medicines in total health care
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Role of alternate medicines in total health care
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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T.M. Sreenivasan
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Role of alternate medicines in total health care
Year: 1985
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The role of alternative medicines in total health care is increasingly recognized as societies seek to restore a balance in health management that integrates various medical technologies. The dichotomy between modern (Western) medicine and traditional practices, such as Ayurveda and acupuncture, stems from historical biases that classify Western medicine as scientific while dismissing traditional methods as empirical and less credible. However, this perception overlooks the effectiveness and cultural relevance of alternative therapies, especially for chronic conditions where modern medicine may not always provide satisfactory solutions. As countries like India strive for a healthcare model that incorporates diverse medical practices, the need for a judicious blend of modern and alternative approaches becomes evident.
The Importance of Complementary Medicine
The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes a holistic approach to health, advocating for the integration of traditional medical practices alongside Western medicine to achieve "Health for All." Traditional medicine is characterized as patient-centered, cost-effective, and less likely to cause iatrogenic complications compared to its modern counterpart. The WHO's acknowledgment of India's rich heritage in traditional healing practices, such as Ayurveda, highlights the potential for these systems to complement modern medicine. As nations explore various pathways to health, alternative therapies, including yoga, homeopathy, and herbalism, are being recognized for their potential to promote wellness and address psychosomatic issues prevalent in today's society.
Conclusion
There is an urgent need to acknowledge and incorporate alternative medicines into mainstream healthcare practices. This integration requires formal recognition of practitioners, the establishment of regulatory frameworks, and financial support to ensure access to these therapies. Education about the benefits of alternative medicine should begin early in medical training and public awareness campaigns, emphasizing a scientifically grounded understanding of these practices. The promotion of alternative medicines, particularly those with strong preventive aspects, is not only beneficial for individual health but also critical for the overall well-being of the population. Ultimately, a comprehensive approach that respects and utilizes both modern and traditional medical practices will better serve the diverse healthcare needs of society.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the role of alternate medicines in healthcare?
Alternate medicines play a vital role in maintaining a homeostatic balance in individuals. They are particularly beneficial for chronic disorders, often being more affordable and patient-oriented compared to Western medicine, which tends to be expensive and more suited for critical care.
How does the scientific community view traditional medicine?
Many in the scientific community wrongly regard traditional medicine as unscientific and merely empirical. However, these ancient practices, such as Ayurveda and acupuncture, have extensive historical knowledge and can be highly effective in specific contexts.
What are the benefits of complementary medicine according to WHO?
The World Health Organization emphasizes that complementary medicine aims for holistic health, focusing on both mental and physical well-being. It encourages countries to utilize traditional medical resources alongside Western medicine to achieve broader health goals.
What measures can be taken to integrate alternate medicines in India?
To effectively integrate alternate medicines in India, it is vital to establish certifications, promote public awareness, and include these practices in medical education. Government recognition and reimbursement for these therapies will also enhance their accessibility and acceptance.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Role of alternate medicines in total health care�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Medicine:
Medicine refers to the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing illnesses. It encompasses various approaches including modern (Western) and traditional medical systems that aim to restore health and maintain well-being. The discussion in the text encompasses alternative and complementary medicines and their roles in holistic health care.
2) Yoga (Yogā):
Yoga represents a traditional practice originating in ancient India, focusing on the union of body, mind, and spirit. It includes physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation. The text highlights yoga's preventive and curative aspects as vital components of alternative medicine, particularly in addressing psychosomatic health issues.
3) Science (Scientific):
Science refers to the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world. The text makes a case for a scientific validation of alternative medicine practices, arguing that both traditional and modern medical systems share the goal of effective patient care through evidence-based practices.
4) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine focused on balancing the body's energies (doshas) through lifestyle, diet, and herbal treatments. It is emphasized in the text as an essential part of complementary medicine that is patient-centered and cost-effective, promoting health and treating chronic diseases.
5) Knowledge:
Knowledge entails the understanding and awareness gained through experience or education. In the context of the text, the evolution of medical knowledge from traditional practices to modern medicine illustrates the importance of integrating various methodologies to address diverse health needs in society effectively.
6) Drug:
Drug refers to any substance used in the treatment, prevention, or diagnosis of a disease. The text discusses the potential adverse effects of drugs (iatrogenesis) and highlights the growing issue of drug-induced ailments, ushering in the need for safer alternative medicines that are less reliant on pharmaceuticals.
7) Mental health:
Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. The text emphasizes the rising incidence of mental health disorders and the significance of holistic approaches, such as alternative medicine, in ensuring overall well-being, thus recognizing the interconnection between mental and physical health.
8) Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. The text discusses its limitations and side effects, advocating for a broader acceptance of alternative medicines that may offer patient-centered care without the harsh impacts associated with conventional treatments.
9) Siddha (Siddhā):
Siddha is a traditional system of medicine practiced mainly in South India, rooted in ancient Tamil texts. It focuses on holistic approaches to health and well-being, similar to Ayurveda. The text portrays Siddha as part of the broader category of alternative medicines, crucial to India's healthcare diversity.
10) Cancer:
Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. The text addresses the challenge of treating chronic disorders like cancer, suggesting that alternative medicines may provide supportive care and symptom management, highlighting a patient-centered approach to this serious condition's treatment.
11) Reason:
Reason implies a logical basis for beliefs or actions. In the context of the text, it refers to the justification for integrating alternative medicine into health care. The need for evidence-based policies and practices supports a well-rounded approach to health and leverages diverse methodologies for better outcomes.
12) Cina (Cīna, Cīnā, Ciṉa, Ciṉ�, Cīṉ�, Cinā):
China is referenced in the text as a country with a long-standing traditional medical practice that has effectively addressed health needs through a combination of Western and traditional methods. It exemplifies how different cultures can integrate diverse medical approaches to improve public health outcomes.
13) Post:
Post indicates a subsequent period after a significant event, in this case, highlighting the aftermath of traditional medicine's decline following the rise of Western medicine. The text discusses how post-colonial healthcare landscapes must reconsider and re-integrate traditional practices for comprehensive care.
14) Rheumatoid arthritis:
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting joints. The text notes that modern medicine offers limited solutions for such chronic conditions, advocating for alternative approaches that can provide effective and patient-oriented treatments, thus emphasizing the need for diverse treatment modalities.
15) Tuberculosis:
Tuberculosis (TB) is a communicable disease that primarily affects the lungs and has been a significant public health challenge. The text reflects on the historical and contemporary strategies for TB control, emphasizing the importance of traditional and preventive measures alongside modern medical interventions.
16) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibiotics are drugs used to treat bacterial infections effectively. The text highlights their role in modern medicine and their limitations concerning drug resistance and side effects. The need for alternative therapies becomes crucial in managing infections without over-relying on antibiotics.
17) Training:
Training refers to the process of educating individuals in specific skills or knowledge areas. The text points out the necessity for structured training programs in alternative medicine to ensure effectiveness and safety, advocating for official recognition and education in diverse healing practices.
18) Epilepsy:
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. The text includes it as an example of conditions requiring specialized medical attention, highlighting the challenges faced in addressing such illnesses through traditional and modern approaches, and the potential role of complementary medicine.
19) Quality:
Quality signifies the standard of something as measured against other things; the text discusses the quality of healthcare systems and practices, emphasizing the need for high standards in both modern and alternative medicines to ensure effective patient care and safety in treatment.
20) Caraka (Cāraka, Cārāka):
Caraka refers to an ancient Indian physician and the author of the Caraka Samhita, one of the foundational texts of Ayurveda. The inclusion of Caraka in the text underscores the historical significance and scholarly recognition of traditional knowledge systems in the context of modern health care.
21) Ayoga (Āyoga, Ayas-ga):
A-yoga, presumably a conceptual framework or a specific aspect of yoga practice, reflects the varied interpretations and integrations of yoga within health care. The text indicates the evolving nature of yoga practices and their growing relevance in contemporary wellness and medical settings.
22) Water:
Water is an essential element for human health and well-being, noted in the text as a crucial aspect of public health initiatives. Clean water supply links to preventive health measures, emphasizing that many diseases, including tuberculosis, can be mitigated by ensuring access to safe drinking water.
23) Veda (Vedā):
Vedic relates to the Vedas, ancient sacred texts of India, which provide foundational knowledge for Ayurveda and other traditional practices. The text highlights the importance of Vedic knowledge in shaping health paradigms and the need for its integration with modern medical practices, stressing a holistic approach.
24) Soil:
Soil represents the foundation of agriculture and health, as it influences nutrition and food quality. The text connects soil health with broader public health initiatives, recognizing that the environment, including soil health, must be upheld to foster overall community well-being and effective disease prevention strategies.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Role of alternate medicines in total health care�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Medical education, Financial support, Traditional medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, Modern medicine, Holistic health, Psychosomatic problems, Scientific basis, Government support, Psychosomatic disease, Public awareness, Chronic disorder, Medical technologies, Homeostatic balance, Health for All, Public health measure, Alternate medicine.