Alternative Systems of Medicine in India

Abstract

Currently the health care system of whole world is dependent on allopathic system of medicine and surgery. This status of allopathic system didn’t come overnight. It has taken hundreds of years in its evolvement. In the past many systems of medicine existed and cured the global people. Although many systems developed and evolved in the restricted geographical areas and served the people but we cannot ignore the contributions of these regional systems of many past civilizations in the development of current and modern system of allopathic medicine and surgery. This topic is basically intended to highlight the various millstones in the evolution of modern system. It will also highlight the contributions of many systems of cure and prevention of diseases form many countries of the world. It is the primary effort of this chapter to identify the milestones in the development of modern system and contributions of many civilizations in the health sector. The ancient systems of treatment from all the parts of world can play important role as supplementary system of treatment and can reduce the cost of treatment, save time as these are more accessible and more popular locally. For example recently the Government of India and the public India have recognized the role of AYUSH i.e. Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homeopathy as the alternative systems of medicine. It is integrated in the health care delivery system of the country. Ayurveda offers programs to rejuvenate the body through diet and nutrition.  Although India has rich heritage of health care system form ancient times yet has never hesitated in taking the help form systems of medicine practiced in many countries and civilizations for the better health conditions of its people. We recently utilized the knowledge of Chinese medicine e.g. acupuncture, acupressure and we have taken help from Greek medicine also.