Music on prescription – ancient wisdom in modern day medicine

Prince Charles’ Editorial1 is helpful in furthering our understanding of his advocacy, but more clarification is necessary if his wise words are not to result in the antipathy which greeted his speech to the BMA in 1982, and to which he makes reference. He tells us ‘For many years I have advocated an integrated approach to medicine and health. By integrated medicine, I mean the kind of care that integrates the best of new technology and current knowledge with ancient wisdom. More specifically, perhaps, it is an approach to care of the patient which includes mind, body and spirit and which maximizes the potential of conventional, lifestyle and complementary approaches in the process of healing.’ The Prince should be invited to clarify to which ‘ancient wisdom’ he refers. That the sun goes round the earth? That illness is due to imbalance of four humours? There is no question clinicians should be caring and demonstrate compassion. But that does not require progressive modern medicine to ‘integrate’ in any sense with alternative medical systems. ‘Complementary approaches’ such as homeopathy, Reiki and a variety of systems to activate ‘vital forces’ as spoken of by Prince Charles are not needed to complete conventional treatments. They are alternatives to evidence-based modern medicine. The best of ancient wisdom is already incorporated into ‘medicine’. To integrate medicine with systems for which there is no plausible evidence-base would do a disservice to patients – and to tax-payers expected to foot the bill. No doubt patients feel better after a constructive therapeutic encounter with an empathic practitioner. As Lord Darzi has emphasized in his commentary on evidence-based medicine evidence of effectiveness of all medical practice is expected to be robust, and withstand critical scrutiny.2 That is the way forward for medicine.

Today we are witnessing a significant rise in chronic diseases and chronic pain. Modern medicine appears not to be sufficient to relieve symptoms and reduce or eliminate discomfort. The following proffers the need to look at alternate strategies. In particular, it suggests that a solution might lie if we combine modern technology with ancient wisdom and traditional approaches. This chapter serves to highlight strategies for prudent pain management. “Pain is not just from physical disorders but also from combinations of physiological, pathological, emotional, psychological, cognitive, environmental, and social factors. The keys to successful pain control are the mechanisms that initiate and maintain pain.” “Now, the public and health professionals expect to control pain by using preventive and active strategies, including drugs and physical and psychosocial interventions.” (Holdcroft & Power, 2003).

Today we are witnessing a significant rise in chronic diseases and chronic pain. Modern medicine appears not to be sufficient to relieve symptoms and reduce or eliminate discomfort. The following proffers the need to look at alternate strategies. In particular, it suggests that a solution might lie if we combine modern technology with ancient wisdom and traditional approaches. This chapter serves to highlight strategies for prudent pain management. “Pain is not just from physical disorders but also from combinations of physiological, pathological, emotional, psychological, cognitive, environmental, and social factors. The keys to successful pain control are the mechanisms that initiate and maintain pain.” “Now, the public and health professionals expect to control pain by using preventive and active strategies, including drugs and physical and psychosocial interventions.” (Holdcroft & Power, 2003).

Today we are witnessing a significant rise in chronic diseases and chronic pain. Modern medicine appears not to be sufficient to relieve symptoms and reduce or eliminate discomfort. The following proffers the need to look at alternate strategies. In particular, it suggests that a solution might lie if we combine modern technology with ancient wisdom and traditional approaches. This chapter serves to highlight strategies for prudent pain management. “Pain is not just from physical disorders but also from combinations of physiological, pathological, emotional, psychological, cognitive, environmental, and social factors. The keys to successful pain control are the mechanisms that initiate and maintain pain.” “Now, the public and health professionals expect to control pain by using preventive and active strategies, including drugs and physical and psychosocial interventions.” (Holdcroft & Power, 2003).

Contextual cardiology: what modern medicine can learn from ancient Hawaiian wisdom.

Allergic rhinitis is more than just a seasonal annoyance—it’s a recurring condition that affects day-to-day life, often making simple tasks like breathing or sleeping difficult. People suffering from it commonly experience sneezing, nasal congestion, watery discharge, and constant itching. While modern medicine offers short-term relief, the symptoms often return, leading many to seek more holistic and lasting solutions. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of healing, provides a deeper perspective by looking beyond the symptoms to address the root cause of disease. According to Ayurvedic principles, allergic rhinitis primarily results from imbalances in the Vata and Kapha doshas, influenced by poor digestion, lifestyle disturbances, environmental triggers, and seasonal changes. This review examines allergic rhinitis through the lens of Tridosha theory, offer-ing insight into its causes (Nidana), development (Samprapti), and symptoms (Lakshana) from an Ayurvedic viewpoint. We also explore Ayurvedic treatment strategies, such as Nasya (nasal administration of medicated oils), herbal remedies, detox therapies like Panchakarma, and Rasayana (rejuvenation) therapies, which help strengthen im-munity and prevent recurrence. What makes Ayurveda unique is its personalised and preventive approach—it doesn’t just treat the allergy; it restores balance in the body and builds resilience over time. This review highlights how ancient wisdom can provide practical, natural, and sustainable tools for managing allergic rhinitis in today’s world, improving not only symptoms but also overall well-being.1

India has a diverse cultural heritage due to its biodiversity. Currently, the Indian primary health care system depends upon both organised systems such as Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani, as well as an unorganised traditional system of medicine like folk medicine. One of the renowned ancient medical systems is Ayurveda, where many medicinal plants are used therapeutically. Many studies have been carried out globally to verify the efficacy of numerous medicinal plants, due to which various plant-based medicines are formulated. The crude drugs that are procured from natural sources are considered to be the branch of Pharmacognosy. Pharmacognosy mainly deals with identifying natural drugs obtained from various plants, microbes, and animals, leading to a new approach towards drug delivery. Various important drugs originate from plants like atropine, morphine, colchicine, ricin, cannabidiol, THC, etc. Plants produce secondary metabolites, such as toxins, alkaloids, and biopolymers. On the other hand, Phytochemistry studies phytochemicals,chemicals derived from plants. Medicinal plants are a rich source of phytochemicals and natural compounds such as alkaloids, terpenes, glycosylated, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, etc. They are also an effective source of folk and modern medicine widely used to treat various ailments. The ancient wisdom in this traditional system of medicine (TSMs) is still not exhaustively explored. Plants seem to be valuable for minimising side effects and having a positive impact on human health. Through this article, we can explore new avenues for discovering more efficient drugs with the help of medicinal plants, pharmacognosy, phytochemistry and their dependency on each other.

Exploring the ancient wisdom and modern relevance of Chinese medicine: A comprehensive review

A mathematic equation derived from host-pathogen interactions elucidates the significance of integrating modern medicine with traditional Chinese medicine to treat infectious diseases

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has prompted a global health crisis, necessitating diverse therapeutic strategies. This review explores the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with conventional medicine in managing COVID-19, highlighting the potential synergistic effects of combining these approaches. TCM formulations such as Lian Hua Qing Wen capsules and Shu Feng Jie Du capsules have shown promise in alleviating symptoms and enhancing recovery rates in COVID-19 patients through their antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. Key components such as glycyrrhizin, quercetin, and resveratrol, along with fungal, animal, and mineral preparations, contribute to the therapeutic efficacy of TCM. Some individual polyphenolics, found in TCM formulations, significantly contribute to anti-SARS-CoV-2 effect: their EC50 values range from 4.5 μmol/L (baicalein) to 83.4 μmol/L (quercetin), depending on the types of cells used and the treatment period. The review emphasizes the importance of rigorous scientific research to validate the effectiveness and safety of TCM treatments and the need for standardized protocols to ensure their consistent use. The quality and safety of Chinese herbal products still pose significant challenges that should be considered during their production and use. The integration of TCM with conventional medical practices offers a holistic approach to patient care, addressing the multifaceted pathophysiology of COVID-19 and enhancing overall treatment outcomes. Continued international collaborations and interdisciplinary research are essential to bridge the gap between traditional and modern medicine, fostering a more inclusive healthcare system.

Using Ayurveda to prevent heart disease can improve heart health by combining ancient wisdom with modern science. Ayurveda explains how diet, lifestyle, and emotions affect the heart. This study examines unique ayurvedic concepts from the Bruhat Trayi and Laghu Trayi texts to identify potential causes of heart disease and develop a more comprehensive preventive strategy. A thorough review of classical ayurvedic literature and modern medical research was conducted to analyse factors contributing to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The study highlights that Ahita Ahara (poor dietary habits), Vihara (unhealthy lifestyles), Manasika Bhava (emotional disturbances), and certain therapeutic practices like Ati Virechana (excessive purgation), Ati Vasti (excessive enemas), and Gada Atichara (improper medication) increase susceptibility to heart disease. Some ayurvedic causes of heart disease are similar to those in modern medicine, but ayurveda also identifies unique factors that modern cardiology does not specifically recognize. Combining Ayurveda with modern medicine can create a more holistic and effective approach to preventing heart disease. Ayurveda focuses on personalized treatment by balancing Doshas, improving diet, and making lifestyle changes. However, more clinical research is needed to validate these principles and understand their potential applications in heart care.

Pityriasis versicolor (Bahaq) is a chronic, superficial fungal skin infection caused by Malassezia furfur, characterized by hypopigmented or hyperpigmented macules or patches on the upper trunk, neck and shoulders. It predominantly affects adolescents and young adults, particularly in warm and humid climates. Unani medicine identifies Bahaq as a humoral disorder caused by imbalances in phlegm or black bile, which disrupt pigmentation and skin integrity. Esteemed Unani scholars, including Rabban Tabarī, Zakariya Razi, Ibn Sina and Ajmal Khan, have detailed its etiology, pathogenesis and treatments, emphasizing holistic approaches through herbal remedies, dietary modifications and therapeutic regimens. This review integrates Unani and modern perspectives, highlighting the therapeutic efficacy of antifungal treatments in modern medicine, complemented by Unani principles, such as Munzij (concoctive) and Mushil (purgative) therapies, alongside topical applications and dietotherapy. Unani formulations, including plant-based compounds and traditional regimens, show promise in managing resistant cases, offering a safer alternative to conventional antifungals, which may cause adverse effects. The paper underscores the need for rigorous scientific validation of Unani treatments through clinical trials to bridge traditional and modern dermatological practices. By aligning ancient wisdom with contemporary research, a more comprehensive and patient-centered approach to managing pityriasis versicolor can be achieved. This integration could improve therapeutic outcomes, minimize recurrences, and enhance patient quality of life while preserving the cultural heritage of Unani medicine. Keywords: Bahaq, Fungal Infection, Malassezia furfur, Pityriasis versicolor, Tinea Versicolor, Unani medicine

Humans have turned to natural products, obtained from plants, animals and aquatic life for treating diseases since time immemorial. Modern medicine is based on ancient wisdom transferred over generations. Drug development relies mainly on natural sources. Herbal medicines are making a comeback due to lower side effects, and positive results in the long term when compared to synthetic drugs. The current drug discovery process relies on identifying traditional medicines followed by Bioactivity-guided fractionation to isolate significant lead molecules. Plants have a history of long-term use by humans and hence it can be presumed that the bioactive compounds obtained from plants will have low human toxicity. There exists a huge potential for discovering new antitumor drug leads by screening natural products either in the form of crude extracts purified phytochemicals which have already been described in the literature. The fact that phytochemicals like paclitaxel, vinblastine, vincristine and camptothecin are being successfully used in clinical practice and several others like combretastatin and noscapine are in different stages of clinical trials implies the importance of plants in cancer chemotherapy.

TCMKD: From ancient wisdom to modern insights-A comprehensive platform for traditional Chinese medicine knowledge discovery

Urine examination has played a significant role in medical diagnostics across diverse civilizations throughout history. Ayurveda, a traditional healing system originating in the Indian subcontinent, placed importance on urine analysis as a diagnostic tool. In contrast, modern medical science employs sophisticated laboratory techniques and imaging technologies for urine examination. This manuscript delves into the historical context, techniques, and tools used in Ayurveda for urine examination, comparing them with contemporary scientific approaches. Ayurveda's holistic understanding, rooted in the concept of Tridosha utilized urine examination to identify imbalances and formulate personalized treatments. Ayurvedic physicians observed attributes like color, odor, and sedimentation patterns, aligning them with Doshic qualities. Modern urinalysis encompasses visual, chemical, and microscopic analyses, yielding critical clinical information. Elevated glucose, protein, ketones, presence of blood cells, and crystals provide insights into diabetes, kidney dysfunction, infections, and metabolic disorders. Advanced imaging techniques contribute to urinary tract evaluation. By juxtaposing Ayurvedic and modern approaches, potential correlations and synergies emerge, bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary evidence-based medicine. Integrating personalized Ayurvedic principles with objective modern methodologies could lead to enhanced diagnostic accuracy and patient care. Challenges in integration and the importance of holistic patient-centered care are acknowledged. The exploration of urine examination unites tradition and innovation, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration for a holistic approach to healthcare.