Quality Nursing Practices

UNIT 5 HOLISTIC HEALTH CARE

Structure
5.0 Objectives
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Holistic Health
5.2.1 Concept of Holistic Health
5.2.2 Body, Mind and Spirit Relationship
5.2.3 Characteristics of Holistic Health

5.3 Dimensions of Holistic Health Care

5.3.1 Nutritional Awareness
5.3.2 Over Eating – A Big Problem
5.3.3 Physical Fitness
5.3.4 Stress Awareness and Management
3.5.5 Environmental Sensitivity

5.4 Seven Simple Ideas to be Healthy

5.5 Nurses Role in Holistic Health
5.6 Traditional Health System/Alternative Health System
5.6.1 Ayurveda
5.6.2 Unani
5.6.3 Siddha
5.6.4 Naturopathy
5.6.5 Homeopathy
5.6.6 Yoga, Meditation, Reiki
5.6.7 Traditional Chinese Medicine.

5.7 Modern Medicine

5.7.1 Evolution of Modern Medicine
5.7.2 Advantages and Disadvantages of Modern Medicine
5.7.3 Reasons for Promotion of Holistic Medicine
5.7.4 Why People go for Traditional Practitioners
5.8 Let Us Sum Up
5.9 Key Words
5.10 Answers to Check Your Progress
5.11 Further Readings

5.0 OBJECTIVES
After going through this unit, you should be able to:
● define the concept of holistic health;
● state the Relationship of body mind and spirit;
● list characteristics of holistic health;
● discuss the dimensions of holistic health;
● explain the alternative health system viz. Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy,
Yoga, Meditation, Reiki and others;
● mention the history of modern medicine;
● identify advantages and disadvantages of modern medicine; and
112 ● state why people turn to holistic health.
 Holistic Health Care
5.1 INTRODUCTION
In Units 1, 2, 3 and 4, you have read about nursing process, quality assurance and standard,
ethical issue and legal aspects in nursing and nursing care system.
In this unit you will learn about the concept of holistic health in which an individual is
intergrated in all his/her levels of health, body, mind and spirit. If persons take
responsibility for health then they can achieve wholeness.
Wellness is a way of life. A lifestyle you design in order to achieve your highest potential
for well being.
Traditional medicine has a holistic approach i.e. viewing man in his totally within a wide
ecological spectrum. Traditional medicine is one of the surest means to achieve total health
care coverage of the world population using acceptable, safe and economically feasible
methods.
You will be able to learn the five major dimensions of Holistic health viz. Nutrition,
physical awareness, stress reduction, self responsibility and environmental sensitivity.
People are turning towards holistic healing as a result of their dissatisfaction with allopathic
medical care. People have become aware that modern drugs can be healing but also
powerfully dangerous. Each drug has a side effect which sometimes is greater than the
benefit.

5.2 HOLISTIC HEALTH

We face many circumstances in our journey of life. We also have to contend with issues
such as aging and sickness. The Chinese have a saying which goes “You can own
everything, but health”. What is one thing desired of all humans? Without any doubt, it is
“good health”. Good health is a treasure but not the type of “health” induced by constant
consumption of various dubious tonics or medicines. If we desire true health for ourselves
we should start by preventing illness or sicknesses from attacking our bodies, our life span
is naturally extended. There are many methods we can use to prevent illness, you will learn
the alternative health practices in India. So let us see the concept of holistic health.

5.2.1 Concept of Holistic Health

Holistic health is actually an approach to life, “Holos” means entire or total. The Holistic
means “whole” or complete. The concept of holistic health is not new. This ancient
approach as far back as 5000 years ago in India and China, stressed living healthy way of
life in harmony with nature. It is an approach to health based on a love of life, not a fear of
death. It leads to high level of wellness for the total person throughout the total life style.
With Holistic Health people accept responsibility for their own level of well-being.
Holistic approach to health insists that total good health and well being can be
achieved by understanding the whole person in a perspective that includes physical, mental,
emotional, social and spiritual dimensions. These five aspects are not separate but they are
constantly interacting. This concept corresponds to the ancient view that health implies a
sound mind in a sound body in a sound family in a sound environment. The goal is to
achieve maximum well being, where everything is functioning the very best that is
possible.
Holistic approach to health insists that total good health and well being can be
achieved by understanding the whole person in a perspective that includes his
physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual dimensions. These aspects are not
separate but they are constantly interacting. Concepts regarding health have also undergone
evolutionary changes. First came the biomedical concept followed by ecological concept,
then psychosocial concept of health has come into being, which you have read in Unit 2 of
Block 1 of this course.
The American Holistic Nursing Association (1980) developed standards for Holistic
Nursing, which are based on the philosophy that nurses’ job is to strengthen individuals to
achieve wholeness inherent within them. 113
Quality Nursing Practices Individual is viewed as biopsychosocial being in continuous interaction with the
environment. The biopsychosocial view considers a human being as the total interaction of
biological, psychological and social aspects. When all aspects are completely belanced the
person experiences an excellent state of health. Potential alterations in health exist when
any of these areas of the being becomes less stable.

5.2.2 Body, Mind and Spirit Relationship

Holistic health emphasizes the connection of mind, body and spirit, where goal is to
achieve maximum well being. It is dynamic, self motivating experience of an individual
towards achieving a purposeful and vibrant life style.
The individual according to Indian scriptures is ‘Prakriti’ and ‘Purusha’. Nature
(Prakriti) is said to be the formation of body and ‘Purusha’ the soul. Spirit is the cause
of expression of pleasure and pain guided by mind, intellect, ego etc. Thus the
individual is a whole with body, mind and soul and wholeness of the individual is our
concern. This holistic approach gives rise to a new model of health care based on life
energy rather than on a pathological concept of approach. Mind is the function of body.
It does not exist apart from the body.

Bodily Conditions Affecting Mental Mental Conditions Affecting Bodily

Functions
Human behaviour involves both body and
mind. They interact on each other.
Our nervous system and glands which are
an important part of our body are
responsible to a great extent for our ways
of thinking, feeling, wishing. Let us take
here a few examples of bodily conditions
affecting mental functioning in a normal
healthy person.
a) It is observed that an increase of B.P
leads to mental overactivity
b) Fatigue of the body makes
concentration difficulty.
c) Constipation can cause irritability and
depression.
d) Too much of thyroid activity leads to
mental restlessness and over
excitability.
Functions
Our emotions and strong feeling affect the
body inwardly and outwardly.
a) Unpleasant emotions such as fear,
anger, worry cause headache,
insomnia, indigestion and various
neurotic diseases.
b) Deep thinking and concentration can
cause physical fatigue.
c) Mind motivates all physical and motor
activities.
d) Emotional conflicts are responsible to
cause various illnesses such as
hysteria, gastrointestinal troubles like
peptic ulcer, ulcerative colitis,
flatulence etc.

Fig. 5.1: Bodily and mental conditions affecting each other

Relationship of Body, Mind and Spirit

More and more we are realizing that not only the psychologial or emotional aspects and
physical aspects of man’s existence need to be attended by the doctor or the nurse, but also
the connections to the spiritual aspects need to be made. In our society people suffer from
a sense that spirit basically is separate from them. Spiritual aspects which is concerned with
values which pull a person along life’s path. People need to be encouraged to see what
benefits they can derive from their disease or affliction.
Suffering leads to maturity, we grow spiritually stronger to realise the highest values of
human existence only when absolutely necessary and inevitable.
Our body processes food, air and water perfectly well without spirit, our mind effectively
think without touching upon spirit. We find it easy to set aside and spiritual dimensions are
brought into balance, life becomes whole and this union bring feelings of comfort and
security.
According to Maharshi Mahesh Yogi“spirituality is not meant to be separate from body.
This kind of prejudice against the body runs contrary to the way that nature fashioned us.
114 Nature balanced mind, body and spirit as co-creators of our personal reality.”
5.2.3 The Characteristics of Holistic Health Holistic Health Care

Holistic health is based on the law of nature that whole is made of interdependent parts.
Socrates (4th century B.C.) warned against treating only one part of the body. He said that
the part can never be well unless the whole is well. Holistic health has the following
characteristics given in Fig. 5.2.

1) It is person oriented rather than disease oriented.

2) Its objective is full, vibrant health (Positive wellness) not symptom amelioration.
3) It respects the valid contribution of current medical science and practice.
4) It is democratic and tolerant rather than authoritarian.
5) It focuses on internal healing as a useful supplement to surgery, radiation, and drug
therapy.
6) It is trilevel, (physical, emotional, spiritual) not unilevel (physical only).
7) It is life cycle oriented (Longitudinal), not event specific (cross-sectional)
8) It focuses on primary perevention rather than crisis intervention.
9) It places major responsibility for health on the client, not the professional.
10) It is long term ongoing and continuous effort and is not fragmented.
11) It recognizes that the client is an active and committed partner in the healing
process, not a passive recipient.
12) It recommends use of gentle natural forms of healing, whenever appropriate.
13) It is pragmatic : It recognizes the value of “What works” without having to
understand completely the casual processes involved.
14) It fully recognizes the value of the rational scientific approach as a tool for
discovery, understanding, and evaluation. Simultaneously, it is accepting of a
non-rational, non-scientific approach in some situations especially when this
results in a noticeably heal their person. Such non-scientific approaches might,
for example, include yogo, zen, religious rituals, meditation, massage, or
postural training.
15) It recognizes that not all illness is “bad” and “to be eliminated” at the earliest
possible moment. Some symptoms represent detoxification, or signal the need for
balancing.
16) It focuses on primary prevention rather than crisis intervention and it goes beyond
prevention.
17) It recognizes that medicine and health are not synonymous, but are vitally
interdependent.
18) It is a process of centering, integrating, balancing, harmonizing and vitalizing.

Fig. 5.2: Characteristics of holistic health

Check Your Progress 1

1) Define Holistic Health.
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2) Give two examples of each of the following:

a) Body condition affecting mental functions
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b) Mental condition affecting bodily functions

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Quality Nursing Practices
5.3 DIMENSIONS OF HOLISTIC HEALTH CARE
A wellness lifetyle has five dimensions. They are self responsibility, nutritional awareness,
physical fitness, stress management and environmental sensitivity. All the five areas are
equally important to have the holistic health. (See Fig. 5.3). This figure depicts the five
dimensions of wellness and notes the central role of self responsibility.

Nutritional Physical
Awareness Fitness

Self
Responsibility

Stress
Environmental Awareness and
Sensitivity Management

Fig. 5.3 : The five basic dimensions of holistic health

5.3.1 Nutritional Awareness

Daily intake of fresh water and clean food ensure the positive health. Of course we need to
abstain from unhealthy habits. It is important for us to consume healthy food and well
balanced diet as this will strengthen our bodies against invading diseases and to enhance
and strengthen the physical functions of the various parts of our body. We will gain much
vigour from this and this will aid against illnesses.
Some of the principles are listed below:
● Have more natural food, fruits and vegetables and a balanced diet.
● Avoid overcooking, too much oil, processed food, refined food, food additives/
preservatives.
● Limit or avoid non-vegetarian food.
● Drink lots of water.
● Take high fiber roughage.
● Enjoy eating.

5.3.2 Over Eating — A Big Problem

Over eating is one of the biggest trouble today. To keep healthy, one must remain always a
little hungry.
In addition to the quality of food it is also necessary to think of its quantity. Food these
days is so spicy and savoury that the temptation to eat more and then just a little more
cannot be easily resisted. Moreover in our society, regarding people with food is considered
a token of affection. Excessive amounts of food are a burden on the digestive system and
disrupt the process of digestion. Frequent feed have the same effect.
So we should be aware of the proper diet in proper age, time and amount.

5.3.3 Physical Fitness

‘Prevention is better than cure.’ In other words ‘Don’t ever fall ill’. But who wants to fall ill
116 at all? Do you think it is up to us to decide whether to fall ill or not?
The answer is certainly yes. It is within the power of everyone of us to maintain health and Holistic Health Care
avoid falling a prey to illness. So physical fitness is important for healthy living. Physical
fitness activities depend on age, state of health, type of other activities, (e.g.) occupation
performed.
We have already described about the holistic health and to be healthy we should maintain
our physical fitness by
● Maintaining Personal hygiene
● Regulating diet
● Exercise, activity
● Yoga, meditation
● Regular adequate sleep
● Prevention of fatigue, over work etc.

5.3.4 Stress Awareness and Management

Hans Selye, a renowned biological scientist, defines stress as the ‘nonspecific response of
the body to any demand made upon it”. The stress producing factors may be different, such
as physical stressess of heat and cold and psychological stresses of failure, success and a
new challenge. The body’s biologic responses to stresses cause psychophysiologic
disorders. According to Selye damaging stressors (e.g. anxiety, frustration, insecurity and
aimlessness) may result in a variety of physical and emotional disorders such as, migraine
headaches, peptic ulcers myocardial infarction, hypertension, suicide, mental illness and
unhappiness. What is the ultimate aim of people? Selye suggests, to express ourselves as
fully as possible according to our own talents and desires and to achieve a sense of security.
To use proper coping mechanism protect the ego from overwhelming anxiety but they
operate on an unconscious level.
Selyes own philosophy gives us a guideline for using our adaptive energy. “Fight for your
highest attainable aims but never put up resistance in vain”.
Stress can be caused due to biological, socio-cultural and psychosocial factors. Stress can
be due to social change. For example, competition for grades, jobs and married life may
cause tension and anxiety. The educational demands put on the children, and parents
wanting their children to do well are examples of stress producing situation.
When we have some negative thoughts or thought of anxiety, depression, nervousness,
jealousy, fear etc. we feel those state of mind and in turn perceive them as stress. If we
think about peace, happiness and relaxation even in the midst of stressful situations we can
experience a positive state of mind. This implies that our thought are the basis of our
feelings.

Stress Management
● Have a clear picture of life’s goal and meaning of life; develop positive attitude
● Nurture faith dimensions; look at the bright side of life
● Develop caring relationship
● Restrictive positive environment
● Learn to say “no” when it is beyond your ability
● Bring variety in daily living/routine
● Have adequate sleep, rest, exercise, diet
● Relax, have a vacation
● Be cheerful, laugh, smile, have a sense of honour
● Think that you are the unique person in this world
● Love and respect self. Think that you are the unique person in this world
● Observe thought patterns for few minutes daily (Self analysis and find the real cause
to negative feeling)
● Practice meditation for some time daily 117
Quality Nursing Practices Some principles are:
● Develop awareness to ecologically safe environment
● Support values, such as: equilibrium conservation of energy, fragality, durability and
anti-pollution
● Develop goal of waste elimination, e.g. recycling
● Adopt life style change, e.g., simplicity, communal living, reduced consumption
● Develop living responsibility.

5.3.5 Environmental Sensitivity

Man cannot live without even one of essential elements of life— air, soil, water and
sunlight. It should be realised that humans need to co-exit in harmony with our natural
environment in order to survive. Unfortunately, our environment is deteriorating day by
day, until one day it will become a threat at to our human existence. Forty years ago the
diseases which caused highest death rate were plague, cholera, small pox. Today man has
successfully eradicated the small pox and through the advance of modern science and
technology, other dangerous diseases such as polio is continuonsly eliminated.
Today, the main causes of human deaths are cancer and diseases of the heart and brain.
Survey’s show that 75% of cancer is caused by environmental pollution and various
carcinogenic chemicals absorbed by human.
From the dawn of the history of mankind we know that our natural environment has been
the source of our progress and development. Because of the advancement of science and
technology, humans are now subject to living in a very polluted environment and unhealthy
condition. So we need to protect our living environment and maintain the natural
equilibrium of our ecology.

Check Your Progress 2

List the five dimensions of holistic health care.
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5.4 SEVEN SIMPLE IDEAS TO BE HEALTHY

i) Having a Purpose in Life: The absence of a purpose in life leads to alcoholism, drug
dependence, suicide, and depression.
ii) Maintaining Positive Attitudes: If you keep a journal for one week, of all your
attitudes towords life, you will become aware of how much you pollute the
environment with your negative attitudes. Then you can employ. ‘Thought stoppage’
and activate your warrior. It is good to write all your negative attitudes on the left side
of the jounal, and the positive on the right. Keep up the journal writing until the
positive attitudes are predomimant and a part of your thinking process.
iii) Using one’s abilities fully: This mean saying yes to new ventures, trying new things
stepping out, being ready to take a risk. Learn and do, be creative and you will amaze
your self at how many abilities you really have.
iv) Having the will to be whole and healthy: This is important as if you programme
yourself to be sick, you will be sick. Constantly telling yourself you are not strong,
you catch colds easily, or you are allergic to this and that, will maintain your body in
ill health. Activate your warrior, and listen to positive programming and you will
reach a high level of wellness.
v) Being adaptable: We live in a world experience the greatest change in history. If we
stay stuck like old cement, we will crack and break from the winds of change. It is
better to be flexible and adapt to the wind like the reeds and the swaying bamboos.
118 We need to have lots of ‘give’.
 Having a purpose in life Holistic Health Care

1
Maintaining Using one’s
Positive 2 3 abilities
Attitudes
Having the will
4
to be whole and
healthy
5 6
Being Cooperating
adaptable with other
7 people

Accepting responsibility for one’s

thoughts and actions

Fig. 5.4: Seven points to maintain positive health

vi) Co-operating with other people: This leads to harmony and greater achievement of
peace and prosperity.
vii) Accepting responsibility for one’s thought and action: It is so easy to blame others,
but it is a sign of maturity to see that all your thoughts, feelings, words and actions
are under your control. Take self responsibility and to be a power for good in the
world.

5.5 NURSE’S ROLE IN HOLISTIC HEALTH

With Holistic Health, people accept responsibility for their own level of well being, and
everyday choices are used to take charge of one’s own health. People have now shifted
their thoughts that they can get away with unhealthy life style choices and that modern
medicine would “fix” their health problems. They also realize that for some conditions
medical cures have proven more harmful than the disease and many chronic conditions do
not respond to scientific medical treatments. People are now looking for other options,
people are turning back to alternative health approaches and holistic approach to health and
healing.
a) To begin with, nurses themselves have to be a holistic persons and they need to accept
the responsibility of their own people and follow the practices of holistic health.
b) Nurses responsibility is to bring awareness to positive life style.
c) They need to encourage positive attitude towards living.
d) Use of Holistic Health apporach in specific conditions, e.g. Labour.
e) Develop and initiate programme in different settings, like work places, screening,
crisis situation.

Check Your Progress 3

1) List the seven simple ideas to be healthy.
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Quality Nursing Practices 2) List any three roles of nurses in holistic health.
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5.6 TRADITIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM/ALTERNATIVE

HEALTH SYSTEM
Traditional health system is as old as human history. The knowledge of traditional healers
were normally not documented till the writing of the ‘Atharvaveda’ which was the first
documentation of the traditional system of medicine. Training were given by the ‘Gurus’
and the disciples continued and enriched their knowledge through practices. In Ancient
time the peoples’ health were looked after by the ‘Raj Vaidyas’. Apart from there Raj
Vaidyas, the people’s health needs were looked after by traditional health worker.
Inspite of the advantage of science, medicine and technology diseases is on the increase. In
the developing countries like India 80 percent of the population lives in rural areas. There
are even today many areas that are not covered by the Government health services. So there
should be integrated approach by incorporating all the system of medicine for providing
better primary health care at a relatively low cost. The traditional system of medicine is one
of the surest means to achieve total health care coverage of the world population.

Traditional Medicine
The definition given by the group of experts “the sum total of all knowledge and practice
whether explicable or not used in diagnosis, prevention and elimination of physical, mental
or social imbalance and relying exclusively on the practical experience and observation
handed down from generation to generation whether verbally or in writing”.

120 Fig. 5.5: Depiction of traditional medium

Traditional Healer Holistic Health Care

A Taditional Healer is a person who is recognised by the community in which he lives as

competent to provide health care by using vegetable, animal and mineral substances and
certain other method based on the social, cultural and religious background as well as the
knowledge, attitudes and beliefs that are prevalent in the community regarding physical,
mental and social well being and causation of disease and disability. A traditional healer
often learns from another person practicing traditional healing by experience.
In India, we also have indigenous health systems, such as Ayurveda, Unani, Homeopathy.
Each of these systems has a recognized body of knowledge and some of these systems are
now being taught in colleges and universities. These are also being integrated in
countries health systems. There are hospsitals, Safdarjang Hospital, Holy Family Hospital,
Moolchand Hospital in Delhi, Arya Vaidya Sala in Kottakkal (Kerala) which provide
Ayurvedic treatments to patients preferring these treatments. In addition, there are various
alternative and complementary therapies which have been discussed in detail in unit 4 of
this block.
Ayurveda
Unani
Traditional
Siddha
Health
Homeopathy
System
Naturopathy
Yoga, Meditation, Reiki
Traditional Chinese Medicine

Fig. 5.6: Depiction of traditional health

5.6.1 Ayurvedic Medicine

India is known as a country of Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurveda means the science of life. In
Ayurveda, the primary aim is “Swasthasya Rakshanam”, i.e. prevention of health. It lays
emphasis on prevention of health.
Ayurveda originated from the Vedas which are the most ancient texts. The celebrated
authorities in Ayurvedic medicine were Atreya, Charaka and Susruta.
Atreya (about 800 B.C.), the first great Indian Physician and teacher lived in Taxila. King
Ashoka and other Buddhist kings patronized Ayurveda as state medicine and establishd
schools of Medicine and public hospitals.
Charaka, (200 A.D.) the ancient Indian physician and the Susruta, (the father of surgery)
had laid more stress on the prevention as well as promotive health care. Preventive
promotive and curative aspects are important parts of Ayurveda.

The Salient Features of Ayurveda/Doctrine of Ayurveda

Ayurveda is still today a living science since millions of people in India are being treated
according to this system of medicine. Let us have a look on the salient features of
Ayurveda.
The entire subject of Ayurvedic medicine was divided into eight main field and the science
of Ayurveda was therefore known as the “eight limbed” ‘Asthanga Ayurveda’.
The eight branches are:
1) Kayachikitsa-Internal medicine which included principles of physiology &
pathology.
2) Shalyachikitsa or Surgery including Anaomy.
3) Shalakyachikitsa or eye, ear, nose and throat diseases.
4) Kaumarabhritya or Paediastics including obstetrics and embriology.
5) Bhutavidya or Demonology which include psychotherapy and analysis of dreams.
6) Agada Tantra or Toxicology.
121
Quality Nursing Practices 7) Rasayana or Rejuvenation with reference to geriatrics.
8) Vajikarna a varification and use of aphrodisiacs.
The Ayurvedic theory of Tridosa or Tridhatu meaning three elements or humors namely
Vayu or Vata (wind), pitta (bile); and Kalpa (mucus) on which whole physiology and
Pathology was based.
Tridosa theory and diseases, based on disturbances in the equilibrium of three humors. The
personality of an individual would depend on the above three humors.

The Principles of Ayurveda

Preventive, promotive and curative aspects of medicine are important parts of Ayurveda.
Hence these principles of health care are known as eternal and constitute the real
contribution of Ayurveda to primary health care.
The principles of Ayurvedic Medicine are:
i) Swastha vritta – (Personal hygiene) comprising of - Dincharya - (Daily routine,
cleaning of tongue, bath, eyes etc.).
Vyama – Physical exercise.
Ritucharya – Use of herbal medicine use in the six seasons to avoid seasonal diseases.
ii) Rasayana – Special use of drugs to prevent aging and impart longevity, to develope
immunity against diseases, to improve mental faculties, to add vitality and lusture to
the body.
The Rasayana herbs are – Amlaki (Amla), Indian Gooseberry Amla – English name
Emplica Oficinalss, Pippli Hindi Pippali English: long pepper, dried catker (Maggan),
Shatavari (Hindi Shatavera) English (Indian Asparagy), Shankhpnshri Brahmi Hindi
name is Brahmbi English name Thyneleaved Gratola (Herpestis Monniera) Lauha
(iron) Swrna (gold) Chyban Prash, Amalaka Churna (Powdered dried Amla) Trifala
Churna etc. Triphala (Hindi Triphal), English (Three fruits formula).
iii) Practice of Yoga

Diagnosis and Treatment

Ayurveda prescribes two types of examinations i.e. of the patient (Rogi Pariksha) and of the
disease (Roga Pariksha). Treatment of disease consists in avoiding the causative factors, in
advising medicine, suitable diet, activity and regimen which will restore the balanced state
of the body. Treatment is classified into two:
a) Shamana Therapy: Elimination of vitiated doshas i.e. digestives, creation of hunger or
thirst, exerise, the sun rays and exposnre to the Sun.
b) Shodhana Therapy: It is by emesis, purgation, enemas and blood letting. Yoga and its
specific practices for specific health problems also falls under the doctrine of
Ayurveda.

Uses of Ayurvedic Medicine

The medicines are commonly collected from plants and their roots which are natural in
character and are not harmful and has no side effect. Many common as well as some critical
diseases can easily be cured by the application of these medicines. They are called ‘Vesaja’
as because they are collected from the juice of leaves and roots of certain plants, creepers
etc. Though the process are not very easy yet they are being prepared in a befitting manner.
Cow-ghee, honey, tarmaric, Tulsi etc. are used in such medicines. Before the arrival of
British the Ayurvedic medicines were the main sources of the common people of India,
even the people of ancient India never use the modern medicine because of orthodoxi.
Detailed of such medicines can be collected from the writings of ‘Charaka’ who has been
regarded the master of all Ayurvedic Medicine. He was able to cure the critical diseases
like cancer which till now modern science could not discover. The treatment success lacks
evidenced based research.

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A few examples of Medicinal plants are given along with its uses in different diseases. Holistic Health Care

Diseases Medicinal plants

Teethache Lazbanti root

Headache Talakucha and sandle pulp
Diarrhoea Green banana juice, Pathvedali
Dysentery Amral, Manimuni
Hypertension Nephafu Leaves
Heart disease Arjuna
Cut injury Zarman and Marrigold leaves
Skin disease Neem and Tarmaric
Menorrhagia Ulatkamal
Liver trouble Kalmegh, Arahar
Fracture of bone Harjora & Termaric
Flatulence Zinger, black salt
Eye trouble Karabi
Cough & cold Vasaka, Tulsi with honey

Check Your Progress 4

1) Define Traditional Medicine.
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2) Who is called Traditional Healer?
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3) Mention alternative health practices.
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4) Fill up the blanks:

a) The entire Ayurvedic medicine was divided into ........... main field and therefore
known as ............... Ayurveda.
b) Salyachikitsa refer to ...............
c) Three elements of Tridosha or Tridhatu are (i)..............., (ii) Pitta ............... and
(iii) ............... .
d) Charaka was the master of ............... and Susruta Ayurvedic ............... .
e) Ayurveda prescribes two types of examination of patient and they are
...................... and ............... .
5) Mention five diseases/symptoms in which Ayurvedic treatment is useful.
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5.6.2 The Unani System of Medicine

The Unani system of medicine was developed during the Arab Civilization. The Muslims
still call it Unani (Indian) Medicine, whereas European historians call it Arab Medicine. It
is now practiced in the Indo-Pakistan Sub-continent.
The glories of Ayurveda were on a rapid decline and the Hindu medicine slipped down
many grades for want of patronage from the rulers.
123
Quality Nursing Practices The medicine in India during the late medieval period was thus dominated by the Persian
and Arabic treatment which produced on amalgam of Greek or Unani Medicine, when it
passed through the hands of persians. The pattern of medical practice changed throughout
the country from the days of Muslims dominunce until the arrival of the Europeans.
In Unani medicine great emphasis is laid on human nature and physician is advised to
activate and follow this power and not to antagonise it. Unani system of medicine places
great reliance on defence mechanism of the body.
Unani practitioners hold a respectable place in society, particularly in rural communities.
The pharmacopoeia consists of an extremely rich armamentarium of natural drugs, mainly
herbal but also including animal mineral and marine drugs.
It is true that the Unani medicine is looking in experimental, physiochemical and bio-
mathematical data, but it is nearly safe. In Unani medicine, the drugs do not serve as a
quick curative and in the end there is no general serious side effect such as those observed
with synthetic drugs. One of the well known Unani Medical College and the hospsital is in
Delhi called Faculty of Unani Medicine, Jamia Hamdard University. This system is more
popular among Muslims.

5.6.3 Siddha System of Medicine

The siddha system of medicine was its origin to the Dravidiam culture which is
of the prevedic period. Siddha system of medicine is mainly therapeutic. Mercury,
surphar, iron, copper, gold, bituman, white, yellow and red arsenic and other materials
as well as vegetable poisons are extensively used in the pharmacopoea of the
Sddha tradition.

Use of Siddha
The siddha system of medicine is prevalent in Southern states of India,
Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Singapore where Dravidian civilization was dominant.
In North India the Siddhar Kalpa system (siddha means one who has attained immortality,
Kalpa means panacea) is known as Tantrik science. Siddha science considers nature and
man as essentially one. One who knows the anatomy of nature and its five elements knows
well the anatomy of men. Nature is the foremost physician.
In Siddha system of medicine the first medical plant is ‘Neem’ tree which is
used for small pox and other infectious diseases. It has the germicidal action and medicinal
properties of the Margosa. It is considered to possess powers to ward off evil spirits.

5.6.4 Naturopathy
Another alternative approach of health system is Naturopathy. Nature care principle is as
old as human history because there was no systematised medicine in early dates. Early
Egyptians used massage, the Romans used baths extensively, Jews had rules of diet and
hygiene and so on and so forth.
Vinconz Priessnitz (1799-1851) was the man who first started the nature cure clinic over a
hundred years ago. Dr Henry Lindlahr is one who devoted his life in this principle and his
leading moto is “Nature’s remedies are the best”. Mahatma Gandhi was firm believer in
nature cure and believed that disease came from ignoring the laws of nature. According to
Naturopathy the medical treatment possesses very little power to cure disease and
suppresses the symptoms of disease. The proper method of overcoming the disease is by
natural means such as Air, water, Light, Food, Exercise etc.
Nature cure believes that diseases caused by violation of Nature’s Laws. Self control in
obedience of natural law is the master key to health.
The medical treatment of the Nature cure consists largely in the proper relation and
combination of food materials. It stands to reason that nature has provided within the
ranges of the natural foods all the elements which man needs in the way of food and
medicine. Naturopathy is recognised by the Government of India and there are many nature
cure centres available in India today.

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Diagnostic Techniques Holistic Health Care

A naturopathic practitioner uses all diagnostic techniques including blood and urine test,
x-ray and observation. There is an extensively naturopathic diagnostic technique called
iridology i.e. studying the mark on the irises of the eye of the patient.

Treatment
People of all ages and social groups suffering from chronic illness come to nature cure
hospitals or health homes. After the root cause is established the patient receives immediate
treatment through personal and natural hygiene. The patient has to alter his way of life, diet
and attitude to improve his health.
There may be neuromuscular treatment and various forms of massage and physiotherapy to
relax tension and tone up muscle.

Check Your Progress 5

1) List the Pharmacopoea in Siddha medicine.
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
2) Name the person who started the Nature cure clinic.
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
3) What are the methods of overcoming diseases by nature means?
.........................................................................................................................................
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.........................................................................................................................................

5.6.5 Homeopathy
So far you have come to know the Indian system of Medicine. Now mention must be made
of Homeopathy, which is not of Indian origin but is fairely widely practised in India. Its
originator, Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843) was a German. Homeopathy came to India in
1810 when Dr. Honigberger, a German physician came to India and treated people in
Bengal, including Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
In Homeopathy the physician’s interest is not only the alleviation of the patient’s present
symptoms but also his long term well being. Homeopathy approaches the problems of each
individual uniquely.
Dr. R.R Sharma 1984 found successful treatment by homeopathy with the biopsy proved
childhood cirrhosis. He quotes, W.V Jackson who followed up 1200 cases of cancer for 12
years and found a recovery rate of 92%. He found the improvement in migraine headache,
allergic disorders, asthma, epilepsy spondylosis, renal stones. Homeopathic medicine can
modify the course of diseases such as Hepatitis A, acute upper respiratory infections,
gastroenteritis and also conjunctivitis.

Check Your Progress 6

1) Who was the originator of Homeopathy?
..................................................................................................................................
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125
Quality Nursing Practices 2) Name some of the diseases that are found to have benefitted by Homeopathy.
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5.6.6 Yoga, Meditation and Reiki— For Holistic Health

Yoga
Yoga is a science of holistic living and not merely a set of Asanas and Pranayama. It is a
part of Ayurveda, the science of life.
The Yoga is derived from the sanskrit root ‘’Yuj’’which means to unite or integrate thus
implying a total integation of the physical, mental, intellectual and spiritual aspects of
human personality. It aims at the harmonious development of body mind and soul.
Yoga is a traditional science which helps us to co-ordinate body and mind more effectively.
It enables a person to maintain tranquility of mind and greater calmsiness in the conscious
state and is perhaps the easiest and safest method in promoting mental healh.
The founders of Yoga were the Rishis and Maharishis and the sages who had mastery of
mind and body. Knowledge was transmitted to the disciplines (chelas) and later on spread
all over India.Yoga is a science that deals with the physical, moral, mental, spiritual well
being of a man as a whole.

Practices and Benefits of Yoga

Inspite of tremendous success of modern medicine, the modern ailments such as high B.P,
asthma, heart attack, diabetes, ulcers, cancer, anxiety neurosis, AIDS etc. have thrown
insurmountable challenges to the limited approaches to modern medical world. The drugs,
injections, inhalers all have secondary effects and lead some complications and long term
rehabilitation of the patient suffering from such ailments. So medical science deals and
provides the symptomatic relief in the emergency. A number of research studies are done
and continue to be explored on the effect yoga on specific disease conditions.
The art of Yoga is practised through on eight fold method. They are:
1) Yama - Conditioned Yoga behaviour.
2) Niyama - Self Purification by discipline.
3) Asana - Physical discipline (posture)
4) Pranayama - Control over bio-energy (Rhythmic control of breath)
5) Pratyhara - Abstraction.
6) Dharana - Concentration.
7) Dhyana - Meditation
8) Samadhi - A state of superconsciousness brought about by profound meditation in
which the individual’s aspirant becomes one with the object of meditation.
Here we are not discussing how these stages are pactised. Among these Asana (postures)
and Pranayama are very useful to have positive health.
So yoga have started catching the attention of medical men, researchers and common
citizens. Postures or Asanas are one of the methods of yoga which not only maintain
positive health but also purify the elimentary canal, a gateway of pathogens of different
diseases. Yogendra, a famous Yoga expert, stressed the need for Yoga hygiene which is best
suited to gastro intestinal system.
Let us have a look on the layers of human existence.
Five Layers of human existence: (See Fig. 5.7)
1) Annamaya Kosh (Physical sheath)
2) Pranayama Kosh (Vital sheath)
126
3) Manomaya Kosh (Mertal sheath) Holistic Health Care

4) Vijnanmaya Kosh (Wisdom sheath)

5) Anandamaya Kosh (Bliss sheath).

Fig. 5.7: Five layers of human existence

Meditation

Meditation is a mental exercise in which we direct our mind to think inwardly by shutting
out our sense organs to external stimulation. By this the mind can be directed to perform
more useful and fruitful funcions. By the constant practice of meditation one can also
develop voluntary control over various involuntary vital functions of the body. One can
learn to stabilize his emotional changes. A person can attain superconsciousness by
meditation.
The study of mental health is of great importance and meditation promotes mental health.
Several drugs such as sedatives and tranquilizers have been introduced which have risk of
toxicity and habit formation. So use of yoga and meditation prevent psychosmatic illness
and promote mental health.
Method of Meditation
Buddha, 2500 years ago described the upasana method of meditation in which person sits
in a comfortable posture with eyes closed and directs his attention to the tip of his nose to
observe his breath continuously. By this procedure one learns to practice concentration of
mind. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi described transcendental Meditation in a comfortable sitting
position with eyes closed and turn his attention inward to control his internal environment
and the repeats sacred words called ‘Mantra’ and portrays his God in mind for 20 minutes.

127
Quality Nursing Practices Benson has described simple method for meditation for beginners i.e.
● A quiet environment (worshipping room)
● A passive attitude
● Comfortable position
● A mental device for concentration and keep eyes closed for 20 minutes.
Such meditation can be carried out twice of day. There is great scope for the use of
meditation in the preventive, promotive and curative aspects of mental health. But there is a
need to conduct scientific study and develop standardization of this simple in expensive
powerful technique for the promotion of mental health. Anice George (Manipal) has
demonstrated the use of yoga in reducing/caring dysmennohrea. Prakasmma, M.
(Hyderabad) in her research studies has shown that pranayama is better method in lung
expansion than physiotherapy in patients with pleural effusion.

Reiki
Reiki has been used now a days for healing many symptoms. In holistic health care, it is
alsoconsidered as one of the methods of maintaining health. Mikao Usui is the grandmaster
of Reiki. The knowledge of Reiki would have remained lost forever had not Dr. Mikao
Usui rediscovered the key which led to the recovery of a thousand year-old tradition of
healing in 2500-year-old Sanskrit sutras at the end of the nineteenth century.

Definition
Reiki is made up of two syllables ‘REI’ and ‘KI’.
‘REI’ stands for universal and ‘KI’ stands for energy. Reiki the universal energy is defined
that power which acts and lives in all created matter. This universal energy flows through
our hands in concentrated form when we treat someone with Reiki. [Refer Fig. 5.8 (a, b)]

Fig. 5.8: Reiki

In short it means, Reiki has a holistic effect. It reaches all levels of existence and strives to
brings these differing levels into a state of balance. The therapist of only a channel of
energy, because it is not his own energy, that passes through his hands, but it is a universal
energy, which leaves the Reiki channel strengthened and harmonised. This universal energy
seems to have a mind of its own, for it knows how much and where the person needs the
energy. It is not for us to decide or in our control to add or subtract this energy. Reiki is
experienced as love. This love is a power, which unites us to a state of oneness with the
128 whole of creation. Love is the original home of the soul.
Uses Holistic Health Care

Reiki is the healing method in the broadest sense of the word. For it not only heals the
body, but the spiritual self also. Reiki has nothing to do with religion, spiritualism, occult in
any shape or form. Neither is it a hypnotic nor any other psychological technique. Today
the rediscovery of Reiki has set forth a trend of healing techniques where no medicines are
instilled in the body of the patient, no prayers are mumbled, yet the results are achieved.
Reiki attunements bring forth the developments in you that have been dormant and you
become a better person.

Check Your Progress 7

1) What do you mean by Yoga and what is the aim of yoga?
........................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................
2) Mention the benefits of yoga.
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3) Describe the method of meditation.
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........................................................................................................................................
4) What do you mean by Reiki?
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5.6.7 Traditional Chinese Medicine

Chinese recorded history of traditional medicine started from 1800 B.C. Some non medical
medicine such as acupuncture, moxibustion and massage were introduced over 3000 years
ago. Drug anaesthesia was applied in laparatomy in 2nd Cetury, harelip operation was
performed in 3rd century, the treatment of scabies, tinea, carbuncles by mercurial ointment
was used in 4th century so on and so forth.
China also has a rich store of books on pharmacology, Traditional Chinese medicine has
generated over 10,000 medical books, 5000 kind of herbal drugs and rich experience of
clinical therapy. In China, even today, traditional medicine is practised in 552 hospitals and
there is an independent department of traditional medicine. In China, barefoot doctors work
in rural areas.
Acupuncture and Moxibustion
Acupuncture is a simple clinical procedure for inducing stimulation in various locations of
the body to treat disease and alleviate pain. Acupuncture requires a knowledge of anatomy
and pathophysiology. Chinese believe that human body is prevaded by system of energy
channels in which vital energy or form circulates.
Moxibustion presents a special form of point stimulation. The procedure involves burning a
piece of the Chinese drug plants. Modern Scientific techniques have developed
electroacupuncture therapy, point magnetic therapy and point laser radiation etc.

Technique
Thin filiform needles are inserted into various parts of the body for the intended treatment
of a variety or disease state. Since 1958, accupuncture is practised for inducing analgesia,
surgical procedure includes insertion of the needles which are usually left inside for 15-30
minutes or longer. They may be manipulated by hand by twirling or push pull movements
and may be electrically activated by pulsatile electrical stimulation. 129
Quality Nursing Practices Acupressure is like acupuncture which is obtained by deep finger pressure. A recent
approaches to the stimulation of the acupuncture points include the use of ultrasound and
laser uses of acupuncture.
Acupuncture is used in several ways as a primary treatment in combination with other
therapeutic methods for all diseases; medical as well as surgical disorders. Acupuncture
analgesics is used for surgery.

Contraindication of Acupuncture
● Pregnancy when associated with disease.
● Skin infection.
● Presence of a cardiac pacemaker.
● Hemophilia.
● Needling of tumour sites.

Check Your Progress 8

List the contraindications for acupuncture.
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5.7 MODERN MEDICINE

Medicine is the treating of disease. Now you yourself know that there are may ways to treat
the disease. If anyone in your family gets sick, you could call a doctor and he would apply
all his knowledge and skill. He would treat the disease scientifically. But you might instead
depend on some“remed” your grandmother knew, or try to cure the person by saying some
magic words. you could then be treating the disease unscientifically. So let us see now how
modern medicine is born.

5.7.1 Evolution of Modern Medicine

The history of medicine includes the prescientific stage, before it was a science
and the time when it became a science. The primitive medicine depended on
doctors. But surprisingly enough, medicine among primitive people included
application of heat and cold massage and the use of herbs which are still used in traditional
system.
Ancient Egyptian medicine, which was the best known medicine before the scientific
medicine, depended on chiefly magic and the drugs they used were honey, salt, cedare oil,
the brain, liver, heart and blood of various animals. Sometimes this prescientific medicine
seemed to work, sometimes didn’t.The ancient Egyptians had medical schools and
practised surgery. But the treatment of disease was still a part of the Egyptian religion with
prayer, charms and sacrifices.
Scientific medicine had its beginning in Greece when a group of man who were not
priests became physician. More than 2000 years ago a man called Hippocrates who is
called the ‘Father of Medicine’ who put together a collection of medical books. “The
Hoippocrates collection”. It was the beginning of scientific medicine, because he put
aside all superstition, magic and charms and he depended on observation of patients for
learning about diseases. He and his pupils made careful records of there cases. Some of
there observations are considered to be true even today. Weariness without cause
indicates disease, if pain is felt in any part of the body and no cause can be found
there is mental disorder. So the treatment was given as the result of studying the
patient and the disease and applying past experience. In this way modern medicine
was born.
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5.7.2 Advantages and Disadvantages of Modern Medicine Holistic Health Care

In times of sickness, the people have to decide whom they will go to. Should it be
indigenous healer with a set of beliefs which are acceptable to them but with limited
curative power or to modern medicine with a set of beliefs which are not in keeping with
their own system, but with tremendous curative power.
Let us see the advantages and disadvantages of modern medicine.

Advantages
1) Disease is conceptualized as an outside organic entry that invaded the body and
attacks a particular part. Allopathic medicine can remove or kill the organism.
2) The appropriate teatment for an illness is a bio-chemical agent that will counter attack
the causal agent and neutralize it.
3) During illness Allopathic treatment relieves the symptoms.
4) People are busy with the change of technology time and they cannot spend much time
for the disease cure and Allopathic medicine benefits them.
5) Satisfaction of the treatment as they get fast relief and miraculous cure.
6) Causal agent can be detected because of advanced diagnostic methodology and
treatment is given to remove the cause.
7) There are large number of Allopathic hospitals and which are easily accessible to
people.

Disadvantages
1) The Dangers of Medication
People have become aware that modern drugs can help in anything, but be also
powerfully dangerous. Antibiotic can be miracle drugs, and also produce bacteria
resistant to any treatment. Side effect of the drugs sometimes is greater than benefits.
2) Over specialization and Technology
Doctors have heavy reliance on machines and personal compassion has been replaced
by cold and unappealing medical technology.
3) The cost of most of the modern diagnostic tests are so expensive and one section of
people cannot afford to get their appropriate treatment, e.g. (CAT, MRI. etc.)
4) Growing sophistication of the public.

As the T.V becomes so widespread in India people are aware of health matters and their
rights. They resent the high cost of medical care, poor quality and the dangers of
medicine and surgery. People want to exercise their right to question– not swallow whole
whatever the doctor or medical personal say. They want mutual respect in the healer/ healee
relationship.
Allopathic medicine excludes consideration of emotions, consciousness, psychosocial
variables and focuses more on specifc areas.
5) As it neglects for the most part of interpersonal relationship between mind and body
and leads to a purely one sided effort.
6) As there is increase of iatrogenic disease so treatment is only symptomatic.
7) There is lack of care of allopathic doctors and increase of inefficient doctors.

5.7.3 Reasons for the Promotion of Traditional Medicine

● Intrinsic Qualities: It has intrinsic quality. It has its efficacy, safety, availability and
wider application at low cost and is well acceptance by the people. As an integral part
of the peoples’ culture it is particularly effective in solving cultural health problems.
● Approach: Unique and Holistic.
Traditional medicine has a holistic approach. That of viewing man in his totally
within a wide ecological spectrum. It emphasis that ill health is not only by the
causative agent and pathogenic evolution but by imbalance or disequilibrium of man
131
Quality Nursing Practices with that of his ecological system.
So unless you take a complete and alround history of the patient, you won’t be able to
offer them the holistic treatment. Patients feel that it is the personal matter and need
not to be disclosed. It is of vital importance to spare some time and take the complete
history of the patient.
● Operational Factor: Traditional medicine is developed because it is one of the surest
means to achieve total health care coverage of world population. (Source I.
W.H.O.T.R.S.622)

5.7.4 Why People go to Traditional Practitioner

Approaches to Holistic care are many. Each approach tries to show its supremacy over the
other.
We must try to integrate the best and useful points of each approach and should plan the
care with the patient. What is actually needed today as in all matters and times is a sense of
balance that neither attempts to dismiss any one approch out of hand nor regard it as the
only key to good health.
Reasons behind why people go to traditional health practices are as follows:
● The traditional health system is very old and people maintains their health using these
systems which suits to his body mind and spirit.
● The traditional health worker is usually a person from within the community whether
the person is a herbal doctor, faith healer or so, the person comes from the same
village and also belong to the same sect as the rest of the villagers.
● In tribal areas, the traditional healer is considered as one of the five headmen of the
village.
● Another characteristics of traditional health worker is the fact that knowledge and
treatment of certain common ailments are discussed with the community and this
knowledge becomes a part of the home remedies.
● The traditional system of medicine is ecodependent as most of the medicines are
made from plants, animals or locally available mineral extracts, and is known to have
no side effects.
● The cost of traditional medicine is lower than allopathic medicine.
● The practitioners enjoy his local acceptance and respect and therefore exert
considerable influence on health beliefs and practices.

Check Your Progress 9

1) Who was the Father of Modern Medicine?
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2) In prescientific era what did Egyptian medicine say?
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3) List five benefits of traditional system over allopathic system.
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4) Disadvantages of allopathic system.
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 Holistic Health Care
5.8 LET US SUM UP
In this unit, we have learnt about the different systems of health practices to achieve the
holistic health. Ayurvedic system of medicine which is the oldest traditional system of
medicine in India aims at the prevention of health. We have also discussed the salient
features and Ayurvedic theory of ‘tridosa’ or tridhatu of diseases i.e. disturbances in the
equilibrium of three humors, vatta, pitta and kalpha.
Unani system of medicine originated from Greece and was developed by Arabs and is
being practised in India. Siddha system of medicine has its origin from Dravidian culture
and is mainly therapeutic. In Siddha system of medicine ‘Neem’ is the first medical plant
which is used for small pox and other infectious diseases. Homeopathic treatment has
great value in the treatment of chronic disease. Naturopathy is a holistic system concerned
with body, mind and spirit. Yoga, Meditation, Reiki are also considered holistic approach
and they are best utilized to maintain mental calmness and promoting mental health.
Traditional Chinese medicine is the work of Chinese people’s wisdom and still being used
in China. Acupuncture is integrated in allopathic system. Modern
medicine has the power to relief quickly the symptoms but dangers of medicine also are more.
Health has five basic dimensions — self responsibility, nutritional awareness, physical
fitness, stress management and environmental sensitivity Holistic health is the responsible
integration of traditional and alternative healing and health programmes. It leads to a high
level of wellness for the total person throughout the total life cycle. So the characteristics of
holistic health also is described and to be healthy, the seven simple ideas to follow which is
listed in the unit.
So in holistic health care great emphasis is given from knowledge of the disease to the
knowledge of human beings in whom the disease exists and the most important of the
understanding of human being as a whole - body, mind and spirit.

5.9 KEY WORDS

Acupuncture : Chinese practice of puncturing the body to cure body illness or
relieve pain.
Aphrodisiacs : Exciting sexual desire.
Attunement : To put in tune.
Doctrine : Principles in a branch of knowledge or system of belief.
Dormant : Sleeping at rest, not used.
Dubious : Unreliable.
Ecology : A branch of biological Science concerned with the study of
interrelationship of organism and their environment.
Explicable : That can be explained
Immemorial : Beyond the reach of memory
Inherent : Innate, Nature
Moxibustion : At the end of the puncturing needle for acupuncture a herb is
applied.
Mumbled : Speak indistinctively.
Prevalence : Measurement of all cases (old and new) of disease or other
conditions present in a population at a given time.
Twirling : To turn round rapidly.

5.10 ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

Check Your Progress 1
1) Holistic health is an approach to health based on a love of life which leads to high
level of wellness for the total person throught the total life cycle. 133
Quality Nursing Practices 2) a) ● Increase of B.P. leads to mental overactivity
● Fatigue of the body makes concentration difficulty.
b) Deep thinking and concentration can cause physical fatigue. Depression
leads to hyperacidity.

Check Your Progress 2

Self responsiblity in relation to:
● Nutritional awareness
● Physical fitness
● Stress awareness and management
● Environmental Sensitivity
● Environmental Sensitivity

Check Your Progress 3

1) ● Having a purpose of life.
● Maintaining positive attitude.
● Using one’s abilities fully.
● Having the will to be whole and healthy
● Being adaptable.
● Co-operating with other people.
● Accepting responsibility for one’s thought and action.
2) Nurses themselves have to be
● Holistic persons.
● Nurses need to encourage positive attitude towards.
● Nurses need to bring awareness to positive life style among the people.

Check Your Progress 4

1) The definition of traditional medicine is given by a group of experts as the sum total
of all knowledge and practice whether explicable or not, used in diagnosis, prevention
and elimination of physical, mental or social imbalance and relying exclusively the
practical experience and observation handed down from generation to generation
whether verbally or in writing.
2) A traditional healer is a person who is recognised by the community in which he lives
as competent to provide health care by using vegetables animal and mineral
substances and certain other methods based on the social, cultural and religious
background as well as the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs that are prevalent in the
common regarding physical mental and social wellbeing and causation of disease and
disability.
3) The alternative health practices are—
● Ayurveda
● Unani
● Siddha
● Naturopathy
● Homeopathy
● Yoga, Meditation, Reiki
● Acupuncture, Moxibustion etc.
4) a) eight, asthanga
b) surgery
134
 c) Vayu, Pitta, Kalpha Holistic Health Care

d) Ayurvedic medicine, surgery

e) Rogi Pariksha, Roga Pariksha
5) a) Diarrhoea — Green Banana juice, Patvedali
b) Flatulence — Zinger, black salt
c) Cough and cold — Vasaka, Tulsi with honey
d) Heart disease — Arjuna
e) Cut injury — Merry gold leaf

Check Your Progress 5

1) Murcury, sulphur, iron, copper, gold, bituman, white, yellow and red arsenic and other
materials as well as vegetable poisons are used in the pharmacopoea of the Siddha
tradition.
2) Vinconz Priessnitz started first nature clinic.
3) The proper method of overcoming the disease is by natural means such as air, water,
light, food and exercises

Check Your Progress 6

1) Samuel Hahnemann
2) Headache, allergic disorders, asthma, epilepsy, liver disease, acute upper respiratory
tract infections, gastroenteritis, conjunctivitis etc.

Check Your Progress 7

1) Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘Yuj’ means to unite or integrate which implies
the intergration of physical, mental, intellectual and spiritual aspects of human
personality.
The aim of Yoga is harmonious development of body, mind and soul.
2) Gastrointestinal system, Heart diseases, diabetes, cancer, anxiety are best benefitted
by Yoga.
3) A person sits in a comfortable posture with eyes closed and directs his attention to the
tip of the nose to observe breath continuously by which he learns the concentration of
mind.
Benson has described simple method of meditation for the beginner i.e.
● A quiet environment
● A passive attitude
● Comfortable position
● A mental device for concentration and keep eyes closed for 20 minutes.
4) Reiki is the universal energy is that power which acts and lives in all created matter.

Check Your Progress 8

● Pregnancy when associated with disease.
● Skin infections
● Presence of cardiac pacemaker
● Hemophillia
● Needling of tumour sites.
Check Your Progress 9
1) Hippocrates was called the “Father of Modern Medicine”.
2) Egyptian medicine depended mainly on magic and the drugs used by them for the
treatment of diseases were Honey, Cedar oil, Brain, Heart and blood of various
animals.
135
Quality Nursing Practices 3) a) Traditional health system has intrinsic quality. It is applicable with low cost
with the peoples culture.
b) Its approach is unique and holistic
c) It is one of the surest means to achieve total health care coverage.
d) The cost of traditional medicine is lower than the allopathic medicine.
e) The knowledge and treatment of certain common ailments are discussed with
the community and this knowledge becomes a part of the home remedies.
4) Disadvantages of Allopathic system of medicine are:
a) Dangers of the medicine
People are aware that modern drugs are healing but powerfully dangerous also.
Some drugs have severe side effects and it can produce bacteria resistant also.
b) Overspecialization and Technology
Doctors have heavy reliance on machine and personal compassion has been
replaced by cold and unappealing medical technology.
c) The cost of modern diagnostic methods are so high and few people cannot
afford to get the treatment.
d) Allopathic medicine excludes consideration of emotions and focuses on
specific areas.
e) Treatment is symptomatic as there is iatrogenic causes are more.

5.10 FURTHER READINGS

Anubhav, “The Traditional Health Worker”, Health Worker, VHAI, pp. 13-15.
Bhobe, S., “ Integrated Approach to Yoga”, NJI, Feb 2000, pp. 33-34.
Ghai, Sandhya and C.M. Ghai, “Health For All By 2000 AD: The Role of Ayurveda, NJI,
June 1994, pp. 122-123.
Hurry Benjamin, Your Diet in Health And Disease, Wilco Publishing House, Bombay.
Huss, Carol et al. The Banyan Tree: A Text Book For Holistic Health Practitioner, Sahaj
Medical, Mission Sisters, Pune, 1989.
Joshi, H.B., “ A Holistic Approach To Health Care”, The Nursing Journal of India,
Sep.1997.
Nirula, N. and R. Nirula, The Living Hand Book of Reiki, Macmillan India Ltd., 2000.
Oswal, D., Dr Gunvant, “New Homeopathic Medication In Rehabilitation of Cerebral Palsy
and Mental Retardation”, NJI, Nov.1996, pp. 242-244.
Payyappilly, C., et al., Holistic Health Work Book, Sahaj, Pune, 1988.
Singh, Surendar, “Environmental Pollution and Health”, Sawasth Hind, 1994, June-
July, p.168.
Ukande, U., “Holistic Nursing From Knowledge of Disease to Knowledge of Human
Beings” NJI, Nov. 98, pp. 245-246.

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