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Alternative System of Medicine

Presented by:
Sonia
M.Sc- 1st year
 INTRODUCTION
India, an ancient civilization, has varied community supported living
traditions including medical traditions. Indian medical traditions include
folk medicine and classical medical system.

The folk medicine implies local health traditions which are practiced in
rural and tribal communities. The folk medicine is based on locally
available herbs, flora, fauna and minerals.

The folk medicine is widespread. It is practiced by indigenous dais who

are about 7 lakh in number and who conduct majority of the deliveries in
rural and tribal areas; the bone setters .who deal with the problems of
joint dislocation and bone fracture etc;

In addition, millions of housewives who practice folk medicine for minor

ailments. But, this system did not receive any support from the
Government.
.
 MEANING
• Alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine. An example
of an alternative therapy is using a special diet to treat cancer instead of
undergoing surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy that has been
recommended by a conventional doctor.

• Ayurveda is the main alternate classical medical system in India.

• Apart from main stream ayurveda, there are its regional streams e.g.sidha.
other important traditional medical systems include yoga, naturopathy, unani
and homeopathy. These systems are known as alternate system of
medicine. These are practiced in government as well as in private sector.

• These services are provided through private, voluntary and government

systems at the primary level, secondary and tertiary level. often nurses also
work with them directly or indirectly at various level and need to be familiar
with these systems so that they develop rational view about these systems
of medicine.
 Ayurveda system of medicine:

• Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine practiced in the India.

• the word “ayurveda” (ayur+ veda) It means the science of life. One of the
oldest system of medicines.

• It originated from Vedas. e.g. rig Veda .It is considered divine in origin.

• It has spread to east & west. e.g. India, Pakistan , Nepal Bangladesh & Sri
Lanka.The celebrated authorities in ayurveda medicine were: Susruta,
Atraya, Vaghbata

• Ayurveda is that knowledge of life. It deals with getting to the root of the
issue and treatments involve the usage of natural/ herbal products.
 The Body Matrix

• Life in Ayurveda is conceived as the union of body, senses, mind and soul.

• The living man is made up of three humours (Vata, Pitta &Kapha), seven
basic tissues (Rasa, Rakta, Mansa, Meda, Asthi, Majja & Shukra) and the
waste products of the body such as faeces, urine and sweat.

• Thus the total body matrix comprises of the humours, the tissues and the
waste products of the body.
 Panchamahabhutas

• According to Ayurveda all objects in the universe including human body are
composed of five basic elements (Panchamahabhutas) namely, earth,
water, fire, air and vacuum(ether).

• There is a balanced condensation of these elements in different proportions

to suit the needs and requirements of different structures and functions of
the body matrix and its parts.

• The growth and development of the body matrix

depends on its nutrition, i.e. on food ,which replenish
or nourish the like elements of the body after the action
of bio-fire (Agni).
 Health and Sickness

• Health or sickness depends on the presence or absence of a balanced state

of the total body matrix including the balance between its different
constituents.

• Both the intrinsic and extrinsic factors can cause disturbance in the natural
equilibrium giving rise to disease.

• This loss of equilibrium can happen by dietary indiscrimination, undesirable

habits and non-observance of rules of healthy living,improper exercise.

• The treatment consists of restoring the balance of disturbed body-mind

matrix through regulating diet, correcting life-routine and behaviour,
administration of drugs and resorting to preventive Panchkarma and
Rasayana therapy.
 Diagnosis
• Internal physiological characteristics and mental disposition.
• the site at which the disease is located, patients resistance. his daily
routine, dietary habits, condition of digestion and details of personal, social,
economic and environmental situation of the patient.

• The diagnosis also involves the following examinations:

• General physical examination
• Pulse examination
• Urine examination
• Examination of the faeces
• Examination of tongue and eyes
• Examination of skin and ear including tactile and auditory functions
 Treatment

• Ayurveda, i.e. maintenance and promotion of health, prevention of disease

and cure of sickness.

• Consists in avoiding causative factors responsible for disequilibrium of the

body matrix . the use of Panchkarma procedures, medicines, suitable diet,
activity and regimen for restoring the balance and strengthening the body
mechanisms, to prevent or minimize future occurrence of the disease.
• For successful administration of a treatment four things are essential.
• The physician
• The medicaments
• The nursing personnel
• The patient
 The physician comes first in order of importance. He must possess
technical skill, scientific knowledge, purity and human understanding.

Next in importance comes food and drugs. These are supposed to be of

high quality, grown and prepared following approved procedures and should
be available adequately.

The third component of treatment is the role of nursing personnel who

should have good knowledge of nursing, must know the skills of their art
and be affectionate, sympathetic, intelligent.

The fourth component is the patient himself who should be cooperative

and obedient to follow instructions of the physician, may be needed for
treatment.
 Types of Treatment

• The treatment of disease can broadly be classified as:

• Shodhana therapy (Purification Treatment)

• Shamana therapy (Palliative Treatment)

• Pathya Vyavastha (Prescription of diet and activity)

• Nidan Parivarjan (Avoidance of disease causing and aggravating factors)

• Satvavajaya(Psychotherapy)

• Rasayana therapy(use of immunomodulators).

 Shodhana

• The process involves internal and external purification.

• The usual practices involved are Panchkarma (medically induced Emesis,

Purgation, Oil Enema, and Nasal administration of medicines).

• Panchkarma treatment focuses on metabolic management.

• It provides needed purificatory effect.

• This treatment is especially helpful in neurological disorders, musculo-

skeletal disease conditions, certain vascular or neuro-vascular states,
respiratory diseases, metabolic and degenerative disorders.
 Shamana

• Shamana therapy involves suppression of vitiated humours (doshas).

• The process by which disturbed humour subsides or returns to normal

without creating imbalance of other humours is known as shamana.

• This treatment is achieved by use of appetisers, digestives, exercise and

exposure to sun, fresh air etc. In this form of treatment, palliatives and
sedatives are used.
 Pathya Vyavastha

• Pathya Vyavastha comprises indications and contraindications in respect of

diet, activity, habits and emotional status.

• This is done with a view to enhance the effects of therapeutic measures .

• Emphasis on dos and donts of diet etc is laid with the aim to stimulate Agni
and optimize digestion of food in order to ensure strength of tissues .
 Nidan Parivarjan

Nidan Parivarjan is to avoid the known disease causing factors in diet and
lifestyle of the patient. It also encompasses the idea to refrain from
precipitating or aggravating factors of the disease

Satvavajaya
Satvavajaya concerns mainly with the area of mental disturbances. This
includes restraining the mind and cultivation of courage, memory and
concentration.
The study of psychology and psychiatry have been developed extensively
in Ayurveda and have wide range of approaches in the treatment of mental
disorders.
 Rasayana

• Rasayana therapy deals with promotion of strength and vitality.

• Promotion of memory, intelligence, immunity against the disease.

• The maintenance of optimum strength of the body and senses are some of
the positive benefits..
 Diet and Ayurvedic Treatment
• In Ayurveda, regulation of diet as therapy has great importance. This is
because it considers human body as the product of food.

• An individuals mental and spiritual development as well as his

temperament is influenced by the quality of food consumed by him.

• Thus, food is basic to all life activities.

• Lack of nutrients in food or improper transformation of food lead to a

variety of disease conditions.
 YOGA
• The concepts and practices of Yoga originated in India about several
thousand years ago. Its founders were great Saints .

• Yoga today, is no longer restricted to saints, it has entered into our everyday
lives and has aroused a worldwide awakening .

• Yoga has important role in the prevention and mitigation of diseases and
promotion of health.

• Yoga is one of the six systems of Vedic philosophy. Maharishi Patanjali,

rightly called "The Father of Yoga"

• He advocated the eight folds path of Yoga, popularly known as "Ashtanga

Yoga" for all-round development of human beings.

• They are:- Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana,

Dhyana and Samadhi.
• These steps are believed to have a potential for improvement of physical
health by enhancing circulation of oxygenated blood in the body, retraining
the sense organs and Mind.

• The practice of Yoga prevents psychosomatic disorders and improves an

individuals resistance and ability to endure stressful situations.
 Definition of Yoga

• Yoga is a discipline to improve or develop one’s inherent power in a

balanced manner.
• It offers the means to attain complete self-realisation.

• The literal meaning of the Sanskrit word Yoga is ’Yoke’. Yoga can therefore
be defined as a means of uniting the individual spirit with the universal spirit
of God.
 Salient Features of Yoga

• Yoga a universal practical discipline

• Yoga as evolutionary process

• Yoga as soul therapy

 Types of Yoga

• Japa Yoga
• Karma Yoga
• Gyana Yoga
• Bhakti Yoga
• Raja Yoga
• Swara Yoga
• Kundalini
• Nadi
• Japa Yoga
• To concentrate one’s mind on divine name , mantra etc. like ’OM’, ‘Rama’,
’Allah’, ’God’, ’Vahe Guru’ etc.

• Karma Yoga
• Teaches us to perform all actions without having any desire for their fruit. In
this sadhana, a Yogi considers his duty as divine action, perform it with
whole-hearted dedication.

• Gyana Yoga
• Teaches us to discriminate between self and non-self and to acquire the
knowledge of one’s spiritual entity through the study of scriptures, company
of Saints and practices of meditation.

• Bhakti Yoga
• Bhakti Yoga, a system of intense devotion. The true follower of
Bhakti Yoga is free from egoism.
• Raja Yoga
• Raja Yoga popularly known as “Ashtanga Yoga” is for all-round
development of human beings.These are Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, ,
Dhyana and Samadhi.

• Swara Yoga
• Swara Yoga is the Science which is about the realisation of consciousness,
through the awareness/ observation then control/ manipulation of the flow of
breath in the nostrils. It is the association of the breath in relation to the
activities or phases or positions of the Sun, Moon, Planets, Seasons, Time
of day, with the physical and mental conditions of the individual .

• Kundalini
• Kundalini Yoga is a part of Tantric Tradition. the Tantrics and yogis have
realised that in this physical body.The seat of Kundalini is a small gland at
the base of the spinal cord. In the masculine body it is in the perineum
between the urinary and excretory organs. In the female body its location is
at the root of the uterus in the cervix. Those people who have awakened
this supernatural force have been called Rishis ,Yogis
 Nadi
• Nadis are flow of energy which we can visualize at the psychic level as
having distinct channels, light, colour, sound and other characteristics
 Naturopathy system of medicine:
• Naturopathy is an art and science of healthy living and a drugless system of
healing based on well founded philosophy.

• It has its own concept of health and disease and also principle of treatment.
Naturopathy is a very old science.
• We can find a number of references in our Vedas and other ancient texts.

• Gandhiji was influenced by the book Return to Nature written by Adolf Just
and become a firm believer of Naturopathy.

• He not only wrote several articles in favour of Naturopathy in his

newspaper Harijan but did its several experiments on himself too, on his
family members and members of his Ashram.

• Indian Naturopathy movement started mainly in the States of Andhra

Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bengal, Maharashtra and Gujarat.
 Definition of Naturopathy
• Naturopathy is a system of man building in harmony with the constructive
principles of Nature on physical, mental, moral and spiritual planes of living.
It has great health promotive, disease preventive and curative as well as
restorative potential.

Salient Features of Naturopathy

• The primary cause of disease is accumulation of morbid matter.

• Nature is the greatest healer. The human body itself has the healing power
to prevent itself from disease and regain health if unhealthy.

• In Nature Cure it is not the disease but the entire body of the patient.

• Naturopathy treats all the aspects like physical, mental, social and spiritual
at the same time.
• Naturopathy treats the body as a whole.

• According to Naturopathy, “Food is only the Medicine”, no external

medications are used.
 Techniques and Benefits of Different
Modalities of Naturopathy

• Diet Therapy
• Fasting Therapy
• Mud Therapy
• Hydrotherapy
• Masso Therapy
• Acupressure
• Acupuncture
• Chromo Therapy
• Air Therapy
• Magnet Therapy
 Diet Therapy
• the food must be taken in natural form. Fresh seasonal fruits, fresh green
leafy vegetables and sprouts are excellent. These diets are broadly
classified into three types which are as follows:

• i).Eliminative Diet
• Liquids-Lemon, Citric juices, Tender Coconut water, Vegetable soups, Butter
milk, Wheat Grass juices etc.

• ii).Soothing Diet
• Fruits, Salads, Boiled/Steamed Vegetables, Sprouts, Vegetable chutney etc.

• iii).Constructive Diet
• Wholesome flour, Unpolished rice, little pulses, Sprouts, Curd etc.
• Being alkaline, these diets help in improving health, purifying the body and
rendering it immune to disease.

• To this end, a proper combination of food is necessary. Our diet should

consist of 20% acidic and 80% alkaline food for maintaining health.

• Food is regarded as Medicine in Naturopathy.

 Fasting Therapy

• Fasting is primarily the act of willingly abstaining from some or all food,
drink, or both, for a period of time.
• The word derived from the old English , ‘ Feastan’ means to fast, observe,
be strict.
• In Sanskrit ‘ Vrath’ means ‘determination’ and ‘Upavasa’ means ‘ near to
God’.
• Fasting is an important treatment modality for health preservation.

• The duration of the fast depends upon the age of the patient, the nature of
the disease and amount and type of drugs .

• During fasting, the body burns up and excretes huge amounts of

accumulated wastes. We can help this cleansing process by drinking
alkaline juices. Sugars in juices will strengthen the heart. A lot of energy is
spent during the fast in the process of eliminating accumulated poisons and
toxic waste materials.
 Mud Therapy
• Mud therapy is very simple and effective treatment modality. The mud used
for this should be clean and taken from 3 to 4 ft. depth from the surface of
the ground.
• There should be no contamination of stone pieces or chemical manures etc.
in the mud.
• Mud is one of five elements of nature having immense impact on the body
both in health and sickness.

• Advantages of using mud:-

• Its black colour absorbs all the colours of the Sun and conveys them to the
body.
• Mud retains moisture for a long time, when applied over the body part it
causes cooling.
It is cheap and easily available.
• Benefits
• When applied to abdomen it relieves all forms of indigestion. It is effective in
decreasing intestinal heat and stimulates peristalsis.
• A thick mud pack applied to head in congestive headache, relieves the pain
immediately.
• Application of the pack over the eyes is useful in cases of conjunctivitis,
hemorrhages in the eyeball, itching, allergy, glaucoma where it helps to
reduce eyeball tension.
 Hydrotherapy

• Hydrotherapy is a branch of Nature Cure. It is the treatment of disorders

using different forms of water.
• These forms of water application are in practice since age-old days.
• Hydrothermal therapy additionally uses its temperature effects, as in hot
& cold baths, saunas, wraps, etc and in all its forms-solid, fluid, vapour,
ice and steam, internally and externally.
• Water is without doubt the most ancient of all remedial agents for
disease.
 Effects & uses of Water

• Taking bath properly with clean cold water is an excellent form of

Hydrotherapy. Such baths open up all the pores of the skin and make the
body light and fresh.
• The old tradition of taking bath in rivers, ponds or waterfalls on specific
occasions is virtually a natural form of Hydrotherapy only.
• It is capable of absorbing heat and also gives out heat with great
readiness.
• 4. Being a universal solvent, its use internally, in the form of Enema or
Colonic Irrigation or Water drinking aid greatly in the elimination of uric acid,
urea, salts, excessive sugar, and many other blood and food chemicals that
are waste products.
1. Compresses and Fomentation:
• a) Cold Compress: Abdominal Cold Compress.
b) Heating Compress: Chest pack, abdominal pack, throat pack,
Knee pack,.
• Hot and Cold Compresses: Head, Lung, Kidney, Gastro-Hepatic, pelvic &
Abdominal hot and cold compresses.
• c) Fomentation

2. Baths:
• a) Hip Bath- Cold, Neutral, Hot, Stiz Bath
• b) Spinal Bath :-Cold, Neutral, Hot
• c) Foot and Arm Bath: Cold, Hot Foot Bath, Arm Bath, Hot Foot .
• d) Steam Inhalation & Steam Bath
• e) Sauna Bath
• f) Sponge Bath
Colon Hydrotherapy

• It is the process of cleansing and flushing out colon or large intestine. The
treatment is similar to an enema but is more extensive.
• It uses clean filtered water under gentle pressure (without pain) to wash out
or detoxify colon of stagnated faecal materials.
• Most people require a series of 3-6 treatments to receive a thorough
cleansing of the colon.
 Masso Therapy
• Massage is an excellent form of passive exercise. from Arabic massa
meaning "to touch, feel or handle"
• Massage is the practice of soft tissue manipulation. it can be highly
stimulating .
• Massage is also a modality of Naturopathy and quite essential for
maintaining good health.
• Target tissues may include muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, joints, or
other connective tissue, as well as lymphatic vessels.
• Massage can be applied with the hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearm,
and feet.
• There are over eighty different recognized massage modalities. It aims at
improving blood circulation and strengthening bodily organs. In winter
season, sun bath after massaging the whole body is well known practice of
preserving health and strength. It is beneficial to all.
• .Massage is a substitute of exercise for those who cannot do the same. The
effects of exercise can be derived from massage.
• Various oils are used as lubricants like mustard oil, sesame oil, coconut oil,
olive oil, aroma oils etc. which also have therapeutic effects.

• There are modes of manipulation in massage and these are: Touch,

(stroking), friction (rubbing), tapotement (percussion), vibration (shaking or
trembling) and Joint movement.

• Another form of massage helpful in most ailments are the vibratory

massage, Powder massage, Water massage, Dry massage. Powders of
neem leaves, rose petals and are also used as lubricants for massage.

Benefits of massage
• It tones up the nervous system.
• The elimination of poisons and waste material from the body .
• It also boosts blood circulation and metabolic processes.
• A massage removes facial wrinkle.
 Acupressure
• Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses the fingers or any blunted
objects to press key points called as ‘Acu Points’ (Energy stored points) on the
surface rhythmically.
• When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the
circulation of blood and the body’s life force to aid healing.

• Acupuncture and acupressure use the same points, while acupressure uses the
gentle but firm pressure of hands or any blunted objects, but acupuncture
employs needles.
• Acupressure philosophy and acupoint stimulation is based on the same
principles as Acupuncture.

• There are 14 main meridian lines, each of which corresponds to an individual

organ of the body. When you experience pain or illness it is an indication that
there is a block or leak in the energy flow within your body.

• Stimulation is given by steady pressure or five seconds on and five seconds off
rotating pressure. Usually one minute is sufficient for each
treatment session.
14 Meridian
• Advantages;
• 1. It help in relieve headaches, eyestrain, sinus problems, neck pain,
backaches, arthritis, muscle aches, and tension due to stress, ulcer pain,
menstrual cramps, lower back aches, constipation, and indigestion, anxiety,
insomnia.
• 2. To balance the body and maintain good health.
• 3. Reduces tension, increases circulation, and enables the body to relax
deeply.
 Acupuncture
• Acupuncture is the procedure of inserting and manipulating
fine filiform needles into specific points on the body to relieve pain or for
therapeutic purposes.
• The word acupuncture comes from the Latin acus, "needle",
and pungere, "to prick".
• According to traditional Chinese medical theory, acupuncture points are
situated on meridians along which the vital energy, flows.
• Series of diseases, symptoms or conditions for which acupuncture has been
demonstrated as an effective treatment:
• Allergic rhinitis
• Depression
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting including morning sickness
• Pain in the epigastrium, face, neck, tennis elbow,
lower back, Primary dysmenorrhea
• Rheumatoid arthritis
Insomnia
 Chromo Therapy

• Seven colours of Sun rays have different therapeutic effects.

• These colours are-Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange and Red. For
being healthy and in treatment of different diseases, these colours work
effectively.
• Water and oil exposed to sun for specified hours in coloured bottles and
coloured glasses, are used as devices of Chromo Therapy for treating
different disorders
• . The simple methods of Chromo Therapy help in the process of recovery in
a very effective manner.
 Air Therapy
• Fresh air is most essential for good health. The advantage of air therapy
can be achieved by means of Air bath.
• Everybody should take an air bath daily for 20 minutes or longer if possible.
It is more advantageous when combined with morning cold rub and
exercises.
• In this process, one should walk daily after removing the clothes or wearing
light clothes at a lonely clean place where adequate fresh air is
available.
• Mechanism: In order to react against the chilling effect of cold air or water,
the nerve centers, which control the circulation, send the blood to the
surface in large quantities, flushing the skin with warm.
 Magnet Therapy

• Magnet therapy is a clinical system in which human ailments are treated

and cured through the application of magnets to the body of the patients. It
is the simplest, cheapest and entirely painless system of treatment with
almost no side or after effects. The only tool used is the magnet.

• Magnetic treatment is applied directly to the body parts by the therapeutic

magnets available in different powers or as general treatment to the body.
Also magnetic belts are available for different parts e.g. Abdomen, knee,
wrist etc. Magnetic necklaces, glasses and bracelets are also used for
treatment.

Benefits:
• 1. Helps in balancing the energy.
• 2. Improves circulation to the applied area.
• 3. Increases the warmth ness in the body
 Unani system of medicine:

• The Unani System of Medicine has a long and impressive record in India. It
was introduced in India by the Arabs and Persians sometime around the
eleventh century. It has the largest number of Unani educational, research
and health care institutions.
• Unani system originated in Greece.
• The foundation of Unani system was laid by Hippocrates.
• In this process they made extensive use of the science of Physics,
Chemistry, Botany, Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Therapeutics and
Surgery.
• In India, Unani System of Medicine was introduced by Arabs .
• It was mainly Sharifi family in Delhi, the Azizi family in Lucknow and the
Nizam of Hyderabad due to whose efforts Unani Medicine survived during
the British period.
 Cont…

• After independence the Unani System along with other Indian systems of
medicine received a fresh boost Government of India took several steps for
the all round development of this system.
• It passed laws to regulate and promote its education and training. It
established research institutions, testing laboratories and standardized
regulations for the production of drugs and for its practice.
• Today the Unani system of medicine with its recognized practitioners,
hospitals and educational and research institutions, forms an integral part of
the national health care delivery system.
 Principles Concepts and Definition

• one of the greatest scholars of Unani Tibb (medicine), has defined it as:
• The basic theory of Unani system is based upon the well- known four-
humour theory of Hippocrates. This presupposes the presence, in the body,
of four humours viz., blood, phlegm, yellow bile and black bile. The human
body is considered to be made up of the following seven components are:

• Arkan (Elements)
• Mizaj (Temperament)
• Akhlat (Humors)
• Aaza (Organs)
• Arwah (Spirits)
• Quwa (Faculties)
• Afaal (Functions)
• The human body contains four elements.
• Element Temperament

Air Hot and Moist

Earth Cold and Dry
Fire Hot and Dry
Water Cold and Moist
• Mizaj (Temperament)
• In the Unani system, the temperament of the individual is very important as
it is considered to be unique. The individuals temperament is believed to be
the result of the interaction of the elements.
• Akhlat (Humours)
• Humours are those moist and fluid parts of the body which are produced
after transformation and metabolism ; they serve the function of nutrition,
growth and repair; and produce energy, for the preservation of individual
and his species. The humours are responsible for maintaining moisture of
different organs of the body and also provide nutrition to the body
• Aaza (Organs)
• These are the various organs of the human body. The health or disease of
each individual organ affects the state of health of the whole body.
• Arwah (Spirits)
• Ruh (Spirit) is a gaseous substance, obtained from the inspired air, it helps
in all the metabolic activities of the body. These are the carriers of different
powers, which make the whole body system and its parts functional.
• Quwa (Faculties)
• These are of three kinds:
• Quwa Tabiyah (Natural power)
• Quwa Nafsaniyah (Psychic power)
• Quwa Haywaniyah (Vital power)
• Quwa Tabiyah or Natural power is the power of metabolism and
reproduction. Liver is the seat of this power and the process is carried on in
every tissue of the body..
Quwa Nafsaniyah or Psychic power refers to nervous and psychic power. It
is located inside the brain and is responsible for perceptive and motive
power.
• Quwa Haywaniyah or Vital power is responsible for maintaining life and
enables all the organs to accept the effect of psychic power. This power is
located in the heart. It keeps life running in the tissues.
• Afaal (Functions)
• This component refers to the movements and functions of all the organs of
the body. In case of a healthy body the various organs are not only in proper
shape but are also performing their respective functions.
 Diagnosis

• Diagnosis involves investigating the causes of disease thoroughly and in

detail. For this, the physicians depend mainly on Pulse (Nabz) reading and
examination of urine and stool. The alternative contraction and expansion of
the arteries produced by the systolic and diastolic of heart is called Pulse
(Nabz).
 Prevention of Disease

• Prevention of disease as curing of sickness. There is emphasis on the need

for keeping water, food and air free from pollution. Six essentials pre-
requisites have been laid down for the promotion of health and prevention of
disease. These are:
• Air
• Food and drinks
• Bodily movement and repose
• Psychic movement and repose
• Sleep and wakefulness
• Evacuation and retention
• Exercises as well as rest are considered necessary for maintaining good
health. Exercise helps the growth of muscles and ensures nutrition,
increases blood supply and proper functioning of excretory system. It also
keeps the heart and the liver in good condition.
 Therapeutics

• In this system the entire personality of a patient is taken into account. Each
individual has got its own basic structure, physique, make-up, self-defense
mechanism, reaction to environmental factors, likes and dislikes. Unani
medicine has the following main types of treatment
• Regimental therapy
• Dieto therapy
• Pharnacotherapy
• Surgery
 Regimental therapy (Ilaj-bil-Tadbir)
• Regimental therapy is special technique/physical methods of treatment to
improve the constitution of body by removing waste materials and improving
the defense mechanism of the body and protect health.
• Important techniques in regimental therapy :
• (a) Venesectio (Fasd): This method of treatment has been found very
effective for:Correction of blood related problems and relieve high blood
pressure.Prevention of toxicity and accumulation of waste matter in the
blood.Excretion of waste matters from various parts of the body.Stimulation
of metabolic processes.
• (b) Cupping (Al-hijama): This method of treatment is used for:
• Cleaning the skin of waste matters.To stop excessive menses or
epistaxis.To correct liver diseases.To treat malaria and spleen disorders.To
treat piles, inflammation of testes and uterus, scabies, boils etc.
• (c) Sweating (Tareeq) : Waste matter from skin, blood and from other parts
of the body is excreted through the normal process of sweating. It helps in
reducing excessive heat .
• (d) Diuresis (Idrar-e- baul): Poisonous matters, waste products and the
excess of humours is excreted through urine. It is applied as a cure for
diseases of the heart, liver and lungs.
• (e) Turkish bath (Hamam): This is recommended for:
• Resolving the waste matter and increasing sweating,Increasing
nutrition,Decreasing fat.,
• (f) Massage (Dalk, Malish): soft massage is sedative and relaxant; dry and
hard massage is deobstruent and increases the blood supply while the
massage with oil relaxes the muscles and softens the skin.
• (g) Counter irritation: This technique provides relief in pain, burning
sensation and irritation. It helps to reduce inflammation and heals tumors.
• (h) Cauterization (Amal-e-Kae): it prevents the poison malignancy of one
organ from transferring it to other organs. In case of pain of hip joint, this
technique is found very useful. By this technique the pathogenic matters,
which are attached to some structures, are removed or resolved.
• (i) Purging (Ishal): Unani medicine widely uses purgatives for intestinal
evacuation. There are written rules for using this method. This method
influences normal metabolic process.

• (j) Vomiting (Qai): Emetics are used to cure headache, migraine, tonsillitis,
bronchopneumonia and also bronchial asthma. This also cures mental
diseases like mania and melancholia.

• (k) Exercise (Riyazat): physical exercise has great importance for

maintenance of good health and for treating certain diseases. It is said to be
good for stomach and for strengthening digestion. There are laid down
rules, timings and conditions for various types of exercises.

• (l) Leeching Taleeq-e-Alaq): This method is used for removing bad matter
from the blood. This is useful in skin diseases and ringworms etc. The
system describes specific conditions for applying it.
• Dieto therapy (Ilaj-bil-Ghiza)

• In Unani treatment, food plays a key role. By regulating the quality and
quantity of food several ailments are treated successfully. There are several
published books, which deals with the subject of diet in relation to specific
diseases. Certain foods are considered as laxative, diuretic and diaphoretic.

• Pharmacotherapy (Ilaj-bil-Dawa)
This type of treatment involves the use of naturally occurring drugs, mostly
herbal. Drugs of animals and mineral origin are also used. Unani medicine
presupposes that the drugs also have their own temperament. Since in this
system, emphasis is laid on the particular temperament of the individual, the
medicines, administered are such as go well with the temperament of the
patient.Drugs are used in the form of powders, infusion, Jawarish, Majoon,
Khamira, Syrup and tablets etc. The system has set rules for prescribing
alternative drugs.
• Surgery (Ilaj-bil-Yad )
• This therapy is of very limited use, although the Unani system is credited
to be pioneer in this field and having developed its own instruments and
techniques. At present only minor surgery is in use in the system.
 Siddha system of Medicine:
• Introduction and Origin
• Siddha system is one of the oldest systems of medicine in India . The term
Siddha means achievements and Siddhars were saintly persons who
achieved results in medicine. Siddha literature is in Tamil . The Siddha
System is largely therapeutic in nature.
• Basic Concepts
• Have a close similarity to Ayurveda, with specialization in Iatro-chemistry.
According to this system the human body is the replica of the universe and
so are the food and drugs irrespective of their origin.
• Like Ayurveda, this system believes that all objects in the universe including
human body are composed of five basic elements namely, earth, water, fire,
air and sky. The food, which the human body takes and the drugs it uses
are all, made of these five elements.
• As in Ayurveda, This system also considers the human body as a
conglomeration of three humours, seven basic tissues and the waste
products of the body such as faeces, urine and sweat. The food is
considered to be basic building material of human body .The equilibrium of
humours is considered as health and its disturbance or imbalance leads to
disease or sickness.
• Strength
• The Siddha system is capable of treating all types of disease other than
emergency cases. In general this system is effective in treating all types of
skin problems particularly Psoriasis, STD, urinary tract infections, diseases
of liver and gastro intestinal tract, general debility, postpartum anaemia,
diarrhoea and general fevers in addition to arthritis and allergic disorders.
•
 Diagnosis and Treatment
• Identification of causative factors is through the examination of pulse,
urine, eyes, study of voice, colour of body, tongue and the status of the
digestive system.

• The Siddha System of Medicine emphasises that medical treatment is

oriented not merely to disease but has to take into account the patient,
environment, the meteorological consideration, age, sex, race, habits,
mental frame, habitat, diet, appetite, physical condition, physiological etc.

The Siddha System also deals with the problems affecting the womens
health. The care for womens health starts from the first day of the girl
child. The Siddha System strongly advocates breast feeding upto the first
three months of the life.

• The Siddha System believes in the principle of Food itself is medicine and
during this nursing period, lactating mothers are advised to take the
food rich in iron, protein and fibre so as to prevent any nutritional disorders
both to the child as well as the mothers.
 Cont…

The Siddha Medicines which contains mercury, silver, arsenic, lead and
sulphur have been found to be effective in treating certain infectious
diseases including venereal diseases.

Practitioners have claimed that Siddha medicines are effective in reducing

the highly debilitating problems that manifest themselves among patients of
HIV/AIDS. More research into the efficacy of these medicines is presently
in progress.
 Homeopathy system of medicine:
• Homeopathy has been in practice for 170 years by thousands of practitioners
and there are over 100 homeopathy journals world-wide.
• Homoeopathy is a therapeutic method was developed by German physician
Samuel Christian Hahnemann at the end of the 18th centuary.

• Definition: The term homeopathy comes from the Greek words homeo,
meaning similar, and pathos, meaning suffering or disease.

• Homeopathy seeks to stimulate the body’s ability to heal itself by giving very
small doses of highly diluted substances.

• Basic laws, diagnosis and treatment methods:

• These laws are:

• The law of direction of cure: the direction of cure states that during curative
process the symptoms disappear in the reverse order of its appearance- from
above downwards, from more important organs to less important organs/from
center to periphery etc.
• The law of single remedy: No matter how many symptoms are
experienced only one remedy is taken, and that remedy will be aimed at all
those symptoms.
• The law of minimum doses: The remedy is taken in an extremely dilute
form.

• Homeopathy is a second most widely used system of medicine in the world

• This success is fueled by several factors:
• Homeopathy is extremely effective. When the correct remedy is taken,
results can be rapid, complete and permanent.
• Homeopathy is completely safe. Even babies and pregnant women can use
Homeopathy without the danger of side effects. Homeopathic remedies can
also be taken alongside other medication without producing unwanted side
effects.
• Homeopathy is natural. Homeopathic remedies are normally based on
natural ingredients.
• Homeopathy works in harmony with your immune system.
• Homeopathic remedies are not addictive - once relief is felt, you should stop
taking them. If no relief is felt, you are probably taking the wrong
homeopathic remedy.
• Homeopathy has effective treatment for individuals with chronic diseases
such as diabetes, arthritis, bronchial asthma, skin, allergic and
immunological disorders, behavioural disorders, mental diseases and for
several other diseases.
• The services are rendered by private practitioners and practitioners
working in government and non-government dispensaries, outpatient
departments of hospitals, clinics etc.
 Complementary Therapies
Complementary medicine – used with conventional medicine

Use is increasing

• Less expensive

• Have fewer side effects

• More accessible

• Increase in spirituality

• Personal growth

• Environmentalism

• Preventive health care

 The Benefits of Complementary Therapy

• Complementary therapies can help to restore the body’s natural equilibrium.

• It can cope with the everyday stresses and strains of life much more
effectively.

• Complementary therapies can ; boost the immune system, help eliminate

toxins, help relieve pain, improve circulation, improve sleep patterns,
increase energy levels, induce deep relaxation, reduce stress and tension,
restore balance to body systems.

• Complementary therapies can be used to target a specific physical, mental,

emotional or spiritual problem.
 Biologically Based Therapies
• Dietary Therapies
• Herbs
• Aromatherapy
 Dietary Therapies

• Protective or healing agents found in plant and animal foods.

• Free radicals: unstable molecules that alter genetic codes and trigger
the development of cancer growth in cells.
• Antioxidants: react with free radicals, preventing their damaging effects
– Sources of antioxidants: vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin E
• Macrobiotic Diets
– Balanced foods
– Foods to avoid: processed and treated foods, red meat, sugar, dairy
products, eggs, caffeine
Caution: children and pregnant women may have deficiency in
Vitamins D and B12
 Herbal Therapies
• Herbal Medicine has always attracted some scientific interest and many well
known drugs are plant-derived. E.g. Digoxin from foxgloves and Morphine from
poppies.
• Sold as food or food supplements in health food stores
• No health claims can be made on label
• Ginger is an effective remedy for nausea and vomiting.
• Alovera is effective for bowel disease and it is antibacterial and antifungal in
nature.
• Tea tree oil may be effective against fungal infections such as atheletic foot.
• Onions and Garlic may protect against cancers if eaten regularly.
 Aroma Therapy

• Aroma therapy is based on the healing power of plant oil which may be
massaged into the skin, inhaled or used in the bath. It is said to induce a
feeling of wellbeing.

• Aroma therapy massage relieves tension and improves circulations and can
reduce anxiety

• Lavender – promotes relaxation & sleep

• Peppermint – stimulation, concentration
• Sandalwood – ease depression
• Lemon – promotes sleep/ tx for insomnia and/or
digestive disorders
 Energy Therapies

– Reflexology
– Therapeutic touch
– Reiki
 Reflexology Therapy

• A variant of massage therapy, relies on manual pressure applied to specific

areas of the foot; these areas are believed to correspond to different organs
or body systems via meridians.

• Stimulation of these areas is believed to eliminate the blockage of energy

responsible for pain or disease in the corresponding body part.
 Therapeutic Touch Therapy

• Therapeutic touch is a mostly secular variant of faith healing, started by

Dolores Krieger in the early 1970s.

• The Therapeutic touch practitioners moves his hands over the patient’s
body, specifically the affected area, without actually touching the patient.

• The practice is based on the belief that living beings have an energy field or
aura which extends beyond the surface of the body that can be manipulated
by the therapist. No evidence of effectiveness has been found.
 Reiki Therapy
• Reiki (pronounced Ray-key) is a Japanese word meaning Universal Life
Energy, an energy which is all around us.

• Reiki is the name of the system of natural healing which was re-discovered
in Japan in the early 1900’s by Dr Mikao Usui, a Japanese Buddhist and
teacher.

• Dr. Usui was inspired to develop this healing system from ancient teachings
after many years of study, research and meditation. He devoted the rest of
his life practising and teaching Reiki.

• Reiki is a gentle and powerfully effective form of natural hands on healing

which works on every level of your being, spiritual, mental, emotional and
physical.
• During the treatment the practitioner gently places their hands non-
intrusively in a sequence of positions which cover all the main energy
centres of the whole body.

• As a holistic therapy the whole person is treated rather than specific

symptoms.

• Reiki healing can be given anywhere and at any time as no special

equipment is required. The practitioner is a purely channel for the healing
energy which is drawn through them by the need or imbalances in the
recipient
 Mind Body Techniques

• It is based on the theory that mental and emotional factors can influence
physical health. Behavioral, psychological, social and spiritual methods are
used to preserve health and prevent or cure disease.

Methods of Mind body technique inlude:

• Meditation
• Relaxation Technique
• Guided imagery
• Hypnotherapy
• Biofeedback
Meditation:
• People regulate their attentions or sytematically focus on particular aspects
of inner or outer experience.
• Meditation involves sitting or resting quietly and often with the eyes closed.
sometimes it involves the repetitive sounding of a mantra mean to help the
person focus.
• Meditation helps in:
– Stress relief/ reduce anxiety
– Relaxation
– Decreased oxygen consumption
– Slowed heart rate
– Decreased blood pressure
– Improved function of immune system
– Reduce pain
 Relaxation

• Relaxation technique are practices specifically designed to relieve tension

and strain.
• The specific technique may be aimed at reducing activity of the nerves that
control the stress response, lowering blood pressure and slowing metabolic
processes.
• Relaxation techniques may be used in combination with other relaxation
techniques such as medication, guided imagery and hynotherapy.
 Guided Imagery
– Distraction when confronting pain, discomfort or fear
– Making decisions and altering behavior
– Caution: not recommended for emotionally unstable or cognitively
impaired client
– Helps reduce pain.
– Reduction of nausea & vomiting.
– Decreasing anxiety
– Promoting comfort during cancer treatment

Example: A person with cancer might be told to imagine an army of W.B.C

fighting against the cancer cells.
 Hynotherapy
• This therapy is derived from western practice. In hynotherapy (hypnosis),
people are guided to an advanced stage of relaxation and hightened
attentions.
• Hypontized people become observed in the images suggested by the
hypnotherapist.
• Hypnotherapy can be used to help people change their behavior and thus
improve their health.
 Other Therapies
• Dance Therapy
• Music Therapy
• Laughter Therapy
• Prayer
 Summary
• In alternative system of medicine we have discussed that
India, an ancient civilization, has varied community supported
living traditions including medical traditions. Indian medical
traditions include folk medicine and classical medical system.

• Alternative medicine is used in place of conventional

medicine.

• Ayurveda is the main alternate classical medical system in

India. Apart from main stream ayurveda, there are its regional
streams e.g.sidha .other important traditional medical systems
include yoga, naturopathy, unani and homeopathy. These
systems are known as alternate system of medicine. These
are practiced in government as well as in private sector.
 Conclusion
• Alternative system of medicine is very effective for the
treatment of many types of diseases. Every alternative system
of medicine has its own advantages. There are various
effective treatments for individuals with chronic diseases such
as diabetes, arthritis, bronchial asthma, skin, allergic and
immunological disorders, behavioral disorders, mental
diseases and for several other diseases.

• Earlier alternative system of medicine were not so much

popular but now a days alternative system of medicine are
highly popular and government also supported these
alternative system of medicine.
THANKS