2017-18

INDIAN SYSTEM OF MEDICINE

The Indian System of Medicine is of great antiquity. It is the

culmination of Indian thought of medicine which represents a way of healthy
living valued with a long and unique cultural history, as also amalgamating the best
of influences that came in from contact with other civilizations be it Greece
(resulting in Unani Medicine) or Germany (Homeopathy) or our scriptures/sages
which gave us the science of Ayurveda, Siddha as also Yoga & Naturopathy. Like
the multifaceted culture in our country, traditional medicines have evolved over
centuries blessed with a plethora of traditional medicines and practices.

A separate Department of Indian Systems of Medicine and

Homoeopathy (ISM&H) was set up in 1995 to ensure the optimal development and
propagation of AYUSH systems of health care. The Department of ISM&H was re-
named as the Department of AYUSH (an acronym for - Ayurveda, Yoga and
Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Homoeopathy) in November 2003. Sowa Rigpa has
been recognized under IMCC Act, 1970 by the notification published in Gazette of
India on 16th December, 2011.

On 9th November, 2014, first time the Department of AYUSH is

formed as a separate Ministry; known as Ministry of AYUSH.Medicinal plants
based traditional systems of medicines are playing important role in providing
health care to large section of population, especially in developing countries.
Interest in them and utilization of herbal products produced based on them is
increasing in developed countries also. To obtain optimum benefit and to
understand the way these systems function, it is necessary to have minimum basic
level information on their different aspects.

Indian Systems of Medicine are among the well known global traditional
systems of medicine. In this review, an attempt has been made to provide general
information pertaining to different aspects of these systems. This is being done to
enable the readers to appreciate the importance of the conceptual basis of these
system in evolving the material medica. The aspects covered include information
about historical background, conceptual basis, different disciplines studied in the
systems, Research and Development aspects, Drug manufacturing aspects and
impact of globalization on Ayurveda. In addition, basic information on Siddha and
Unani systems has also been provided.

ORIGIN:

The Atharvaveda, a sacred text of Hinduism dating from the Early Iron Age, is one
of the first Indian texts dealing with medicine, like the medicine of the Ancient
Near East based on concepts of the exorcism of demons and magic.

Ayurveda, meaning the "complete knowledge for long life" is another medical
system of India. Its two most famous texts belong to the schools of Charaka and
Sushruta. The earliest foundations of Ayurveda were built on a synthesis of
traditional herbal practices together with a massive addition of theoretical
conceptualizations.

New nosologies and new therapies dating from about 600 BCE onwards, and
coming out of the communities of thinkers who included the Buddha and others.
According to the compendium of Charaka, the Charakasamhita, health and disease
are not predetermined and life may be prolonged by human effort.

HISTORY OF INDIAN MEDICINE:

Early medical traditions include those of Babylon, China, Egypt and India. The
Greeks went even further, introducing the concepts of medical diagnosis,
prognosis, and advanced medical ethics. The Hippocratic Oath, still taken
(although significantly changed from the original) by doctors up to today, was
written in Greece in the 5th century BCE. In the medieval age, surgical practices
inherited from the ancient masters were improved and then systematized in
Rogerius's The Practice of Surgery. Universities began systematic training of
physicians around the years 1220 in Italy.

During the Renaissance, understanding of anatomy improved, and the microscope

was invented. The germ theory of disease in the 19th century led to cures for many
infectious diseases. Military doctors advanced the methods of trauma treatment and
surgery. Public health measures were developed especially in the 19th century as
the rapid growth of cities required systematic sanitary measures. Advanced
research centers opened in the early 20th century, often connected with major
hospitals. The mid-20th century was characterized by new biological treatments,
such as antibiotics. These advancements, along with developments in chemistry,
genetics, and lab technology (such as the x-ray) led to modern medicine.

PRE-HISTORIC MEDICINE:

Although there is no record to establish when plants were first used for medicinal
purposes (herbalism), the use of plants as healing agents, as well as clays and soils
is ancient. Over time through emulation of the behavior of fauna a medicinal
knowledge base developed and passed between generations. As tribal culture
specialized specific castes, shamans and apothecaries fulfilled the role of healer.
The first known dentistry dates to about 7,000 B.C.E. in Baluchistan, where
Neolithic dentists used flint-tipped drills and bowstrings.

AFTER INDEPENDENCE:

Recommendation in the form of a report was published in (1948) One another

committee set up called Dave committee. As a result a „Central Research Institute
in Indigenous System of Medicines was established at Jamnagar (Gujarat) in
(1952)

Govt. of India formed „central council of Indian medicine‟ Act of Parliament in

(1970)

National Institute of Ayurveda‟ was established in (1976) at jaipur which is

working as a national center for promoting Ayurveda.

Institute of History of Medicine and Medical Research Delhi and Central Council
for Research in Unani Medicine was established in (1979)
AYUSH Full Form
AYUSH name in the context of healthcare in India refers to
Department of Anyush (Ayush Ministry, Ministry of Ayush or Ayush Mantralaya
Bharat Sarkar). The name AYUSH itself is made of different medical techniques
being used in India.
What does AYUSH stand for?
A – Ayurved
Y – Yoga & Naturopathy
U – Unani
S – Siddha
H – Homeopathy
AYUSH also includes “Sowa-Rigpa” commonly known as Tibetan system of
medicine, though it doesnt appear in Ayush full form above.

Framework of AYUSH

1. Below mentioned professional councils come under AYUSH framework:

• Central Council of Homoeopathy Medicine (CCH)
• Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM)
• Central Council of Sowarigpa (Tibetan) Medicine (CCTM)
• Central Council of Naturopathy Medicine (CCNM)
• Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission
2. Below mentioned research councils come under AYUSH framework:
• Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Science(CCRAS)
• Central Council for Research in Siddha Medicine (CCRS)
• Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM)
• Central Council for Research in Homeopathy Medicine (CCRH)
• Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy Medicine (CCRYN)
• Pharmacopoeial Laboratory for Indian Medicine (PLIM)
• Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia Laboratory (HPL)
3. Below mentioned national institutes come under AYUSH framework:
• National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur (NIA)
• National Institute of Siddha, Chennai (NIS)
• National Institute of Homoeopathy, Kolkata (NIH)
 • National Institute of Naturopathy, Pune (NIN)
• National Institute of Unani Medicine, Banglore (NIUM)
• Institute of Post Graduate Teaching and Research in Ayurveda Medicine,
Jamnagar, Gujarat (IPGTR)
• Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth(National Ayurveda University), New Delhi
(RAV)
• Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga Science, New Delhi (MDNIY)
• North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Homeopathy (NEIAH)
• All India Institute of Ayurveda, Delhi

AYURVEDA:

The word ‘Ayurveda’ has derived out of fusion of two separate words- Áyu’ i.e. life
and ‘veda’ i.e. knowledge. Thus in literal meaning Ayurveda is the science of life.
Ayurveda is a classical system of preventive, promotive and curative healthcare
originating from the Vedas documented around 5000 years ago and currently
recognized and practiced in India and many countries in the world. It is one of the
most ancient healthcare systems having equal scientific relevance in the modern
world, that take a holistic view of the physical, mental, spiritual and social aspects
of human life, health and disease.

Most of the traditional systems of India including Ayurveda have their roots in folk
medicine. However what distinguishes Ayurveda from other systems is that it has a
well-defined conceptual framework that is consistent throughout the ages. In
conceptual base, it was perhaps highly evolved and far ahead of its time. It was
among the first medical systems to advocate an integrated approach towards
matters of health and disease.

Another important distinguishing feature of Ayurveda is that unlike other medical

systems, which developed their conceptual framework based on the results
obtained with the use of drugs and therapy, it first provided philosophical
framework that determined the therapeutic practice with good effects. Its
philosophical base is partly derived from ‘Samkhya’ and ‘Nyaya vaisheshika’
streams of Indian philosophy.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:

Ayurveda literally means the Science of life. It is presumed that the fundamental
and applied principles of Ayurveda got organized and enunciated around 1500 BC.
Atharvaveda, the last of the four great bodies of knowledge- known as Vedas,
which forms the backbone of Indian civilization, contains 114 hymns related to
formulations for the treatment of different diseases. One was the school of
physicians called as ‘Dhanvantri Sampradaya’ (Sampradaya means tradition) and
the second school of surgeons referred in literature as ‘Atreya Sampradaya’.

THE CONCEPT OF HEALTH IN AYURVEDA:

In India, Ayurveda is considered not just as an ethno medicine but also as a

complete medical system that takes in to consideration physical, psychological,
philosophical, ethical and spiritual well being of mankind. It lays great importance
on living in harmony with the Universe and harmony of nature and science. This
concept was in practice since two millennium and the practitioners of modern
medicine have now taken into consideration importance of this aspect. Not
surprisingly the WHO's concept of health propounded in the modern era is in close
approximation with the concept of health defined in Ayurveda.

TREATMENT ASPECTS:

The treatment lies in restoring the balance of disturbed humors (doshas) through
regulating diet, correcting life-routine and behavior, administration of drugs and
resorting to preventive non-drug therapies known as ‘Panchkarma’ (Five process)
and ‘Rasayana’ (rejuvenation) therapy. Before initiating treatment many factors
like the status of tissue and end products, environment, vitality, time, digestion and
metabolic power, body constitution, age, psyche, body compatibility, type of food
consumed are taken in to consideration.
TYPES OF TREATMENT:

The treatments are of different types-

• Shodhana therapy (purification treatment)

• Shamana therapy (palliative treatment)

• Pathya Vyavastha (prescription of appropriate diet and activity)

• Nidan Parivarjan (avoidance of causes and situations leading to disease or
disease aggravation)
• Satvajaya (psychotherapy)
• Rasayan (adaptogens- including immunomodulators, anti-stress and
rejuvenation drugs) therapy.

NATUROPATHY:
• Nature Cure is a way of life of which we find a number of references in the
Vedas and other ancient texts. The morbid matter theory, concept of vital
force and other concepts upon which Nature Cure is based are already
available in old texts which indicate that these methods were widely
practiced in ancient India.
• The whole practice of Nature cure based on the following three principles:

• Accumulation of morbid matter

• Abnormal composition of blood and lymph

• Lowered vitality

PHILOSOPHY OF NATURE CURE:

• Nature Cure is a way of life of which we find a number of references in the

Vedas and other ancient texts. The morbid matter theory, concept of vital
 force and other concepts upon which Nature Cure is based are already
available in old texts which indicate that these methods were widely
practiced in ancient India.

• The whole practice of Nature cure based on the following three principles:

• Accumulation of morbid matter

• Abnormal composition of blood and lymph

• Lowered vitality

FIVE MAIN MODALITIES OF TREATMENT:

• Nature Cure physician helps in Nature’s effort to overcome disease by

applying correct natural modalities and controlling the natural forces to work
within safe limits. The five main modalities of treatment are

● Air,

● Water,

● Heat,

● Mud

● Space.

HISTORY:

• Nature Cure movement started in Germany & other western countries with
"Water cure" (Hydrotherapy).

• Water cure was synonymous with Nature Cure in those early days. The
credit of making Water cure world famous goes to Vincent Priessnitz
(1799-1851) who was a farmer. Dr. Henry Lindlahr and others go to the
extent of crediting him as "Father of Naturopathy".
• Nature Cure movement gained momentum in India as Mahatma Gandhi,
"Father of the Nation" became much interested in this system and included it
in his programmes. He has also established a Nature Cure Hospital in Uruli
Kanchan District. Poona, Maharashtra which is still functioning.

HOMEOPATHY:

Homoeopathy today is a rapidly growing system and is being practiced almost

all over the world. In India it has become a household name due the safety of its
pills and gentleness of its cure.

ORIGIN:

• The word ‘Homoeopathy’ is derived from two Greek words, Homois

meaning similar and pathos meaning suffering. Homoeopathy simply means
treating diseases with remedies, prescribed in minute doses, which are
capable of producing symptoms similar to the disease when taken by healthy
people.

• It is based on the natural law of healing- "Similia Similibus Curantur" which

means "likes are cured by likes".

• Dr. Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843) gave it a scientific basis in the early

19th century.

• It has been serving suffering humanity for over two centuries and has
withstood the upheavals of time and has emerged as a time-tested therapy.

• The scientific principles propounded by Hahnemann are natural and well

proven and continue to be followed with success.
 NATIONAL HEALTH POLICY & HOMOEOPATHY:

• The National Health Policy as passed by the Indian Parliament assigns to the
Indian Systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy an important role in the
delivery of primary health care and envisages its integration in the overall
health care delivery system, specially in the preventive and promotive
aspects of health care in the context of the national target of achieving
"Health for all by 2000 AD"

ALLOPATHY:

• Allopathy is the conventional form of medicine using pharmaceuticals and

invasive techniques for diagnosis and treatment.

• Allopathy has evolved over the years with the various discoveries and
inventions made in the field of science. A patient is physically examined,
then diagnostic tests are conducted, and after the confirmation of disease, the
therapy is instituted.

• The diagnostic procedures give an indication of the prognosis of the disease

condition. Allopathy also involves the preventive aspect where stress is laid
on hygiene, improvement of socio-economic conditions and on
immunizations.
 HOSPITAL LAYOUT

The hospital is an integral part of Social and medical organization. The function of
which is provide to provide for the population complete health care, both curative
and preventive, and whose outpatient services reach out to the family and its home
environment; the hospital is also a centre for training of health workers and for
biosocial research.

A hospital is a health care institution providing patient treatment with specialized

medical and nursing staff and medical equipment. A district hospital typically is
the major health care facility in its region, with large numbers of beds for intensive
care and additional beds for patients who need long-term care. Specialized
hospitals include trauma centers, rehabilitation hospitals, children's hospitals,
seniors.

Design Collaborative mission – to improve people’s worlds – is the first thing our
healthcare team would think about when we begin to design. To achieve our
mission, we focus on how we can:
• Reduce stress for patients, family, and staff
• Encourage those who are grieving
• Provide a safe environment for patients, family, and staff
• Promote efficient and timely care
• Provide a healing environment
Many patients visit the ED first, and are oftentimes admitted as inpatients. The ED
can be the first impression of a hospital for many patients. They form their opinion
of the care they’ll receive and the friendliness of the environment here.