Different traditional healing systems

Question 1

Different traditional medicine

Answer 1

1. Ayurveda
2. Homeopathy
3. Siddha
4. Unani
5. Acupuncture
6. Naturopathy
7. Sowa-rigpa

Question 2

Definition of traditional medicine

Answer 2

The sum total of the knowledge, skills, and practices based on the theories, beliefs, and experiences indigenous to different cultures, whether explicable or not, used in the maintenance of health as well as in the prevention, diagnosis, improvement or treatment of physical and mental illness

Also called as alternative medicine

Question 3

Ayurveda

Answer 3

Ayurveda is completely based on the nature of law
Ayur = life
Veda = science/knowledge 
First originated in India ~ 600 B.C.E.
Shrila Vyasadeva wrote down vedas 
Oldest and most holistic health system

Vedas = any of the four collections forming the earliest body of Indian scripture, consisting of the Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, and Atharva Veda, which codified the ideas and practices of Vedic religion and laid down the basis of classical Hinduism. They were probably composed between 1500 and 700 BCE, and contain hymns, philosophy, and guidance on ritual.

Question 4

Basic Principle & Philosophy of Ayurveda

Answer 4

Nature or living being is made of five elements

1. Space or Akash
2. Air or Vayu
3. Fire or Tejas
4. Water or Apa
5. Earth or Prithivi

Five elements form three biological forces (dosas) in living organism

VataSpace (Akasha)Air (Vayu)

PittaFire (Tejas)Water (Apa)

Kapha Water (Apa)Earth (Prithvi)

Question 5

Basic Principle & Philosophy of Ayurveda

Answer 5

Nature or living being is made of five elements

1. Space or Akash
2. Air or Vayu
3. Fire or Tejas
4. Water or Apa
5. Earth or Prithivi

Five elements form three biological forces (dosas) in living organism

VataSpace (Akasha)Air (Vayu)

PittaFire (Tejas)Water (Apa)

Kapha Water (Apa)Earth (Prithvi)

Dosas – that which change

Question 6

Treatment(Ayurveda)

Answer 6

Disease = imbalance between nature and human beings
Holistic system of healing
Treatment is person-specific
Touch, inspection and interrogation used for diagnosis
Focuses on cause rather than symptoms
Seeks balance on the body energies rather than on the symptoms that affect the body
Diet adjustment (moderation of food intake)
Herbal use
Massage
Yoga & yogic breathing

Question 7

Benefits of ayurveda

Answer 7

Is not only a treatment, it is a way of life
Has no side effects
Gives happy, healthy disease free long life
Releases tension
Relaxes mind
Provides knowledge about life

Tells about good and bad dietary effects to life
Is an internationally acclaimed form of healing, rejuvenation and healthy living

Question 8

Homeopathy

Basis of homeopath – Like can cure like

Answer 8

Propounded by German physician, Samuel Christian Hahnemann (1796) 
In Greek, Homeo = Similar 
Pathos = Suffering or disease
Alternative medical system 
Not same as “herbal medicine”

Basis of homeopath – Like can cure like

in other words, something that brings on symptoms in a healthy person can – in a very small dose – treat an illness with similar symptoms. This is meant to trigger the body’s natural defenses.

For example, red onion makes your eyes water. That’s why it’s used in homeopathic remedies for allergies. Treatments for other ailments are made from poison ivy, white arsenic.

Question 9

Homeopathy concept

Answer 9

Seeks to stimulate the body’s defense mechanisms and processes so as to prevent or treat illness
Very small doses of remedies administered (initial mixture diluted millions of times)
In healthy people similar symptoms of illness would be produced if larger doses were given
Treatment is individualized
Remedies based on total picture of the patient – symptoms, lifestyle, emotional and mental states, and other factors

Question 10

What do homeopathic practitioners do in treating patients?

Answer 10

Patient’s first visit lengthy - an in-depth assessment
Used to guide the selection of one or more homeopathic remedies
During follow up visits, patients report how they are responding to the remedy or remedies, which helps the practitioner make decisions about further treatment

Question 11

What are homeopathic remedies?

Answer 11

Remedies are derived from natural substances that come from plants, minerals, or animals
Remedy is prepared by diluting the substance in a series of steps
This process can maintain a substance’s healing properties regardless of how many times it has been diluted
Many homeopathic remedies are so highly diluted that not one molecule of the original natural substance remains
Remedies are sold in liquid, pellet, and tablet forms

Question 12

Any Side effects or complications?

Answer 12

Considered safe and unlikely to cause severe adverse reactions

Remedies are not known to interfere with conventional drugs

Question 13

Any Side effects or complications? of homeopathy

Answer 13

Considered safe and unlikely to cause severe adverse reactions

Remedies are not known to interfere with conventional drugs

Question 14

Siddha

Answer 14

Main aim is to assure a healthy life
One of the oldest systems of medicine practiced in India
Was developed in Tamil Nadu
Conceived by Siddhas or evolved souls
‘Siddha’ comes from ‘Siddhi’
Siddhi = an object to be attained, or perfection of heavenly bliss

Siddhas = great doctors of medicine, philosophers, men with deep knowledge of anatomy and chemistry and noted for their wide travel, simple living and high thinking
Siddhas have their own manuscripts or basic works, written in secret code
Some of thetreasured treatises on medicine are poems in palm leaf manuscripts, which are now preserved in the SaraswathiMahal Library, Tanjavur, Tamil Nadu
Pioneers in the use of metals and minerals in the treatment of diseases

Question 15

Disease Diagnosis (Siddha)

Answer 15

Diseases are diagnosed mainly with the help of signs and symptoms of diseases
Other factors that help to diagnose diseases are:
touch 
examining the pulse
tongue
colour
speech 
eyes 
faeces 
urine

Question 16

Treatment(Siddha)

Answer 16

Siddha and Ayurveda systems are very much similar
In both systems, the basis of treatment is the three element theory or ‘tridosha’ (three humours)
Three humours: Vatha (air), Pitta (bile) and Kapha (phlegm)
It is believed that without these humours an individual cannot exist and imbalance of these may cause diseases
Siddha and Ayurveda have a number of medicines in common

Humour = any of various fluids in the body
Phelgm - Thick, sticky, stringy mucus secreted by the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, as during a cold or other respiratory infection.

Question 17

Treatment preparation (siddha)

Answer 17

In both systems medicines are prescribed to set right the imbalance in the three life factors
Preparations are made mainly out of leaves, bark, stem, root, minerals and metals
Also includes certain animal substances
Metals such as gold, silver and iron powder
Metals (including mercury) for treating stubborn diseases

Question 18

Unanipathy

Answer 18

Originated in Greece
Based on the principles propounded by Galen, a Greek practitioner
After him, many Arab and Persian scholars enriched the system

Question 19

Disease according to Unani

Answer 19

Disease is a natural process and that symptoms are the reactions of the body to the disease
Believes in the humoral theory
Presupposes the presence of 4 humours in the body:
Blood (Dam)
Phlegm (Balgham)
Yellow bile (Safra)
Black bile (Sauda)

Each humour has its own temperament:
blood is hot and moist 
phlegm is cold and moist 
yellow bile is hot and dry 
black bile is cold and dry

According to Unani, if the four main humours and the four primary qualities were all in a state of mutual equilibrium, one is considered healthy

Temperament - A person’s or animal’s nature, esp. as it permanently affects their behavior

Question 20

Diagnosis(Unani)

Answer 20

Examination of pulse, urine and stool
Observes the influence of surroundings and ecological conditions such as:
air
food
drinks
body movement and repose
psychic movement and repose
sleep and wakefulness 
excretion and retention on the state of health

This influence causes a dominance of one of the four humours in every human body
Unani believes that it is this dominance which gives a man his individual habit and complexion i.e., his temperament

in short
Unanipathy aims at maintaining proper health by conserving symmetry in the different spheres of a man’s life

Unani practitioners not only cure bodily diseases, but also act as an ethical instructor

Question 21

Treatment (Unanipathy)

Answer 21

1. Regimental Therapy - includes
2. Venesection (puncture of a vein to withdraw/introduce fluid)
3. Cupping
4. Diaphoresis (excessive sweating)
5. Diuresis (production of excessive urine)
6. Turkish bath (variant of steam bath)
7. Massage
8. Cauterisation (the act of coagulating blood and destroying tissue with a hot iron or caustic agent or by freezing)
9. Purging -To clear or eliminate something unclean or unwanted
10. Emesis (Vomiting)
11. Exercise
12. Leeching

Dietotherapy - It deals with certain ailments by administration of specific diets or by regulating the quantity and quality of food

Pharmacotherapy - It deals with the use of naturally occurring drugs mostly herbal drugs of animal and mineral origin

Single drugs or their combination in raw form are preferred over compound formulations

Question 22

Unanipathy Benefits

Answer 22

Unanipathy has shown remarkable results in curing diseases like:

Arthritis ((Painful inflammation and stiffness of the joints)

Leucoderma (formation of whitish patches on skin)

Jaundice (A medical condition with yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, arising from excess of the bile pigment bilirubi in blood)

Bronchial Asthma
(Bronchial = related to lungs)
(Asthma = respiratory disorder characterized by wheezing)

Is a secular system in character and is popular among the masses
(Secular = not related to any religion)

Question 23

Bhutanese traditional medicine practice

Answer 23

Sowa-rigpa (Gso-ba-rig-pa) – “knowledge of healing”

Is a natural and holistic medical science

Originated in India, developed in Tibet during the 11th century

Zhabdrung Rimpoche brought it to Bhutan in 1616

Sowa-rigpa recognized as alternative health care system in 1967

MSP collects 151 high altitude plants and 19 low altitude plants (53 low altitude plants are imported from India)

FoTM (erstwhile NITM & ITMS) (National Institute of Traditional Medicines) and MSP

MSP (Menjong Sorig Pharmaceutical) manufactures 94 essential medicines

Question 24

Bhutanese traditional medicine practice

concept

Answer 24

Based on five elements – earth, water, fire, air and space
Five elements grouped into three humours of the body viz:
Air (rlung) -responsible for respiration, movement of hollow organs such as intestine, lungs, heart, blood vessels

Bile (mkhris-pa OR Thrip) -
stimulates appetite, helps in digestion and maintains body temperature.
It also claims to confer bravery, wisdom, and desire or ambition

Phlegm (bad-kan OR Bayken) -sustains body and produces sleep.
It is responsible for movement of joints, muscles and confers patience.
Its aqueous element is associated with bodily fluids.

Three humours are responsible for all activities of the body
When three humours are in balance, the body is considered to be in good health
Alteration of natural balance between the three humours results in diseases

The Bhutanese traditional medical system forms part of a whole - blending culture and tradition, in which Buddhism is the prevailing influence. Health and spirituality are inseparable and together they reveal the true origins of any sickness. The art of healing is therefore a dimension of the sacred.

Question 25

principle sowa rigpa

Answer 25

According to Sowa Rigpa, disturbance or imbalance in any of these three humours leads to diseases and ill-health

Diagnosis of the diseases is made through history taking, pulse reading and urine examination

Patients are treated with medicines and different therapies such as golden and silver needle insertion, blood letting, herbal stream application and bath, cupping, moxibution, massage etc..
Moxibution is the process of burning the herb moxa on skin; but does not involve scarring the skin; burning of moxa serves to heat locally the points of acupuncture

Traditional medicine is derived from three main sources:
Plant origin (Shing-sman)
Ngomen (high altitude plants)
Throgmen (plants below 8,000 feet above sea level)
Tsimen (resins or exudates)

Mineral origin (Sa’i-sman)
Rinchen Men (precious stones)
Domen (mineral base) 

Animal origin (Srog-sman)
Sogcha (parts of animals)

Question 26

Different naturopathy therapies

Answer 26

1.Aromatherapy-Use of fragrances
Uses essential oils present in leaves, flowers, etc.
Oils can be diluted
Oils/fragrance react with hormones & enzymes
Used to relieve pain, improve mood and promote a sense of relaxation
Relieve anxiety, stress and depression
Alopecia areata (hair loss)
Insomnia

Precautions in aromatherapy
Do not apply the remedy to an area where the skin is broken

See that the oil is not an irritant and the subject displays no negative reaction

Aroma therapist must know well the properties of the remedy and the sensitivities of the client

2.Hydrotherapy -

Cold baths
Sitz baths
Steam baths
Natural baths

3.Cold packs

4. Chiropractic
5. Osteopathy

A sitz bath (also called a hip bath) = is a type of bath in which only the hips and buttocks are soaked in water or saline solution

Question 27

Hydrotherapy

How it works?

Answer 27

Use of water to treat disease (arthritis, rheumatism, digestion, aching joints, fatigues, insomnia, circulation, stress, muscular pain, stiffness, cramps, injury, etc.)

Uses mechanical & temperature effects (hot baths, saunas, foot baths, steam inhalation, hot compresses, cold compresses, wraps, etc.)
Used in many cultures – ancient Rome, China, Japan, etc.
Father Sebastian Kneipp helped re-popularize the therapeutic use of water in 19th century

how it works
Body reacts to hot, cold stimuli and pressure of water
Stimulated immune system influence production of stress hormones, invigorating circulation and digestion, encourage blood flow - lessen pain sensation
Heat quiets and soothes body, slowing down activity of internal organs
Cold stimulates and invigorates, increasing internal activity

For tense muscles and anxiety from stress, hot shower or bath is helpful

If tired and stressed out, warm shower/bath followed by a short cold shower helps to stimulate body and mind

Submerging in water relieves from gravity pull – feel light weight

Caution in hydrotherapy
Persons with impaired temperature sensation run the risk of scalding or frostbite at temperature extremes
Diabetes should avoid hot application to the feet or legs (also avoid full body heating treatments, such as body wraps)
Avoid cold application if diagnosed with Raynaud’s disease

People suffering from sciatica, pelvic inflammation or rheumatism in the toes or ankles and those prone to bladder or rectal irritation should avoid cold foot baths

Elderly people and young children may be exhausted by too much heat and should avoid long full-body hot treatments such as immersion baths and saunas
Pregnant women or those have heart disease, consult a doctor before taking a sauna

Question 28

cautions in hydrotherapy

Answer 28

Caution in hydrotherapy
Persons with impaired temperature sensation run the risk of scalding or frostbite at temperature extremes
Diabetes should avoid hot application to the feet or legs (also avoid full body heating treatments, such as body wraps)
Avoid cold application if diagnosed with Raynaud’s disease

People suffering from sciatica, pelvic inflammation or rheumatism in the toes or ankles and those prone to bladder or rectal irritation should avoid cold foot baths

Elderly people and young children may be exhausted by too much heat and should avoid long full-body hot treatments such as immersion baths and saunas
Pregnant women or those have heart disease, consult a doctor before taking a sauna

Question 29

Sauna and Steam Baths

Answer 29

Sauna is a small room used as a hot-air or steam bath for cleaning and refreshing the body.
Saunas and steam baths are similar in effect.
In a sauna the heat acts more quickly to eliminate toxins through the skin, though some consider the moist air of a steam bath to have a more satisfying effect on the respiratory system.