Homeopathy was developed in the eighteenth century by Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician and chemist. He proposed that the cause of a disease can be used for the treatment of that disease. Samuel Hahnemann put forth the law of similars, which says that “like cures like” (similia similibus curentur). Using this principle, he found that cinchona…

Examination of the pulse occupies a very important place in the disease diagnosis in Unani. In addition to the pulse rate, examination of the urine and stool is also important in diagnosing the disease and for further treatment. The pulse is examined to record different features such as size, strength, speed, consistency, fullness, rate, temperature,…

The Unani system is based on two theories, namely the Hippocratic theory of four humors and the Pythagorean theory of four proximate qualities. The four humors are blood, phlegm, yellow bile and black bile, and the four qualities are the states of living human body, namely hot, cold, moist and dry. They are represented as earth, water, fire and…

This system of medicine is believed to have been established by the Greek physician and philosopher Hippocrates (460–377 B.C.). Galen, Aristotle and Dioscorides made valuable contributions for its further development. The next phase of development of the Unani system of medicine took place in Egypt and Persia (Iran). The Egyptians had well-evolved pharmacy and were…

Similar to Ayurveda, Siddha system also follows ashtanga concept with regard to treatment procedures. However, the main emphasis is on Bala vahatam (pediatrics), Nanjunool (toxicology) and Nayana vidhi (ophthalmology). The therapeutics in both Ayurvedic and Siddha systems can be broadly categorized into samana and sodhana therapies. The Ayurvedic system consists of well-known procedures categorized under panchakarma therapy, but this therapy is not that well developed in the Siddha system;…

According to the Siddha concepts, there are two dominant entities, namely matter and energy, which have a great influence in shaping the nature of the universe. They are called Siva and Sakthi in the Siddha system. Matter cannot exist without energy and vice versa. Thus, both are inseparable. The concept of five proto-elements and three gunas in this system of medicine…

Siddha system of medicine is practiced mostly in South India. This system of medicine maintains a distinctive identity of its own but has a close affinity to Ayurveda. This system is considered to be of pre-Vedic period; it is identified with the Dravidian culture and is closely attached with the Tamil civilization. The term “Siddha”…

Ayurvedic treatment lies in restoring the balance of the disturbed humors (doshas) through regulating diet and correcting life routine and behavior along with the administration of drugs. The preventive nondrug therapies known as panchakarma (five processes) and rasayana (rejuvenation) therapy are done for treating various diseases. Before starting the treatment, many factors such as the status of tissue and…

Ayurveda, the ancient science of life, is believed to be prevalent in India for more than 4500 years. Its philosophical base is derived partly from Nyaya-Vaisheshika and Samkhya streams of Indian philosophy. Ayurveda is a complete medicine system, which takes into consideration the physical, psychological, philosophical, ethical and spiritual well-being of mankind. This system of medicine gives great importance to…

Learning Objective Traditional and alternative systems of medicine with drugs prepared from plants and mineral substances play an important role in providing health care to a large section of population. The alternative systems of medicine recognized in India are Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and homeopathy.