In a world where healthcare options are becoming increasingly diverse, the rift between allopathic and traditional Indian medicine presents a compelling question: Can these two systems co-exist for the benefit of patients? Despite the vast knowledge embedded in India’s rich history of traditional healing, modern medical practitioners often dismiss these practices as outdated or ineffective. The scepticism and rigid attitudes prevalent among medical professionals can have dire consequences. There is an urgent need for a collaborative approach that respects both scientific rigour and holistic healing traditions. In exploring this critical dialogue, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and effective healthcare system that honours India’s diverse medical heritage.
Tracing the Bias
P Bajaj (name changed), a well-known industrialist in Mumbai and a prominent restaurant owner, was struggling with severe kidney issues and a host of other problems. When it was suggested by some well-meaning individuals to try a renowned Ayurvedic practitioner in Gujarat, who is known for helping kidney patients, his doctor at Hinduja Hospital flatly refused, stating that he would stop treating him if he attempted any other system of medicine. The doctor was very stubborn, even though it was quite obvious that the allopathic treatment would lead the patient nowhere in the end. Within two months, Bajaj died without ever trying an alternative mode of treatment.
Bharat’s cultural familiarity with these traditional systems means that many people possess inherent knowledge about herbal remedies and seasonal diets
This reflects the common stance of many medical practitioners, and most people are too scared to tell their doctors about their desire to explore other medical systems. Such rigidity and bias among practitioners are so strong that the entire pharmaceutical lobby and education system have instilled in the common man a reluctance to try effective remedies.
Why is there so much bias, and where does it lead? India has a robust system of traditional medicine that dates back thousands of years. There are treatises on all kinds of diseases, including the earliest manual on surgery by Sushruta, the first documented surgeon in the world and considered the father of plastic surgery. A statue of Sushruta stands at the Royal Australian College of Surgeons in Melbourne. If outsiders cherish and respect our ancient scientists, why do we have so much disbelief in our own heritage?
Long periods of colonisation have eroded our belief in our history and achievements. Years of external invasion during medieval times initiated a decline in the growth of these disciplines. British policies during the 19th and 20th centuries completely marginalised indigenous medicines and healing systems.
Changing Scenario
The world is witnessing a shift toward traditional healing practices that embrace holistic approaches to health, focusing on the entire body and mind rather than merely treating diseases. This trend is accompanied by a growing interest in organic lifestyles and the recognition of the benefits of various medical systems working together. For example, the Hippocrates Wellness Institute in Florida has gained popularity for its success in treating serious diseases through organic diets, yoga, meditation, and therapeutic massages.
Resurgence of Faith
In India, particularly in States like Kerala, Gujarat and Maharashtra, there is a resurgence of faith in Ayurvedic and Naturopathic treatments. Many conditions previously deemed irreversible, such as diabetes and hypertension, are now being managed effectively through dietary changes, fasting, and holistic practices. This has led to the establishment of numerous nature cure centres that promote these techniques.
Conversely, modern hospitals are becoming increasingly unaffordable, with reports of unethical practices such as unnecessary drug prescriptions and inflated billing. Many patients face financial ruin due to exorbitant medical costs and aggressive treatments that may not align with their health needs.
In States like Kerala, Gujarat and Maharashtra, there is a resurgence of faith in Ayurvedic and Naturopathic treatments
Faced with these challenges, people are increasingly seeking alternatives in traditional medicine, highlighting a desire for a more integrative and accessible approach to healthcare.
Traditional Therapies for Bharat’s Healthcare Needs
India’s rich heritage of traditional medicine, with roots extending over 4,000 years, provides a unique foundation for addressing the healthcare needs of its diverse population. This extensive knowledge, particularly in Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Yoga and Naturopathy, positions traditional therapies as integral components of a comprehensive healthcare system.
One of the key strengths of traditional medicine is its holistic approach, which considers not only the physical health of patients but also their psychological health. India has a robust system of traditional medicine that dates back thousands of years. spiritual well-being. This perspective aligns well with the increasing recognition of mental health as a crucial aspect of overall health, making traditional therapies particularly relevant in today’s context. For instance, practices like Yoga not only promote physical fitness but also reduce stress and enhance mental clarity, contributing to improved quality of life.
Moreover, India’s cultural familiarity with these traditional systems means that many people possess inherent knowledge about herbal remedies and seasonal diets. This understanding fosters a proactive approach to health, empowering individuals to utilise natural remedies for common ailments. However, the reluctance to discuss these practices with allopathic doctors reflects a critical need for integration and acceptance within the broader medical community.
The rising costs of modern healthcare, coupled with inadequate access to conventional medical facilities in rural areas, make traditional therapies a viable alternative for many. Government initiatives, such as the AYUSH program, aim to promote these systems within the public health framework, ensuring that they are accessible to all, especially in underserved communities.
In summary, the Indian context—characterised by a deep-rooted tradition of holistic healing, widespread knowledge of natural remedies and the pressing need for accessible healthcare—makes traditional therapies exceptionally well-suited to enhance the overall health of the population. Embracing these systems alongside modern medicine could lead to a more inclusive and effective healthcare model.
Ayush Initiative
The Government of India recognises that achieving universal healthcare access in a vast country like India requires an integrated healthcare system. In many remote areas, traditional healthcare practitioners are often the first point of contact for patients. According to a study published in the Oxford Academic Journal, approximately 65 per cent of the rural population relies on traditional medicine for their primary healthcare needs.
These practitioners possess a deep understanding of local health conditions and typically initiate treatment with traditional remedies. When patients require further medical attention from allopathic specialists, collaboration between the two systems becomes essential for optimal patient care.
Several health organisations, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), have acknowledged the importance of integrating herbal medicine into cancer care
India faces a significant shortage of qualified doctors, with a doctor-to-patient ratio of approximately 1:1700, which is exacerbated by the uneven distribution of healthcare professionals. Most doctors are concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural communities underserved. However, by integrating traditional medical practitioners into the healthcare framework, this ratio improves to about 1:800, offering a more accessible option for rural populations.
To address these challenges, the Government is actively promoting the AYUSH initiative, which encompasses Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. This initiative aims to incorporate these traditional practices into the public health system, enhancing healthcare accessibility and providing a complementary approach to allopathic medicine. By leveraging the strengths of both modern and traditional healthcare systems, the AYUSH initiative strives to create a more holistic and inclusive healthcare environment for all citizens.
Cancer Treatment
Traditional and herbal medicines have gained recognition for their potential to complement modern cancer treatments, particularly chemotherapy. While chemotherapy effectively targets cancer cells, it often comes with significant side effects, such as nausea, fatigue, and immune suppression. Herbal medicines can play a crucial role in alleviating these adverse effects and enhancing the overall well-being of patients.
For instance, herbs like Ashwagandha, Turmeric and Giloy have been noted for their immune-boosting properties and ability to reduce inflammation. Research has shown that these herbal remedies may help mitigate chemotherapy-induced side effects, improve quality of life, and potentially enhance the effectiveness of conventional treatments.
Several health organisations, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), have acknowledged the importance of integrating herbal medicine into cancer care. This approach encourages a holistic treatment strategy that addresses not only the disease but also the physical and emotional health of patients.
AIIMS View on Ayurveda
AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) has been at the forefront of cutting age research and treatment of complex ailments. There have been several reports validating the efficacy of Ayurvedic formulations. One such report, published in The Times of India on April 4, 2015, stated, “In a significant scientific validation for traditional therapies, India’s premier medical institution, AIIMS, has found certain Ayurvedic formulations effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which causes irreversible joint damage.”
The study, conducted on 125 RA patients, found that Ayurvedic medicines, such as Ashwagandha powder and Sidh Makardhwaj, helped relieve pain in tender and swollen joints and increased mobility in a majority of subjects. Ashwagandha powder is derived from a plant, while Sidh Makardhwaj is a formulation of herbal and mineral ingredients.
Additionally, a study by AIIMS researchers discovered that Arjuna powder and Arogyavardhini Vati significantly reduced cholesterol, triglycerides and blood glucose levels in patients with hyperlipidemia. AIIMS plans to conduct trials to evaluate the efficacy of Ayurvedic drugs for prostate and lung cancer. Researchers at AIIMS suggest that Ayurvedic drugs and other alternative therapies can be used as complementary treatments to improve the outcomes of radiation and chemotherapy.
The Way Forward
These efforts by AIIMS reflect a positive attitude among some sections of the modern medicine community, reinforcing and validating the average person’s faith in these systems.
There is a need to change the mindset of doctors. They need to be sensitised at an early stage. In this regard, the Academy of Healthcare Professionals Education (AHPE) can play an important role in sensitising doctors. The curriculum needs to be modified to accommodate the teaching of Ayurvedic medicines. Traditionally, pharmaceutical companies have played an influential role in deciding the curriculum, and doctors have been taught only about pharmaceutical products, completely shutting out any knowledge of natural healing plants. While administering medicines, there is always a possibility that drug interactions can occur between synthetic drugs and herbal medicines. In such cases, Allopathic practitioners should also be taught about herbal medicines so that they can handle such complications.
There is a need for a cohesive policy that can address the training of doctors. The policy should incorporate curriculum changes, practices and prescribing of medicines among different systems of medicine in India. It should ensure that practitioners are aware of other systems of medicine as well. There are many issues that need to be sorted out for harmonious integration to take place. Dr Vandana Roy, a senior pharmacologist, suggests in the Indian Journal of Pharmacology (Jan-Feb, 2015) that a few hours of classes should be introduced to sensitise medical graduates to AYUSH. She suggests guest lectures from other systems of medicine. She has also recommended research on the effective combination of allopathic and AYUSH medicines. The integration of alternative medicine into academic settings is not without its challenges. Scepticism remains among some segments of the medical community regarding the efficacy of alternative therapies. Critics often argue that many alternative practices lack rigorous scientific validation. However, this has prompted a growing emphasis on research and evidence-based practices within alternative medicine. Institutions are increasingly focusing on the need for clinical trials and studies that validate the safety and efficacy of alternative treatments, which in turn helps bridge the gap between conventional and alternative approaches.
Furthermore, the collaboration between traditional medical professionals and alternative practitioners is becoming more common. Interdisciplinary programmes are being developed, allowing students from different healthcare backgrounds to learn from one another. This collaborative approach fosters a better understanding of how various systems of medicine can co-exist and complement each other in clinical practice.
In conclusion, the rise of alternative medicines and integrative healthcare in academic institutions represents a significant evolution in the field of medicine. As universities and medical colleges continue to expand their curricula to include these areas, future healthcare providers will be better prepared to meet the diverse needs of patients seeking holistic and comprehensive care. This shift not only reflects changing societal attitudes toward health and wellness but also marks a progressive step toward a more inclusive and integrative healthcare system.
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