Study Alternative Medicine and Holistic Health, Careers in Natural Medicine

Feb. 2, 2011 - PRLog -- At A Glance

After all, traditional Indian medicine has a 5000-year-old history and has been used by millions, while modern medicine is merely 150 years old!

Although traditional medicine cannot replace modern medicine as far as diagnosis, investigation and emergency care are concerned, certain 'alternative' systems which focus on overall health, have shown remarkable and swift results even in chronic illnesses like diabetes, leucoderma, cancer as well as hard to cure diseases like arthritis, asthma and even AIDS.

Until recently, traditional medical systems were considered obscure, esoteric and shrouded in mysticism. But now the healing methods of the East are not only gaining acceptance not just as an alternative line of treatment, but are also being integrated into mainstream healthcare as complementary systems.

Ayurveda

Ayurveda, literally meaning the science of life, aims at healing the individual as a whole, instead of merely at the molecular level. This ancient healing system is based on the theory that everything is composed of panchamahabhutas, or the five basic elements (akaash, jal, vayu, agni, dharti). The main source of our knowledge of Ayurveda is the Atharva Veda, which dates back to around 1200 BC.

Siddha

The basic principles and doctrines of Siddha are similar to those of Ayurveda. The human body is considered a conglomeration of three humors, seven body tissues and waste products. Proper consistency of these constituents in the body ensures good health.

Unani

The Unani system of medicine originated in Greece during 460-377 BC, and was brought to India by the Arabs and Persians. Unani medicine is based on the 'humoral theory' (relating to four bodily fluids) with each humor leading to a specific temperament in a human being. The Unani system makes use of plants, minerals and animal products as curative agents to re-establish the person's original humoral constitution.

Naturopathy

Popularly referred to as the drug-less treatment of diseases, Naturopathy is based on the practice of applying the simple laws of nature to cure diseases. It pays particular attention to balanced dietary and living habits, adopting purificatory measures, and using natural techniques such as hydrotherapy, cold packs, mud packs, baths (water, oil & sun), massage, etc.

Yoga

Elements of yoga have been used in traditional Indian medicine for thousands of years, though yoga therapy in its present form is a mere 80 years old - created by the marriage of traditional yoga with modern medicine. Yogic therapy comprises a wide range of mind/body practices, ranging from postural and breathing exercises to deep relaxation and meditation for promoting positive health and well-being as well as helping particular medical conditions.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy lays emphasis on strengthening the immune system and curing like with like. Homeopathy today enjoys wide acceptability, both here and abroad, because of its holistic and intrinsic values, the low cost of medication coupled with ease of administration and absence of toxic side effects. An indication of its popularity lies in the fact that the best homeopathic medicines are manufactured by German and American companies. In India there are over 1.5 lakh qualified homeopaths.

Tibetan Medicine

This ancient system of medicine recognises three forms of energy in the body -- flame, wind and bile. An imbalance of these energies in any organ leads to illness. Inherent in the medicinal tradition is the use of precious pills made of herbs and other natural substances and prescribed according to the calendar.

Reiki

Reiki practitioners believe that we are born with a certain level of energy, which gets depleted through our daily activities. If the energy is depleted at a rate faster than it can be replenished, it leads to ill health. Reiki attempts to increase the overall energy stores of the body by activating the seven chakras.

Chiropracty

Chiropracty is a 5000-year-old non-invasive, non-surgical approach for managing ortho-neuro-skeletal disorders, problems of the spine and other chronic disorders by restoring normal body function. Circumventing surgery (in most cases) cuts down recovery time and cost of treatment virtually by half. Chiropracty is quite popular in countries like USA, UK, Australia and Germany.

Employment Opportunities

The future of alternative medicine is bright. In a developing country like India, alternative therapeutic systems have a definite role to play in alleviating sickness - both chronic and acute. The cost-effectiveness, efficacy, low toxicity, ease of administration and relative safety (few adverse effects) renders them invaluable as viable alternatives to conventional medicine.

In fact, WHO has assessed the total world market for alternative medicine at a whopping Rs. 51,210 crore. The market for herbal remedies alone is pegged at $5 trillion with an annual growth of 11 per cent.

Home to over 15,000 medicinal plants and one of the 12 leading bio-diverse countries of the world, India is sitting on a veritable green mine. Awakening to this tremendous potential, the government has announced a separate national policy for the Indian Systems of Medicine & Homeopathy (ISM&H) to boost and promote indigenous medicine. Plans are also afoot to modernise the hospitals specialising in Indian Systems of Medicine (ISM).

However, the lack of formulation and standardisation is a major problem that plagues this fledgling industry. There are as many as 4,000 recorded Ayurvedic formulations, combining different herbs and metals. These need to be identified and analysed and put through a series of tests before they can be released in the market. Extensive R&D is under way in this field currently.

What it takes?

Like other forms of medicine, the minimum qualification for most courses in traditional medicine is 10+2 with PCB (Physics, Chemistry & Biology). However, for Unani, Siddha and Tibetan medicine, arts and humanities students can also apply. Additionally, for pursuing a course in Ayurveda, you need to be well versed in Sanskrit/ Hindi, while for Unani, some knowledge of Arabic/ Urdu is a must. Similarly for studying the Siddha system, you need knowledge of Tamil.

What you'll make?

Alternative systems of medicine are beginning to offer decent career opportunities - in research as well as in practise. But like any other profession, success depends on a multitude of factors and the job scenario when you graduate.

While private practice is a popular choice for those specialising in these systems, homeopathic and Ayurvedic practitioners, for instance, can also seek employment under the Central Government Health Scheme and in state government and municipal hospitals and dispensaries all over the country. Starting salaries are in the range of Rs 8,000 plus perks.

If you are hesitant to start off on your own, working with an established practitioner or clinic for a while would help you gain the necessary confidence.

Combining two or more of these complimentary systems can also add to your repertoire. But be prepared to face competition from other systems of medicine, particularly allopathic.

Drug and pharmaceutical companies and research institutions also hire consultants and research scientists to work in their respective fields. With several recognised institutions offering full-fledged courses of study, there is considerable opportunity in the teaching and academic sector as well.

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine (Visit the Official Webpage on http://www.altmedworld.net) is an internationally recognized, Government registered institution of alternative medicines. Provides diploma, degree and postgraduate degree programs through correspondence in health and alternative medicine.

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Indian Board of Alternative Medicines (Internationally Recognized Legally Constituted Largest Institution) is one of the largest open international educational academies and a premier institution in the field of alternative and complementary medicine.