Law And Medicine

Origin and Development :-

Millions of years passed from the beginning of life and then the present form of human body and brain took its shape. This evolutionary process is an outcome of the adjustment which the flora and fauna (plant life & animal life) made with nature. Nature is basically made of soil, water and air and together constitute the habitat of living organism. Human beings applied their physical and mental powers to make use of these three elements around them and made their living comfortable.

Man has been fighting against the hostility (unfriendliness) of nature and tried to overcome all sorts of calamities. As civilisation progressed, man had to fight against diseases caused by both external and internal agents. So he had to invent and prepare curative and preventive medicines from the vast stores of nature. He noticed the behaviour of animals and observed the medicinal qualities of herbal plants and certain chemicals and applied them to cure the sick and disabled persons.

So when did the practice of medicine begin? And who were the first doctors? While there are no straight forward answers to these questions, there is evidence from primitive societies that ‘treatments’ were attempted for common conditions, although often superstition and religious beliefs would be intermingled with these. We do know that from ancient Egyptian times (from around 3000 BC) there were ‘doctors’ and in this context, the medical practitioner ‘Imhotep’ (around 2600 BC) produced a written work of over 200 different medical conditions.

There was a great advance in Greece in the 5^th & 4^th century B.C. and it symbolised the first attempt at a rational and scientific theory of causation of the disease. The greatest physician of Greek medicine was Hippocrates. He introduced application of clinical methods in medicine.

Hippocrates is widely credited as being the father of modern medicine. One of his huge contributions in advancing the field was the insight into the fact that diseases could have natural (rather than supernatural) causes. Also of enormous significance was his oath of conduct for physicians which is still used worldwide today. His name has been duly associated with ‘Hippocratic oath’ and is key to medical ethics.

Chinese medicine is known to have been developed on an organised effort and dates back some 2700 B.C. Their medical knowledge was based on two principles. ‘Yang and Yin’. The yin-yang symbol is related to the ancient method used to track the movements of the sun, moon, and stars around the year. The yin-yang philosophy says that the universe is composed of competing and complementary forces of dark and light, sun and moon, male and female. The balancing of Yang and Ying leads to good health. The Chinese physicians used dietetics, water therapy, massage, drugs, acupuncture and immunization. They have faith in their traditional medicine along with modern medicine.

All ancient civilizations of the world developed their own medicinal systems, but the ancient Indian system of medicine is considered to be the most methodical and the most holistic system, both in its ideas and its curative measures. (holistic : treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms of a disease). The sacred scriptures of the Vedas gifted principles of administration and medical care.

The ‘Dhanvantari’ whom we regarded as the divine physician, was the father of Hindu medicine and is said to have brought amrita (the drink of immortality) and taught Science of Surgery to Sushruta. The philosophy of Ayurveda and surgical skills, enunciated by Charaka and Sushruta are examples of ancient tradition, in the scientific health care of the people. The first authoritative book on Indian medicine was famous ‘Agnevesa Charaka Samhita’. It is from this book that medical ethics originated.

‘Unani’, the Greek system was bought to India from West Asia around 10^th century by the Muslim rulers. Lastly, The British rule introduced the modern Allopathic medicine and established hospitals in big towns. Allopathic medicines were made available in medical stores and were comparatively easier to administer. These were readily acceptable to the Indians. The first medical college of British India was established in Calcutta (1835).

International Documents on Health Care System :-

1. Alma Ata Declaration (1978) : Health for all :

In 1978, Alma-Ata decaration opened a new era in public thinking and practice. The health for all strategy, rooted in a progressive implementation of primary health care.It gained a major health care through out the world. The benefits achieved are many –

-A number of deadly diseases were gradually overcomed.

-Overall mortality was reduced.

-Infant and child mortality rate had come down.

-Improvement in access to health care.

-There was increase in the life expectancy of the patients.

2. Helsinki Declaration :

The Declaration of Helsinki is a statement outlining the ethical principles for medical research involving human subjects that was initially adopted by the 18th Assembly of the World Medical Association in Helsinki, Finland in June 1964.It was developed from 10 principles first stated in 1947 in the Nuremberg Code and further incorporated elements from the Declaration of Geneva (made in 1948), a statement of the ethical duties of physicians.

It has been subsequently amended by nine general assemblies of the association, at meetings extending from 1975 to 2013. Though addressed primarily to physicians, its principles provide an ethical foundation that is used by all involved in medical research involving human subjects.

Varieties of Medical Profession in India.

(1) Ayurveda

Ayurveda is many times reffered to as ‘Mother of all healing’.

Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word and is made up of two words, ‘Ayuh’ & ‘Veda’. ‘Ayuh’ means age or life and ‘Veda’ means knowledge. Thus the word Ayurveda means Science of Life.

** It dates back an estimated 5,000-10,000 years and is widely considered to be an oldest form of health care in the world.

** It was around 1000 years B.C. when Ayurvedic fundamentals and its different clinical specialities were fully documented in ‘Charaka Samhita’ and ‘Sushruta Samhita’.-the first collection on Ayurvedic medicine & surgery respectively.

** ‘Charaka Samhita’ contains several chapters dealing with therapeutic or internal medicine. About 600 drugs of plant, animal and mineral origin are described in it.

** ‘Sushruta Samhita’ exists relating to school of surgery. It deals primarily with various fundamental principles and theory of surgery. Around 10 kinds of surgical instruments are described in it along with their use. It also has a mention of about 650 drugs.

** Ayurveda has become one of the oldest system of health care dealing with both the preventive and curative aspects of life.

** According to Ayurveda, all objects in the universe including human body are composed of five basic elements (pancha mahabhutas) namely, earth(prithvi), water(jal), fire(agni), air(wayu), and space (vaccum/akash).

Ayurveda believes that all living and non-living things on earth, including humans are made up of these five elements in varying degrees, whose constitution remains unchanged and constant throughout life.

** These five elements combine with each other to form the three humors of vata, pitta and kapha (also called as the Tridoshas together) which is the cornerstone of Ayurvedic philosophy.Any change in these tridoshas leads to an imbalance in us causing diseases, and our survival and ability to fight diseases would depend on how easily we adapt to our environment.

Thus in summary, we can say that,

1. Ayurveda treats body as a whole.

2. Ayurveda cures root problem not just symptoms.

3. Time-tested Ayurvedic techniques for accurate diagnosis.

4. Ayurveda helps you understand yourself.

5. Ayurveda emphasises on both prevention and cure

6. Ayurveda useful for both mild to chronic diseases

7. Ayurveda involves more than just herbs.

8. Ayurveda is a lifestyle.

9. Ayurvedic treatments are cost effective.

10. Lesser chances of severe side-effects.

(2) Siddha System :

Siddha system is one of the oldest systems of medicine in India. The principles and doctrines are similar to Ayurveda, prevailed in Tamilnadu and some other parts of South India.

** It is an ancient traditional system of Indian medicine developed by 18 Siddhas. Extensive references available to Siddha in ancient Tamil literature.

** It has close affinity to Ayurveda yet it maintains a distinctive identity of its own.

** The term ‘Siddha’ has come from ‘Siddhi’- which means achievement. ‘Siddhars’ were the men who achieved supreme knowledge in the filed of medicine, yoga or tapa (meditation).

** The concept of five proto-elements and three doshas in this system of medicine is quite similar to Ayurvedic concept pertaining to them. However there are certain differences in the interpretatio. The concepts behind diagnostic measures also show great similarities differing in certain aspects.

 ** Diagnosis in Siddha system is carried out by the well -known ‘ashtasthana pareeksha’ (examination of eight sites) that encompasses examination of nadi (pulse), kan (eyes), swara (voice), sparisam (touch), varna (colour), na (tongue), mala (faeces) and neer (urine). 

** It is difficult to trace the beginning of this ancient system. According to the tradition it was Shiva who unfolded the knowledge of Siddha system of medicine to his concert Parvati who handed it down to Nandhidevar and he in turn to the 18 siddhars. Therefore it is called ‘Shiva Sampradayam, (tradition of Siva), or ‘Siddha Sampradayam’.

‘Agasthiyar’ is the prominent one among the eighteen and some of his works are still standard books of medicine and surgery in daily use among the Siddha Medical practitioners.

** The Siddha Sysytem of Medicine emphasises that medical treatment is oriented not only to disease but has to take into account the patient, environment, meteorological consideration, age, sex, race, habits, mental frame, habitat, diet, appetite, physical condition, etc. This means that, the treatment has to be individualistic, which ensures that mistakes in diagnosis or treatment are minimal.

** The Siddha system also deals with the problems affecting the women’s health. The care for women’s health starts from the first day of the girl child. It believes in the principle of “Food itself is medicine” and so lactating mothers are advised to take the food rich in iron, protein and fibre so as to prevent any nutritional disorders both to the child as well as the mothers. Further, Siddha system has got a variety of preparations which can strengthen women’s reproductive system, menopausal syndroms, hormonal imbalance.

(3) Unani Tibb-The Greek System :

 Unani medicine, also called Unani tibb, Arabian medicine, or Islamic medicine, a traditional system of healing and health maintenance.

** Unani medicine was originated in Greece and its founder was the great philosopher & physician, Hippocates. He was the first Unani physician who opened the education of medicine to all communities, so he is known as the “Father of Medicine’.

** It was brought to India from West Asia by the muslim rulers. The first known Hakim was ‘Zia Mohd Masood Rasheed Zangi’.

** Unani medicines were accepted by the masses due to the efficacy and non toxicity of the drugs.

** The history of Unani medicine can be characterized by the work of its practitioners, or hakims, who relied on natural healing based on principles of harmony and balance, uniting the physical, mental, and spiritual realms.

** Hippocrate said that the human body is composed of three parts i.e.(i) Solid known as organs (aza), (ii) Liquid known as humours (akhlat) and (iii) Gas known as pneuma (arwah)

** Scholars of the Unani Tibb has mentioned the humours and their associated qualities as: (i) Dam (blood) as ‘hot and moist’; (ii) Safra (yellow bile) as ‘hot and dry’; (iii) Balgham (phlegm) as ‘cold and moist’ and; (iv) Sauda (black bile) as ‘cold and dry’.

** Unani medicine believes in promotion of health, prevention of diseases and cure. Health of human being is based on the six essential elements and if these are maintained, health is maintained, otherwise there will be diseases.

Six essentials are, 1. Atmospheric Air 2. Drinks and Food 3. Sleep & wakefulness 4. Excertion & Retntion 5. Physical activity and rest. 6. Mental activity and rest.

** Treatment –Diseases are treated in the following ways :

I). ilajbil Tadbeer (Regimenal therapy) : Some drugless regimens are advised for the treatment of certain ailments eg, exercise, massage, hamam, douches(hot and cold water).

II) ilajbil Ghiza (Diet therapy): Different diets for different diseases.

III) ilajbil Dava (Pharmaco therapy) : Different drugs.

** The drugs used are of the plant origin. Some drugs of animal and mineral  origin are also used.

The practice of Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha system enjoyed universal acceptance, by virtue of they being the only available system for the cure. The diagnostic sessions of them could be quiet long as detailed questions are asked.about ownself, life style, job, diet, likes and dislikes, appetite, bowel movements and digestive system. They attribute majority of diseases to all these habits. They try to find out the cause and then give treatment

They usually do not harm but may take long time to assess and treat.

(4) Yoga

The tradition of Yoga was born in Indi several thousand years ago. Its founders were great Saints and Sages. The great yogis gave rational interpretation of their experiences about Yoga and brought a practically sound and scientifically prepared method within every one’s reach.

** Yoga philosophy is an Art and Science of living in tune with Brahmand-the Universe. Yoga has its origin in the Vedas., the oldest record of Indian culture. It was systematized by the great Indian Yogi, ‘Patanjali’ in the Yog Sutra.

** By Yoga, Sri  Aurobindo, meant a methodological effort towards self perfection by the development of potentialities latent(secret) in the individual.

** Yoga is a science as well as an art of healthy living physically, mentally, morally, and spiritually.

** Yoga is not a religion. It’s a philosophy of life. It’s no way limited by race, age, sex, religion, cast or creed. It aims at the development of a perfect balance between the body and the mind that permits union with the divine i.e. perfect harmony between the individual and the cosmos.

** Yoga is one among the six systems of Indian orthodox philosophy. Maharishi Patanjali, rightly called as the ‘Father of Yoga’ complied and refined various aspects of Yoga systematically in his ‘Yog Sutras’.

** A set of Asans, Mudras, and Pranayams practiced with faith and continuity rejuvenates the brains, heart, lungs, liver, pancreas, kidneys, bowels, nerves, muscles, tissues and glands of the body of the body by ensuring oxygenated and balanced blood supply, increases the appetite bestows control over seminal fluid, senses and mind and imparts increased vitality, vigour, and longevity.

** According to Yoga, most of the diseases Mental, Psychosomatic and Physical originate in mind through wrong way of thinking, living and eating which is caused by attachment. The basic approach of Yoga is to correct life style by cultivating a rational positive and spiritual attitude towards all life situations.

** Like Ayurveda and Naturopathy, Yoga also takes up the cleansing of the body as the first measure to fight diseases. All the medicines at their best aim at curing the disease whereas Yoga aims at preventing the disease and promoting health.

** The approach of Yoga is not confined to various disorders, it aims at bringing under perfect control of the mind, senses and energy.

** Few benefits of Yoga are : Yoga improves strength, balance and flexibility, Yoga helps with back pain relief, Yoga can ease arthritis symptoms, Yoga benefits heart health, Yoga relaxes you, to help you sleep better.

In recent times, there is a growing awareness among the people about the efficacy and utility of Yoga and Nature Cure in keeping one fit at physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual planes.These systems are emerging as the effective methods and means to improve the total personality and to build a healthy society.

Above all, these systems are adopted as a way of life rather than a mode of treatment.

(5) Homeopathy

 Homeopathy today is a rapidly growing system and is being practiced almost all over the world. InIndia, it has become a household name due to the safety of its pills and gentleness of its cure.

** Homeopathy or homoeopathy is a system of alternative medicine. It was conceived in 1796 by the German physician “Samuel Hahnemann”. Its practitioners, called ‘homeopaths’, believe that a substance that causes symptoms of a disease in healthy people can cure similar symptoms in sick people; this doctrine is called “similia similibus curentur”, or “like cures like”. Homeopathic preparations are termed remedies and are made using homeopathic dilution. 

** The word ‘Homeopathy is derived from two Greek words, Homois meaning similar and pathos meaning suffering. Homeopathy 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.

** Hahnemann believed that if a patient had an illness, it could be cured by giving a medicine which, if given to a healthy person, would produce similar symptoms of that same illness but to a slighter degree. Thus, if a patient was suffering from severe nausea, he was given a medicine which in a healthy person would provoke mild nausea. By a process he called ‘proving’, Hahnemann claimed to be able to compile a selection of appropriate remedies. This led to his famous aphorism, ‘like cures like’, which is often called the ‘principle of similars’

** Historical Evolution in India : Homeopathy entered India in 1839 when Dr. John Martin Honigberger was called to treat Maharaja Ranjit Sing, the ruler of Punjab. The Maharaja was relieved of his complaints and in return he received valuable rewards and later on was made officer-in-charge of a hospital. Dr. Honigberger later on went to Calcutta and started practice there. This royal patronage helped the system to have its roots in India.

In the beginning, the system was extensively practised by amateurs in the civil and military services and others. Mahendra Lal Sarcar was the first Indian who became a homeopathic physician. A number of allopathic doctors started homeopathic practice following Sarcar’s lead.

The ‘Calcutta Homeopathic Medical College’, the first homeopathic medical college was established in 1881. This institution took on a major role in popularising homeopathy in India.

In 1973, the Government of India recognised homeopathy as one of the national systems of medicine and set up the ‘Central Council of Homeopathy’ (CCH) to regulate its education and practice. Now, only qualified registered homeopaths can practice homeopathy in India.

At present, in India, homeopathy is the third most popular method of medical treatment after allopathy and Ayurveda. 

** Homeopathy does not treat disease. It does not limit its treatment to a particular disease but it treats all aspects mental, emotional, and physical of the person. It regards each patient as unique individual. e.g. six persons with hepatitis might get a different remedy.

Homeopathy treatment is based on three laws :

a) The Law of Similars : It is also called as law of Cure. This law is based on a principle of ‘Similia Similibus Curentur’. i.e.let likes be treated by likes.

b) The Law of Single Remedy : This law directs to choose and administer such a single remedy, which is most similar to the symptom complex of the sick person at a time.

c) The Law of Minimum Dose : The similar remedy selected for a sick should be prescribed in minimum dose, so that when administered there is no toxic effects on the body.

Homeopathy in India enjoys Government support along with the other systems of medicine, because, Government is of the view that presence of all these alternative systems of therapeutics offers a much wider spectrum of curative medicine.

(6) Naturopathy

Naturopathy is the most ancient health care mechanism that amalgamates modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. Relying on the healing power of nature, Naturopathy stimulates the human body’s ability to heal itself. It is the science of disease diagnosis, treatment, and cure using natural therapies.

** The technique of Naturopathy was brought to the United States in the 1800s from Germany. The term Naturopathy was tossed by John Scheel in 1895 and was popularized by Benedict Lust. Known as the father of modern-day Naturopathy, he also got appreciated for disseminating the knowledge of Naturopathy in the US in 1992.

** The Naturopathy movement was initiated in Germany and other western countries with water cure therapy which is also called Hydrotherapy.

** In India, revival of Naturopathy took place with the translation of Germany’s Louis Kuhne’s book ‘’New Science of Healing’’. The translation was done in the Telugu language by Shri D. Venkat Chelapati Sharma in 1894. Afterward, it was translated into Hindi and Urdu languages in 1904 by Shri Shroti Kishan Swaroop. All the efforts hugely gave Naturopathy a wide propagation. 

**Indian Naturopathy movement started primarily in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Bengal, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh.

** Salient features of Naturopathy :

Naturopathy is the holistic approach to human wellness and a way to educate about healthy living. The underlying features of Naturopathy are important for a healthy diet, clean water, exercise, fasting, sunlight, and stress management. Below are some salient features of Naturopathy:

• Apart from traumatic and environmental conditions, all the diseases including their causes and treatment are one. The basic cause of the disease is the accumulation of morbid matter in the body and the treatment of all the diseases is the elimination of morbid matter from the body. 
• Naturopathy believes that the primary cause of any disease is the accumulation of morbid matter in the body, and the bacteria are the secondary cause. Bacteria and viruses get into the human body only when the body accumulates morbid matter. 
• It is to be believed under the Naturopathy system of healing, acute diseases are self-healing efforts of the body. Chronic diseases are the result of incorrect treatment and the suppression of the acute disease. 
• Naturopathy relies on the fact that nature is the greatest healer. The human body possesses the power to protect itself from diseases and retrieve it.
• In the process of cure, the entire human body is targeted to heal the disease. 
• Naturopathy successfully heals chronic ailments and is also effective in treating them in a comparatively lesser time. 
• In Naturopathy treatment, the suppressed diseases are brought to the surface and are eliminated permanently. 
• Naturopathy successfully treats all aspects of the human body like mental, physical, social, and spiritual. 
• Naturopathy is a boon to the human body and treats the body as a whole.
• In Naturopathy, it is to be believed that ‘’food is the only medicine’’ and ‘’no external medications are used.’’
• Naturopathy believes that performing a prayer based on one’s spiritual faith is an important part of treatment

The methods applied for cure in Naturopathy are :

Water Therapy, Air Therapy, Fire Therapy, Space Therapy, Mud Therapy, Food Therapy, Massage Therapy, Accupressure, Magneto Therapy, Chromo Therapy.

(7) Reiki

Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation, and it also promotes healing.

** It is administered by “laying on hand” and is based on the idea that an unseen “life force energy” flows through us and that is what causes us to be alive.

** If one’s life force energy is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.

** The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words : ‘Rei’ which means

“God’s wisdom or the higher power” and ‘Ki’ which is “life force energy”, so Reiki is actually, “spiritually guided life force energy”.

** It is a Japanese word which means, ‘Universal Life Energy Force’.

** Dr. Mikado Usui, is considered as the founder of the Reiki system of natural healing.

** It is an amazingly simple technique to learn. The ability to use Reiki is not taught in the usual sense., but is transferred to the student during a Reiki class. This ability is passed on during an “attunement” given by a Reiki master and allows the student to tsp into an unlimited supply of “life force energy” to improve one’s health and enhance the quality of life.

** It is specially good for stress and tension, sports and occupational injuries, pain due to arthritis, cancer etc. back ach or general pain, treatment of burns and cuts, morning sickness, headache or migraine etc.

** Though spiritual in nature, it is not a religion. Its use is not dependent on one’s intellectual capacity or spiritual development.

(8) Acupressure

It is an ancient healing art, developed in Asia over 5000 years ago. It is done by using fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural self curative abilities. When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of the blood and the body’s life force energy to aid healing.

** Acupressure is an ancient form of massage that is one of the treatment methods used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The goal of acupressure (as well as other Chinese Medicine treatments), is to encourage the movement of qi (“life energy”) through the 14 channels (meridians) inside the body.

** Chinese Medicine theory states that the constant flow of qi through these channels is essential for a person to keep their health. If this energy flow is blocked, the body can no longer maintain the balance that is needed to maintain high energy and deal with health issues.

** Acupressure and Acupuncture use the same points but acupuncture use needles while acupressure use gentle but firm pressure.

** The therapy includes teaching of the pressure points and applying of the adequate pressure on them so as to cause cure.

(9) Acupuncture :

Acupuncture is part of the ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine. It uses very fine needles to stimulate points on the body’s surface to improve the physiological functioning of the body.

** Traditional Chinese medicine explains acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy or life force — known as chi or qi (chee) — believed to flow through pathways (meridians) in your body. By inserting needles into specific points along these meridians, acupuncture practitioners believe that your energy flow will re-balance.

** The details of the procedure spread from China to Japan in the sixth century. It was not, however, until the 17^th century that French missionaries in Japan brought it to the west.

** The name Acupuncture comes from Latin roots, acus(needle) and puncture(puncture).

** Acupuncture is a treatment that uses very thin steel needles inserted into the skin to stimulate specific points in the body. After inserting the needles, they are stimulated with an electro stimulator for aaround 20 min to ensure the faster movement of life energy.

(10) Magnetic-therapy

It is one of the oldest natural method of therapeutic treatment and can be applied in many cases of acute and chronic pain as well as many illnesses without any side effects.

** Magnetic field therapy uses different kinds of magnets on the body to help boost your overall health. 

** There are several types, including:

Static magnetic field therapy: In this, you touch a magnet to your skin somehow. You might wear a magnetic bracelet or other magnetized jewelry. It could be a bandage with a magnet in it, or you may wear a magnet as a shoe insole. You could also sleep on a special mattress pad with a magnet in it.

Electrically charged magnetic therapy (electromagnetic therapy): The magnets you use here have an electric charge. Treatment with electromagnetic therapy usually comes through an electric pulse.

Magnetic therapy with acupuncture: Magnets go on the same sections of your skin that an acupuncturist would probably focus on in an acupuncture session. You may hear these areas called your energy pathways or channels.

** How It Works : Your body naturally has magnetic and electric fields. All your molecules have a small amount of magnetic energy in them. The thought behind magnetic field therapy is that certain problems happen because your magnetic fields are out of balance. If you put a magnetic field near your body, it’s believed things will go back to normal.

** Most magnetic field therapy is a treatment option for different types of pain, like in your feet and back. Scientists have specifically studied its use for, Arthritis pain, Wound healing, Insomnia, Headaches.

(11)  Allopathy :

Allopathy, also known as the Modern Sysytem of Medicine, developed in the West. It’s a system, which treats a disease with drugs.

** The word “allopathic” comes from the Greek “allos” — meaning “opposite” — and “pathos” — meaning “to suffer.”

** This word was coined by German physician Samuel Hahnemann in the 1800s. It roughly refers to treating a symptom with its opposite, as is often done in mainstream medicine.

For example, constipation might be treated with a laxative.

** Hahnemann was interested in other approaches based more on ancient principles of treating “like with like.” He later left mainstream medical practice and is considered to be the founder of homeopathy.

** During middle of 18^th century, the British Government in India established the medical services. Allopathy was primarily introduced to treat the health needs of British Armies, their civil servants and labor employed. General public was given the lowest priority.

** Availability of the compound microscope made it possible for scientists to study the structure of body minutely. The body and its different organs were found to be made up of individual cells and cells were the basic units of life. Disease resulted primarily from changes in the cells due to external influences

** More and more medical scientists devoted their time and energies to isolating germs(microorganisms) that caused different diseases in human beings, animals and even plants. As a result of their efforts, microorganisms came to be isolated and recognised as causing diseases.

** Allopathic medicine is quite different today than it was in the 1800s. Modern or mainstream medicine works to treat symptoms and illness. But it also helps to prevent illness and disease.

** Allopathic medicine doctors and other healthcare professionals use a range of treatments to treat infection, illness, and disease. These include prescription drugs like:

antibiotics, blood pressure medications, diabetes drugs, migraine medications, chemotherapy

Some types of prescription drugs replace hormones when the body can’t make enough or any of a certain type, such as:

insulin (in diabetes), thyroid hormones (in hypothyroidism), estrogen,testosterone

Allopathic medicine professionals may also recommend over-the-counter (OTC) medications like: pain relievers, muscle relaxers, cough suppressants, sore throat medications antibiotic ointments, multivitamins, etc

Common allopathic medicine treatments also include: surgery and surgical procedures radiation treatments.

Today Allopathy follows a methodical approach in diagnosis and treatment.

(12) Emchi –Tibetan System of Healing :

The Tibetan system of medicine called Emchi is essentially based on Ayurvedic principles. It is practiced in Ladakh, Lahaul, Darjeeling, Sikkim, and also in some of the metropolitan cities of India.

             It is an amalgamation of art, science, and spiritualism. Like Ayurveda, the Tibetan system of medicine believes that a person suffers from disease when there is any change in the equilibrium of doshas and dhatus.

            A visual diagnosis, consisting mainly of examination of the urine, eyes and tongue, the pulse diagnosis and questioning the patient. The pulse diagnosis is also performed. After making his diagnosis, the Tibetan amchi will explain to the patient the nature of his or her energy imbalances. Then he will offer specific advice about food and behaviour appropriate for the patient’s condition. 

(13) Aromatherapy – The Magic of Essential Oils :

Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. Sometimes it’s called essential oil therapy. Aromatherapy uses aromatic essential oils medicinally to improve the health of the body, mind, and spirit. It enhances both physical and emotional health. Aromatherapy is thought of as both an art and a science. 

Aromatherapy works through the sense of smell and skin absorption using products. There are nearly one hundred types of essential oils available.

(14) Hypnosis or Mesmerism Healing Psychosomatic Disorder :

Hypnosis is an ancient practice began in the latter part of the 18^th Century with Franz Mesmer, a Viennese physician, who used it for the treatment of patients. It was named after him as Mesmerism.

Hypnosis is a changed state of awareness and increased relaxation that allows for improved focus and concentration. It also is called hypnotherapy. Hypnosis usually is done with the guidance of a health care provider using verbal repetition and mental images. During hypnosis, most people feel calm and relaxed. Hypnosis typically makes people more open to suggestions about behavior changes.

Hypnosis can help you gain control over behaviors you’d like to change. It may help you cope better with anxiety or pain. Although you’re more open to suggestion during hypnosis, you don’t lose control over your behavior during a hypnosis session.