AYUSH System – UPSC Prelims

The word ‘Ayurveda’ has derived from the fusion of two separate words- ‘Áyu’ i.e. life and ‘veda’ i.e. knowledge. Thus in literal meaning Ayurveda is the science of life.

It aims to keep structural and functional entities in a state of equilibrium, which signifies good health (Swasthya) through various procedures, regimen, diet, medicines and behavior change.

Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India.

The word ‘yoga’ is derived from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness.

Today it is practiced in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity (International Day of Yoga – 21st June).

Naturopathic medicine is a system that uses natural remedies to help the body heal itself. It embraces many therapies, including herbs, massage, acupuncture, exercise, and nutritional counseling.

Some of its treatments are centuries old but today, it combines traditional treatments with some aspects of modern science.

The Unani system originated in Greece and its foundation was laid by Hippocrates.

However, the system owes its present form to the Arabs who not only saved much of the Greek literature by rendering it into Arabic but also enriched the medicine of their day with their own contributions.

It was introduced in India by the Arabs and Persians sometime around the eleventh century.

India has the largest number of Unani educational, research and health care institutions.

Siddha system of medicine is practiced in some parts of South India especially in the state of Tamil Nadu.

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

“Sowa-Rigpa” commonly known as Tibetan system of medicine is one of the oldest, living and well documented medical traditions of the world.

It originated from Tibet and popularly practiced in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Mongolia and Russia. The majority of theory and practice of Sowa-Rigpa is similar to “Ayurveda”.

Sowa-Rigpa is based on the principle that bodies of all the living beings and non living objects of the universe are composed of five Cosmo physical elements of Jung-wa-nga (Prithvi, Jal, Agni, Vayu and Akash).

When the proportion of these elements is imbalanced in our body, disorder results.

The word ‘Homoeopathy’ is derived from two Greek words, Homois meaning similar and pathos meaning suffering. It was introduced in India in the 18th Century.

Homoeopathy 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, i.e.principle of – “Similia Similibus Curantur” which means “likes are cured by likes”.

It takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance at mental, emotional, spiritual and physical levels.