Indigenous Systems of Medicines: Ayurveda, Siddha,

Unani, Yoga, Homeopathy and Naturopathy

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Ayurveda: The doctrine of Ayurveda aims to keep structural and functional entities in a functional state of
equilibrium, which signifies good health. Any imbalance due to internal and external factor causes disease and
restoring equilibrium through various techniques, procedures, regimes, diet and medicine constitute treatment.
The philosophy of Ayurveda is based on the theory of Pancha bhootas (five element theory) of which all the
objects and living bodies are composed of.

Siddha: Siddha system of medicine emphasize that medical treatment is oriented not merely to disease, but
also has to take into account the patient, environment, age, habits, physical condition. Siddha literature is in
Tamil and it is largely practiced in Tamil speaking parts of India and abroad.

Unani: Unani System of medicine is based on established knowledge and practices relating to promotion of
positive health and prevention of diseases. Although Unani system originated in Greece, passed through many
countries, Arabs enriched it with their aptitude and experience and the system was brought to India during
Medieval period. Unani System emphasise the use of naturally occurring, most herbal medicines, though it
uses ingredients of animal and marine origin.

Homeopathy: Homeopathy is a system of medicine, which believes in a specialized method of treatment of

curing diseases by administration of potency drugs, which have been experimentally proved to possess the
power of producing similar artificial systems on human beings.

Yoga and Naturopathy: Yoga is a way of life, which has the potential for improvement of social and personal
behavior, improvement of physical health by encouraging better circulation of oxygenated blood in the body,
restraining sense organs and thereby inducing tranquility and serenity of mind. Naturopathy is also a way of
life, with drugless treatment of diseases. The system is based on the ancient practice of application of simple
laws of nature. The advocates of naturopathy focus on eating and living habits, adoption of purification
measures, use of hydrotherapy, baths, massage etc.

Ensuring safety of the indigenous systems of medicines

There are adequate provisions under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Drugs and Cosmetics Rules,
1945 for the regulatory framework and for monitoring the quality, safety and efficacy of drugs belonging to
Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani (ASU) systems. Licensing Authorities are appointed by the State Governments to
oversee the enforcement of legal provisions for the manufacture and sale of ASU drugs. Good Manufacturing
Practices and adherence to standards of drugs as prescribed in the pharmacopoeia are mandatory for the
manufacturing of licensed products to ensure quality, safety and efficacy of ASU medicines. Ayurveda, Siddha,
 Unani Drugs Technical Advisory Board (ASUDTAB) and Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani Drugs Consultative
Committee (ASUDCC) are statutory bodies under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act to advise the Central and State
Governments on technical matters and for securing uniformity throughout the country in the administration of
the Act. Department of AYUSH has implemented a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Quality Control of ASU&H
Drugs for strengthening of state pharmacies, Drug Testing Laboratories and Enforcement Mechanism.

The proposal to set up Central Drug Controller’s Office for Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homeopathy drugs
comprising of one Drug Controller General (AYUSH), five Deputy/Assistant Drug Controllers and seven Drug
Inspectors have been agreed to. Allocation of Rs. 102.00 crore has been provided for this initiative in the 12th
Plan Budget.

Contributed by

 P K Abdul Kareem, IES(1996)

 Email- pkakareem@yahoo.com

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 This page was first created on 21 August 2011, at 00:51 and last modified on 8 April 2015, at 08:29.
 This page has been accessed 115,673 times.