Global Traditional Medicine : Traditional medical practices around the world
Ayurveda in India
One of the world's oldest medical systems still in widespread use today is Ayurveda. Developed more than 3,000 years ago in India, Ayurvedic medicine views health as a matter of balance between the body, mind and spirit. Practitioners identify three basic physiological humors or energy forces known as doshas - vata, pitta and kapha - that regulate various physiological processes. Imbalances in these doshas are believed to underlie disease. Ayurvedic treatments employ herbal medicines, meditation, yoga, massage therapy, panchakarma cleansing techniques and dietary and lifestyle changes to restore balance and promote health. Ayurveda remains very popular in India and its principles are gaining global interest as well.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Another globally significant traditional medical system is Global Traditional Medicine Chinese Medicine (TCM), which originated over 2,500 years ago. Central to TCM is the concept of qi or "life energy" that flows through meridian pathways in the body. Illness is thought to arise due to obstruction of qi flow or imbalance. Diagnosis evaluates pulse, tongue appearance, body signs and symptoms. Therapies aim to unblock qi and restore balance, employing techniques like acupuncture, moxibustion, massage, Tai Chi, Qi Gong exercises, and herbal medicine. While China maintains the largest population of TCM practitioners and patients, its influence has expanded internationally as well.
Yoga as preventive medicine
While often associated more with spirituality and exercise in the West, yoga originally developed in India as a component of Ayurveda, emphasizing physical postures, breathing techniques and meditation to achieve good health. Yoga aims to bring balance and harmony to the body, breath, mind and spirit. Regular practice is believed to help prevent disease by reducing stress, improving posture and flexibility, strengthening the immune system and more. While not strictly a medical system, the health benefits of yoga are gaining greater recognition globally as a complementary approach within conventional medicine.
African traditional medicine
Africa is deeply diverse in its traditional medical heritage as well. In West Africa, traditional Yoruba medicine from Nigeria incorporates herbalism, spiritual cleansing and divination. Throughout Africa, herbalism plays a major role with expert traditional herbalists using plants indigenous to their regions. Ritual healers and spiritualists also employ techniques like cleansing, herbal baths, massage and spiritual consultations. While scientific research on African traditional medicine has lagged, efforts are growing to integrate useful practices and natural remedies within mainstream healthcare on the continent and beyond.
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