MODERN NURSING COLLEGE

ANNADALE SHIMLA

SUBJECT: ADVANCED NURSING PRACTICE

TOPIC: ASSIGNMENT ON“INDIAN SYSTEM OF MEDICINE”

SUBMITTED TO: SUBMITTED BY:

MRS. RITU RILTA KAJAL DOGRA

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR ROLL NO- 03

M.Sc. NURSING 1st YEAR

SUBMITTED ON:
24/06/2024
INTRODUCTION
It is a well-known fact that Traditional Systems of medicines always played important role in
meeting the global health care needs. They are continuing to do so at present and shall play
major role in future also. The system of medicines which are considered to be Indian in origin or
the systems of medicine, which have come to India from outside and got assimilated in to Indian
culture are known as Indian Systems of Medicine (Prasad, 2002). India has the unique distinction
of having six recognized systems of medicine in this category. They are Ayurveda, Siddha,
Unani and Yoga, Naturopathy and Homoeopathy. Though Homoeopathy came to India in 18th
Century, it completely assimilated in to the Indian culture and got enriched like any other
traditional system hence it is considered as part of Indian Systems of Medicine (Prasad, 2002).
Apart from these systems- there are large number of healers in the folklore stream who have not
been organize under any category.

DEFINITION

The system of medicines which are of Indian origin or which have come to india from outside
and to got incorporated into Indian culture are known as Indian system of medicine.

Types of alternative system of medicine: AYUSH

1. Ayurvedic system
2. Yoga or Naturopathy system
3. Unani system
4. Siddha system
5. Homeopathy system
AYUSH: An Introduction

The word AYUSH is derived from a Sanskrit phrase “ayusmanbhava" meaning long life. This
phrase was commonly used blesses since the Mahabharata period for healthy long life. In the
present scenario, the term AYUSH is universally adopted for "traditional and Non –
conventional system of health care and healing which include Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani,
Naturopathy, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, Homoeopathy, etc” by the commission for Scientific and
Technical Terminology. The entire system of medicine under the umbrella of AYUSH is the
time-tested holistic approach to health care and healing. Since the beginning of human
civilization, these systems of medicine are popular around all over the globe.

The Salient Objectives of the Ministry of Ayush are:

• To upgrade the educational standard of the Indian Systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy
colleges in the country.
• To strengthen existing research institutions and to ensure time-bound research programs on
identified diseases for which these systems have an effective treatment.
• To draw up schemes for cultivating, promoting, and regenerating medicinal plants that are
used in these systems.
• To evolve Pharmacopoeial standards of Indian Systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy
drugs.

Advantages of alternative system of medicine:

• It is natural and non -invasive methods to promote healing.
• Alternative medicine focuses on treating your entire well-being, not just one part.
• Alternative practices focus on stimulating the body’s ability to heal itself via energy
alignment, herbal supplementation, and other balancing techniques.
• Alternative and complementary therapies are useful in boosting immune system.

Disadvantages of alternative system of medicine:

• No scientific basis at all

• Delay proper treatment such as cancer
• Not reliable information.
• Not covered by insurance.

Reason to use the alternative therapy

• Reduce the side effect of treatment.

• Reduce the side effect of disease.
• Less expensive.
• Philosophical or cultural orientation.
• Desire to treat the disease in natural way.
• Improve the immune system.
• Improve the quality of life.
MAIN TYPES OF ALTERNATIVE SYSTEM OF MEDICINE

AYURVEDA:

INTRODUCTION-
Ayurvedic system of medicine is accepted as the oldest written medical system that is also
supposed to be more effective in certain cases than modern therapies. The origin of Ayurveda
has been lost in prehistoric antiquity, but their concepts were nurtured between 2500 and 500
B.C. in India. Ayurveda is accepted to be the oldest medical system, which came into existence
in about 900 B.C. The word Ayurveda means Ayur meaning life and Veda meaning science.
Thus, Ayurveda literally means science of life. The Indian Hindu mythology states four Veda
written by the Aryans: Rig Veda, Sam Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda. The Ayurveda is
said to be an Upaveda (part) of Atharva Veda. Charaka Samhita (1900 B.C.) is the first recorded
book with the concept of practice of Ayurveda. This describes 341 plants and plant products
used in medicine. Sushruta Samhita (600 B.C.) was the next ayurvedic literature that has special
emphasis on surgery. It described 395 medicinal plants, 57 drugs of animal origin, 4 minerals
and metals as therapeutic agents.

DEFINITION:
Ayurveda is a science dealing not only with treatment of some disease but is a complete way of
life.

PRINCIPLES:
According to ancient Indian philosophy, the universe is composed of five basic elements or
pancha bhutas: prithvi (earth), jal (water), teja (fire), vayu (air) and akash (space). Everything in
the universe, including food and the bodies were derived from these bhutas.
A fundamental harmony therefore exists between the macrocosm (the universe) and the
microcosm (the individual). The Pancha Bhuta theory and the human body: The human body is
in a state of continuous flux or dynamic equilibrium. The pancha bhutas are represented in the
human body as the doshas, dhatus and malas.
There are three doshas in the body:
There are some special areas in the body in which each dosha predominates, namely, the chest
for kapha, digestive organs for pitta and the large intestine for vata.

 Vata : it explains the entire biological phenomena that are controlled by the functions of
central and autonomous nervous system.
 Pitta : The factors responsible for digestion, metabolism, tissue building, heat production,
blood pigmentation, activities of the endocrine glands and energy.
 Kapha: strengthening the stomach and the joints, providing firmness to the limbs, and
refreshing the sense organs.

The dhatus are the body constituents and form the basic structure of the body. Malas are the by-
products of the dhatus, partly used by the body and partly excreted as waste matter after the
process of digestion is over.

Branches of ayurveda:
Ayurveda has eight branches:
 Kaya Chikitsa (Medicine),
 Salya Chikitsa (Surgery),
 Salakya Chikitsa (ENT treatment),
 Bala Chikitsa (Paediatric treatment),
 Jara Chikitsa (treatment related to genetics),
 Rasayana Chikitsa (treatment with chemicals),
 Vajikarama Chikitsa (treatment with rejuvenation and aphrodisiacs),
 Graham Chikitsa (planetary effects) and
 Visha Chikitsa (toxicology).

Clinical application:

A. Anaemia
B. Cancer
C. Cold and cough
D. Asthma
E. Back ache
F. Arthritis

It mainly deals with problems related to nervous system, respiratory system, gastrointestinal
tract, integumentary system, musculoskeletal system. Some of the Vedas even treat cancer,
AIDS.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis in Ayurveda implies a moment-to-moment moni-toring of the interaction between

order (health) and disorder (disease). The disease process is a reaction between the bodily
humours (doshas) and tissues (dhatus) and is influenced by the environment.
The classical clinical examination in Ayurveda is called ashta sthana pariksha (eight-point
diagnosis) and includes an assessment of the state of the doshas as well as various physical signs.
The eight-point diagnoses are:
1. Nadi pariksha (pulse diagnosis),
2. Mutra pariksha (urine examination),
3. Vata/ sparsha (Nervous system assessment),
4. Pitta/drik (assessment of digestive fire and metabolic secretions),
5. Kapha/akriti (mucous and mucoid secretions assessment),
6. Mala pariksha (stool examination),
7. Jihva pariksha (tongue examination) and
8. Shabda pariksha (examination of body sounds).

Treatment:

In Ayurveda, before starting the treatment, a person’s constitutional type should be determined.
Drugs are prescribed based on the patient’s body type as well as on what disease or disturbance
of the doshas they are suffering from.
Ayurvedic therapy often begins with:
 Shodhana (cleansing) in which toxins, emotional or physical, are eliminated or neutralized.
 Shamana (palliative treatment) is used to reduce the intensity of a disease and balance the
disordered doshas.
 Rasayana (rejuvenation therapy) is used to maintain health and reduce the negative effects of
disease.

YOGA AND NATUROPATHY:

Yoga is science which helps to co-ordinate body and mind more effectively. It promotes mental,
physical, social, spiritual health. It is also helps in prevention and cure of various psychosomatic
disorders, psychic and physical disorders. Yoga and Naturopathy do not believe in the specific
cause of disease and its specific treatment but take into account the totality of factors responsible
for disease such as one’s unnatural habits in living, thinking, working, sleeping, relaxing, sexual
indulgence etc. The treatment is based on the concept that nature has a solution for our problems
including health. The human body has the ability to perform the most complicated functions and
to cope with various adverse situations.

ORIGIN: Yoga is originated from Veda, oldest India (4000B.C.) and systematically presented
by Patanjali yoga sutra in around 150 B.C.

DEFINITION: Yogais the journey and destination to the self and naturopathy is to restore the
ability to the self.

BENEFITS:

• All round fitness

• Builds muscle strength
• Betters your bone health
• Increase blood flow
• Drop blood pressure
• Protect spine
• Weight loss
• Stress relief
• Help in focus
• Boost your immune system
• Helper in deeper sleep
• Inner peace
• Improvement in personal, social behaviour
• Better circulation of oxygenated blood in the body

Naturopathy treatment and therapies are:

Our Naturopathy treatment & therapy are scientifically evaluated and accept worldwide:
Our Naturopathy Therapies are:
• Acupuncture
• Physiotherapy
• Fasting Therapy
• Mud Therapy
• Hydrotherapy
• Yoga Therapy
• Aromatherapy

UNANI SYSTEM:

Introduction: Unani system of medicine is originated in Greece by the Greek philosopher,

physician Hippocrates (460–377 B.C.), who freed medicine from the realm of superstition and
magic, and gave it the status of science. The theoretical framework of Unani medicine is based
on the teachings of Hippocrates.

In India, Arabs introduced Unani system of medicine, and soon it enriched in India.
Unani considers the human body to be made up of seven components. Arkan (elements), mizaj
(temperaments), aklath (humours), anza (organs), arawh (spirits), Quo (faculties) and afal
(functions).

HIPPOCRATIC THEORY OF MEDICINE:

The first fundamental theory of Unani system was established by Greek philosopher
Hippocrates. He believed that body of an individual is composed of four basic elements, which
are together called “Ansari-e-Arba”.

They are
a. Blood
b. Phlegm
c. Yellow bile
d. Black bile

• Blood is hot and moist, phlegm is cold and moist, yellow bile is hot and dry, black bile is
cold and dry.
• As long as humours are in balance, the individual remain healthy. Any imbalance and
disturbance in humours result in disease occurrence.

Clinical Application:

• Skin problems
• Uterine cancer
• Liver problem
• Autoimmune disease
• Dementia
• Insomnia
• Depression

DIAGNOSIS:

Diseases are mainly diagnosed with the help of pulse (nabz), physical examination of the urine
and stool. Also, patients are examined systematically to make the diagnosis easy as spot
diagnosis with the help of simple, modern gadgets.

TREATMENT:

Diseases are treated in the following ways:

 Ilajbil Tadbeer (Regimental Therapy): Some drugless regimens are advised for the treatment
of certain ailments, i.e. exercise, massage, hamam (Turkish bath), Douches (Cold and Hot)
and the Regimen for Geriatrics.
 Ilajbil Ghiza (Dietotherapy): Different diets are recom-mended for the patients of different
diseases.
 Ilajbil Dava (Pharmaco therapy): The basic concept of treatment is to correct the cause of
the disease that may be abnormal temperament due to environmental factors and abnormal
humours.
 Ilajbil Yad (Surgery): Some special surgical methods used in Unani medicine are
venesection, cupping, leeching and diathermy.

SIDDHA: -

INTRODUCTION: Siddha medicine is practised in Southern India. The origin of the Tamil
language is attributed to the sage Agasthya, and the origin of Siddha medicine is also attributed
to him.
 This civilization has a system of medicine to deal with problems of sanitation and treatment
of diseases. This is the Siddha system of medicine. The therapeutics of Siddha medicines
consists mainly of the use of metals and minerals whereas in the earlier Ayurveda.
 There is mention of mercury, sulphur, copper, arsenic and gold used as therapeutic agents.
PRINCIPLES OF SIDDHA:

 The universe consists of two essential entities: matter and energy. The Siddhas call them
Siva (male) and Shakti (female, creation). Matter cannot exist without energy inherent in it and
vice versa. The two coexist and are inseparable.
 There are five elements (bhutas) present in every substance, but in different proportions.
their names are munn (solid), neer (fluid), thee (radiance), vayu (gas) and aakasam (ether).
 The human being is made up of these five elements, in different combinations. The
physiological function in the body is mediated by three substances (dravyas), which are made up
of the five elements. They are vatham, pitham and karpam.
 Vatham is formed by aakasam and vayu. Vatham controls the nervous actions such as
movement, sensation, etc.
 Pitham is formed by thee and controls the metabolic activity of the body, digestion,
assimilation and warmth, etc.
 Karpam is formed by munn and neer and controls stability. When their equilibrium is upset,
disease sets in

Clinical applications:

• Allergic reactions
• Diarrhoea
• Fever
• Skin problems
• Liver problem
• Schizophrenia
• Mania
• Toxic psychosis
• Depressive psychosis
• Convulsions
Diagnosis:

The diagnosis of disease involves identifying its cause. Causative factors are identified by
examination of pulse, eyes, color of body, tongue, status of digestive system, urine and study of
voice.

Treatment:

The treatments for the imbalance of the Tridoshas are made up of the five elements. The drugs
are made up of the five elements. By substituting a drug of the same constituents (guna), the
equilibrium is restored. The correction of the imbalance is made by substituting the drug, which
is pre-dominately of the opposite nature.
An example of vatham imbalance is cold, dry; thus the treatment will be oily and warmth. For
inactivity of limbs, massage and activity are prescribed. If pitham dosha is increased, warmth is
produced; to decrease pitham, sandalwood is administered, internally or externally because of its
cold characteristics.

HOMEOPATHY:

Homoeopathy is a specialized system of therapeutics, developed by Dr Samuel Christian

Friedrich Hahnemann (1755–1843), a German physician, chemist and a pharmacist, based on
natural law of healing: Similia Similibus Curantur, which means ‘Likes are cured by likes’.
Homois means like (similar) and pathos means treatment. Thus, Homoeopathy is a system of
treating diseases or suffering by the administration of drugs that possess power of producing
similar suffering (diseases) in healthy human beings.

DEFINITION: Homeopathy is highly scientific, logical, safe, quick and extremely effective
method of healing. It offers long lasting to permanent cure, treating the disease from its roots.
PRINCIPLES OF HOMEOPATHY:

Homeopathy as a science of medical treatment has a philosophy of its own and its therapeutics is
based on certain fundamental principles. This include:
A. Law of Similia: Homeopathy is a system of medicine founded on a definite law ‘Similia
Similibus Curantur’ which means ‘like cures like’.
B. Law of Simplex: It’s means that only one single, simple medicinal substance is to be
administered in a given case of time.
C. Law of Minimum: The suitableness of a medicine for any given case does not depend on its
accurate homeopathic selection alone, but likewise on the proper size of dose too. Under this
principle practitioners give medicine to the patients in very.

CLINICAL APPLICATIONS:

• Diarrhea
• Migraine headache
• Different kind of flu
• Motion sickness
• Anxiety disorder
• Depression
• Post traumatic stress disorder
• Social phobia
• Panic disorder
• Obsessive compulsive disorder

DIAGNOSIS:

Homeopathic diagnosis lies in holistic approach. The diagnosis of disease involves identifying its
cause. Causative factors are identified by examination of pulse, eyes, color of body, tongue,
status of digestive system, urine. The practitioner considers all mental, physical, and emotional
aspects.

TREATMENT: -

Homeopathy has effective treatment for individuals with chronic disease such as diabetes,
arthritis, bronchial asthma, skin allergy and immune system disorder, mental disorder and other
several disorder. The remedies are prepared from plants, animals, metal and mineral substance.

SIDE EFFECT:

 It produce some time aggravation during initial treatment with homeopathic remedies.
 These aggravation is a positive sign that the remedy is good match for the patient symptoms.
 It produce the emotional disturbances.
 OTHER ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES:

ACUPUNCTURE AND ACUPRESSURE

ACUPUNCTURE: Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine. It is used most commonly

for pain relief, though it is also used to treat a wide range of conditions. Acupuncture is the
insertion of thin needles into the skin.

HISTORY & ORIGIN: Acupuncture, along with moxibustion, is one of the oldest practices of
traditional Chinese medicine. Most historians believe the practice began in China, though there
are some conflicting narratives on when it originated. Academics David Ramey and Paul Buell
said the exact date acupuncture was founded depends on the extent to which dating of ancient
texts can be trusted and the interpretation of what constitutes acupuncture.

ACUPRESSURE: Acupressure consists of pressing the acupuncture points in an attempt to help

the free flow of energy in the channel. Acupressure is similar to acupuncture, but the person uses
their fingers instead of needles to work the point. During a treatment or self treatment, a person
will experience a slight pain when the proper acupuncture point is pressed.
HISTORY & ORIGIN: There are different theories as to the origin of acupressure. One theory
posits that it originated in India and then was brought to China. Another theory posits that it
originated in China.
 India theory
Acupressure therapy was prevalent in India. After the spread of Buddhism to China, the
acupressure therapy was also integrated into common medical practice in China and it came to
be known as acupuncture. Scholars note these similarities because the major points of Indian
acupressure and Chinese acupuncture are similar to each other.
 China theory
The Huangdi Neijing is perhaps the oldest known medical textbook in the world. The Lingshu
Jing section mentions acupressure and acupuncture. A case described in the book is the healing
of an abscess with a stone needle.

BENEFITS:

The benefits of acupuncture / acupressure includes:

• Improve the micro circulation

• Relaxation of muscles
• Release of endorphins, serotonin and adrenocorticotropic hormones.
• Activation of B and T lymphocytes
• Improvement in the complete blood cell.

HOW ACUPUNCTURE AND ACUPRESSURE WORK

There are numerous theories about how acupuncture and acupressure work. Some of them are:

• It influences the release of neurotransmitters, substances that transmit nerve impulses to the
brain.
• It stimulates the release of pain.
• It influences the autonomic nervous system.
• It stimulates circulation.
• It influences the electric current of the body.

LIMITATIONS:

Acupuncture is considered a safe therapy when the practitioner has been trained and uses
sterilized needled.

COMPLICATIONS:

The complications of acupuncture and acupressure includes:

 Infection
 Broken needle
 Puncture of an internal organ
 Bleeding
 Fainting
 Seizure

CONTRAINDICATIONS
• Osteoporosis
• Recent fracture or surgery
• Cancer
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Person with bleeding disorders
• Thrombocytopenia
• Skin infection
• Electro acupuncture should avoid in person with a pacemaker, epilepsy or in pregnancy.

PET THERAPY:

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) also known as pet therapy is an alternative or complementary

type of therapy that includes the use of animals in a treatment. The goal of this animal-assisted
intervention is to improve a patient's social, emotional, or cognitive functioning. Studies have
documented some positive effects of the therapy on subjective self-rating scales and on objective
physiological measures such as blood pressure and hormone levels.

Dogs and cats are most commonly used in pet therapy. However, fish, guinea pigs, horses, and
other animals that meet screening criteria can also be used. The type of animal chosen depends
on the therapeutic goals of a person’s treatment plan.
PHYSIOTHERAPY:

Physical therapy (PT), also known as physiotherapy, is a healthcare profession, as well as the
care provided by physical therapists who promote, maintain, or restore health through patient
education, physical intervention, disease prevention, and health promotion

PT management commonly includes prescription of or assistance with specific exercises, manual

therapy, and manipulation, mechanical devices such as traction, education, electrophysical
modalities which include heat, cold, electricity, sound waves, radiation, assistive devices,
prostheses, orthoses, and other interventions.

FASTING THERAPY:

Fasting is primarily the act of willingly abstaining from some or all food, drink, or both, for a
period of time. The word is derived from the old English, ‘Feastan’ means to fast, observe, be
strict.
In Sanskrit ‘Vrath’ mean ‘determination ’and ‘Upavasa’ means ‘near to God’. A fast may be
total or partial concerning that from which one fasts, and may be prolonged or intermittent as to
the period of fasting. Fasting is an important treatment modality for health preservation. In
fasting, mental preparedness is an essential pre-condition. Prolonged fasting should be done only
under the supervision of a competent Naturopath.

HYDROTHERAPY:

Hydrotherapy, formerly called hydropathy and also called water cure. it is a branch of alternative
medicine (particularly naturopathy), occupational therapy, and physiotherapy, that involves the
use of water for pain relief and treatment.

Various therapies used in the present-day hydrotherapy employ water jets, underwater massage
and mineral baths (e.g. balneo therapy, Iodine-Grine therapy, Kneipp treatments, Scotch hose,
Swiss shower, thalasso therapy) or whirlpool bath, hot Roman bath, hot tub, Jacuzzi, and cold
plunge.
The following methods are used for their hydrotherapeutic effects:
Packings, general and local, Hot air and steam baths, General baths, Treadmills Sitz (sitting),
spinal, head, and foot baths, Bandages or compresses, wet and dry, also Fomentations and
poultices, sinapisms, stupes, rubbings, and water potations.
Hydrotherapy which involves submerging all or part of the body in water can involve several

Types of equipment:
Full body immersion tanks (a "Hubbard tank" is a large size) Arm, hip, and leg whirlpool

AROMATHERAPY:

Aromatherapy is a practice based on the use of aromatic materials, including essential oils and
other aroma compounds, with claims for improving psychological well-being. It is used as a
complementary therapy or as a form of alternative medicine, and typically is used via inhalation
and not by ingestion.

A number of systematic reviews have studied the clinical effectiveness of aromatherapy in

respect to pain management in labor, the treatment of post-operative nausea and vomiting,
managing challenging behaviors in people suffering from dementia, and symptom relief in
cancer.

MUD THERAPY:

Mud is an important element of nature. It contains important minerals which have positive
effects on human health. Mud can absorb toxins from the human body and therefore is very
useful in preventing many diseases. It is also known for its healing properties. It also helps in
cooling and relaxing the body as it can hold moisture for a long time.
Recent studies have shown equal efficacy in the reduction of inflammation by mature mud-based
therapy and NSAID based pharmacological therapies but without side effects harmful to the
gastrointestinal tract. Although thermal mud-balneo therapy is indicated for many disorders, its
most common applications include disturbance of the muscle skeletal system (injury, lesion,
osteoporosis, arthrosis pathologies, joint pain, even in degenerative forms, and auto-immune
diseases not in acute phase). The complete treatment requires a maximum 12 sessions, can be
full-body or partial (performed only on limited areas like the neck, the back, the upper limbs, the
lower limbs or single limbs or joints).

YOGA THERAPY:

Yoga therapy is a mind-body practice that focuses on your physical, emotional and mental
health. The practice uses movement, mindfulness, meditation, relaxation and breathing exercises
to help you relax, relieve stress and manage underlying conditions or symptoms in addition to
treatment by a healthcare provider.

A Therapy session will most likely include the following components:

• Breathing Exercises (Pranayama): The therapist will guide the client through a series of
breathing exercises ranging from energizing breaths to balancing breaths.
• Physical Postures (Asana): The therapist will teach the client in treatment in appropriate
yoga poses that address problem areas.
• Meditation: Relaxation and mindfulness are the focus of meditation when it is combined
with yoga poses.
• Guided Relaxation: The yoga therapist attempts to calm the body and mind by providing a
guided visualization& relaxation intended to bring inner peace and relaxed body mind and
soul.

Yoga therapy has a strong success rate in the following disease and disorder.

• Musculoskeletal Disorder
• Cardio Vascular Disorder
• Endocrine disorders
• Digestive Problems
• Gynaecological Disorders
• Lifestyle Disorders
 RESEARCH ABSTRACT
Association between Usage of Prophylactic AYUSH Medicines and Disease
Severity in COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Anupriya Chaudhary 1, Debadatta Nayak 2, Vipul Rajendrabharti 3, Swati Pandey 4

ABSTRACT

Background: Background Prior vaccination is often studied for its impact on individuals’post-
infection prognosis. Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH) med-icines,
advised by the Government of India as prophylaxis during the first wave of the corona virus
disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, were consumed by the masses in2020. A study was
therefore undertaken to observe any association between the priorusage of AYUSH prophylactic
medicines and post-infection severity as reported by recovered COVID-19 individuals.

Methods: This was a retrospective, multi-centre, cohort study conducted in 21 cities of India
from 5th August to 30th November 2020. Data from recovered COVID-19patients, of either sex
or any age, captured information about AYUSH prophylactic medicines intake prior to infection,
disease severity, symptomatology, duration of complaints, etc. The study participants were
grouped into AYUSH intake and non-intake. Primary composite outcome was the disease
clinical course. Secondary clinical outcomes were the rate of and time to clinical recovery.

Results: Data of 5,023 persons were analysed. Ayurveda or homeopathic prophylactic medicines
were consumed by more than half of the study participants: that is, 56.85%(n¼1,556) and
56.81% (n¼1,555) respectively. The overall adjusted protective effect (PE)of AYUSH
prophylactic intake against moderate/severe forms of COVID-19 disease was56.7% (95%
confidence interval [CI], 48.7 to 63.50; p<0.001). Adjusted PE for homeopathy and Siddha was
52.9% (95% CI, 42.30 to 61.50; p<0.001) and 59.8% (95% CI, 37.80 to74.10; p<0.001),
respectively. A statistically significant association was found between AYUSH prophylactic
medicine intake and clinical recovery more frequently by the 3rd day of illness (χ2¼9.01;
p¼0.002). Time to resolution of symptoms in the AYUSH intake group was on average 0.3 days
earlier than in the non-intake group (p¼0.002).

Conclusion: AYUSH prophylactics were associated with statistically significant levels of

protection against COVID-19 disease severity. Amongst these, previous intake of homeopathy or
Siddha medicines was associated with some protection against moderate/severe illness and with
a somewhat quicker clinical recovery. Prospective studies with experimental research design are
needed to validate the findings of this study.

Keywords: AYUSH; COVID-19; Indian system of medicine; prophylaxis; homeopathy; post

infection recover
 RESEARCH ABSTRACT
Utilization of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and
Homoeopathy (AYUSH) Practitioners’ Services Among Older Adults: Results
From the Longitudinal Aging Study in India

Parimala Mohanti 1, Jugal Kishore 2, Itishree Mohanti 3, Geeta C Acharya 4

ABSTRACT

Background: Ayurveda, yoga, naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and homeopathy (AYUSH) form an
alternative system of medicine in India. Understanding the utilization of AYUSH practitioners’
services is crucial to substantiating the current government initiatives to mainstream AYUSH in
the Indian health system. The utilization of AYUSH practitioners’ services among different sub-
populations, including older adults, for various health conditions is underexplored. The present
study explores the utilization of AYUSH practitioners’ service among older Indian adults and its
correlates.

Methods: During 2017-2018, the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) conducted a
nationally representative study among adults aged 45 years or more and their spouses. The study
leveraged this data from publicly available LASI. Descriptive analysis and cross-tabulation were
performed using a subset of older adults (age ≥ 60 years, n = 31,464). The utilization of AYUSH
practitioners’ services was taken as the outcome variable. A logistic regression model was
employed to understand the independent effect of various explorative variables on the use of
AYUSH practitioners' services.

Results: One in 14 older adults utilized the services of AYUSH practitioners. The socio-
demographic factors that were looked at, including religion, residence, and caste were significant
independent factors for AYUSH consultation. Among chronic conditions, hypertension (use-
5.6%, AOR: 1.24, CI: 1.09-1.40), diabetes (use 4.2%, AOR: 1.31, CI: 1.09-1.57), and arthritis
(use-9.1%, AOR: 0.59, CI: 0.52-0.67) were independent determinants of AYUSH practitioners'
service utilization. In the fully adjusted model, the effect of explanatory variables is almost
similar to that in the minimally adjusted model. Only the effect of the female gender was
accentuated in magnitude, whereas the effect of diabetes was partially attenuated.

Conclusion: The preference for AYUSH practitioners’ service among older adults is determined
by the complex interplay between socio-demographic factors and disease conditions. Though
utilization of AYUSH practitioners’ service was high among certain underprivileged sections, it
is assuring that education and income do not affect older populations’ preference for AYUSH
practitioners' service.

Keywords: AYUSH; health care services; alternative system of medicines; older adults.
 RESEARCH ABSTRACT

Adverse events in India’s Ayush interventions for cervical and lumbar

spondylosis: a systematic review
Manickam Ponnaiah1, Muthappan Sendhilkumar2, Rajalakshmi Elumala3.

ABSTRACT

Background: Low back and neck pain are common musculoskeletal disorders with multiple
treatment options. India’s traditional medical systems, known as Ayush (Ayurveda, Yoga and
Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy) offer range of interventions and are
widely used. In view of limited documentation of adverse events following Ayush interventions
for lumbar and cervical spondylosis, we synthesized evidence and estimated proportion of
studies reporting adverse events.

Methods: We systematically searched all published documents from biomedical and

multidisciplinary abstract and citation databases and Ayush-specific repositories from their
inception to April 2021. We selected studies as per inclusion criteria and extracted information,
adhering to PRISMA guidelines. We systematically reviewed the qualitative evidence form the
selected studies.

Results: Majority (94%) of the selected 113 studies were interventional studies and included 77
(68.1%) journal articles and 35 (31%) academic dissertations. Among the Ayush systems,
considerable proportion was from Ayurveda (32.7%), followed by Siddha (24.8%), Yoga
(22.1%), Unani (15.9%) and Homoeopathy (4.4%). Almost three-fourths of the studies were on
lumbar spondylosis (65%; n = 74), followed by cervical spondylosis (31%; n = 35), and the
remaining four included both. Thirteen percent of the 113 studies described adverse events
[Yoga = 9.7%; Unani = 1.8% and Homoeopathy = 1.8%]. More adverse events were reported
among the studies on lumbar (9.7%) than cervical spondylosis (2.7%). The nature of
interventions were non-pharmacological (10.6%; n = 12), pharmaco -logical (n = 2; 1.8%) or
combined (n = 1; 0.9%).

Conclusion: Only one in eight studies reported any adverse event following Ayush interventions
for cervical and lumbar spondylosis. There could be certain degree of underreporting of adverse
events and requires further exploration.

Keywords: Adverse reactions, Adverse events, Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani,
Siddha, Homoeopathy, Musculoskeletal disorders
 BIBLIOGRAPHY
BOOKS:

 K.Park, Park's textbook of preventive and social medicines's banarsides bhanot

publishers, 19th edition,2007;1,67-72
 Stanshop.M, Community health nursing,3rd edition, mosby USA,27-28,112,115
 AYUSH, Medical journal, March 2006,4(14),41-57.
 public health,Journal, journal of india, April 2007,5(3),61-68

INTERNET:

 www.google.com Search- AYUSH

 www.Wikipedia.com Search- AYUSH with PPP