India is home to a variety of healing practices. Some originated here , while
many were imported from other parts of the world. In time, they developed and
flourished. However, over the last century, the pervasive influence of allopathic
or western systems of medicine questioned the creative ability of common
plant and mineral extracts. More recently, however, increasing awareness on
the subject has triggered a global revival of popular interest in these non-
conventional techniques. And today, these traditional healing systems are
part of an international multi-million dollar industry embracing their practice,
research & development, and the manufacture of traditional medicines
In India we have over 15 lakh registered practitioners of traditional systems
of medicine, and around 220 colleges which turn out 9,000 graduates every
year. Moreover, traditional medical practice is now recognised by the World
Health Organisation, thereby widening the scope for those who want to help
others through the practice of any of these streams.
WORK
While some traditional medical practitioners rely on the knowledge and
traditional wisdom imparted to them by their ancestors,many of the modern
practitioners of traditional medicine in urban cities are registered and have
proper medical qualifications. Like Allopathic doctors,they also work in private
clinics and medical centres where they help cure patients.Some of the
traditional systems of alternative medicine currently being practised in India
include :
The Ayurvedic medical system lays emphasis on the preventive rather than
curative aspect of ailments and employs the properties of medicinal plants
in its practice. This ancient science is indigenous to India and dates back
some 3,000 years.
Homeopathy, on the other hand, was first developed in Germany in the late
18th century. It then took a hundred years of intensive research and
experimentation to evolve the complex and sophisticated form we know today.
Today Homeopathy is the most widely practised of all traditional medical
systems in India.
The practice of the Siddha system is confined to a very small part of Tamil Nadu.
However, in many respects, its principles are somewhat similar to those of
Ayurveda. But its origins are probably much older. And unlike some of the
other traditional medicinal systems, Siddha is equipped to treat medical emergencies.
The foundations of Unani medicine were laid in the 5th century B.C by
Hippocrates. These were later adapted and developed by the Arabs into
an elaborate therapeutic system. Unani medicine was introduced into
India via Central Asian trade routes, some time around the 10th century A.D .
Eligibility:
In general, the eligibility criteria for application to most courses in traditional
medicine is a 10+2 level course, with Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
For Ayurveda, a knowledge of Sanskrit / Hindi is essential. Likewise, for
Siddha, a Knowledge of Tamil is a must and for Unani medicine a knowledge
of Arabic / Persian is required.
Ayurveda :
'Ayurvedacharya' (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) is of 5 ½ years
duration, including 6 months of internship.
Homeopathy : The training period for Homeopathic studies varies with the course
undertaken.
Diploma in Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (DHMS) is of 4 years' duration,
including a 1 year internship.
Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS) is a 5 ½ year degree
course, including 1 year of internship.
Siddha : Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery (BSM&S) is a 5 ½ year long
course, including a 6-month internship period.
Unani Medicine : Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS) is a 5 ½ year
degree course, inclusive of a 6-month internship period.
MD (Unani) is of 3 years' duration. The Postgraduate Diploma course, on the
other hand, is a 2 year course. At the Postgraduate level, specialisations are
available in various disciplines such as, ENT, Ophthalmology, etc.
Post-graduste studies are also offered in all these systems.
INSTITUTIONS
Ayurveda :
Prominent institutions offering courses in Ayurveda include :
1. University of Delhi, Delhi.Ayurveda and Unani Tibbia College, Ajmal Khan Road,
Karol Bagh, New Delhi. RA Poddar
2. Medical College (Ayurveda), Worli, Mumbai.
3. JB Roy State Ayurved College and Hospital, Raja Dinendra Street, Calcutta.
Homeopathy :
A few of the prominent Homeopathy Colleges are as follows :
1. Nehru Homeopathic Medical College, Defence Colony, New Delhi. Smt.
Chandaben
2. Mohanbhai Patel Homeopathic Medical College, Vile Parle, Mumbai.
3. Calcutta Homeopathic Medical College, 265-6,Acharya Prafulla Chandra
Road, Calcutta.
Siddha :
1. Government Siddha Medical College, Dr. MGR University, Palayamkottai,
Tamil Nadu.Government Siddha Medical College, Arignar
2. Anna Government Hospital of Indian Medicine Campus, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Unani Medicine :
1. Hamdard Tibbia College, Jamia Hamdard, Hamdard Nagar, New Delhi.
2. Tibbia College and Hospital, Nagpada, Hazrat Mohani Chowk, Mumbai.
3. Government Unani Medical College, Arignar Anna
4. Government Hospital of Indian Medicine Campus, Chennai.
JOB PROSPECTS
There are various job opportunities open to those who have opted for a career
in any of the traditional medical systems : · · · ·
* In various hospitals / clinics and health departments,
* In private hospitals / nursing homes / clinics etc.,
* Teaching / research in concerned areas of specialisation,
* Private practice / self employment.
Careers
