Unani refers to a legacy of Graeco-Arabic medicine, which was developed into a complex medical system in the middle ages by Arabian and Persian physicians and is based on the teachings of Greek physician Hippocrates and Roman physician Galen.

It is a type of conventional medicine used in the Middle East and South Asian nations is known as unani-tibb or unani medicine. The Unani system of medicine provides treatment for illnesses affecting all of the body’s systems and organs, including the skin, liver, musculoskeletal and reproductive systems. One of the distinguishing characteristics of the Unani system of medicine is the use of elatives, exhilarants, aphrodisiacs, organ-specific tonics and immunomodulatory medications, temperament-specific pharmaceuticals, correctives for unpleasant effects, coctives and purgatives, etc.

In the southern region of India, the Siddha system of medicine is primarily practiced. One of the oldest systems of traditional medicine in the world, it treats not only the physical body but also the mind and the soul. The Tamil term siddhi means “a goal to be achieved,” “perfection,” or “heavenly bliss,” is the source of the English word siddha. Siddha had its inception in India, which is also the birthplace of many other traditional philosophies. This system’s origins are entwined with those of prehistoric Tamil society.

The siddhars conducted extensive research on plants and developed methods to utilize them for medicinal purposes. They also documented the toxic properties of certain plants and their corresponding antidotes, as well as categorized plants based on their effects on the body. Siddha medicine emphasizes the combined use of plants and minerals.

According to Siddha beliefs, preparations containing only mercury were believed to confer the body with immunity against decay and enable it to overcome diseases. Mercury and sulfur were regarded as highly effective remedies. However, these minerals are highly toxic to the human body. Siddha medicine has been employed for managing chronic diseases and degenerative conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune disorders, collagen disorders, and central nervous system conditions. The effectiveness of Siddha medicine in these situations has varied.

One of the world’s oldest medical traditions is the Sowa-Rigpa technique of treatment. Sowa-Rigpa, which means “Knowledge of Healing,” is a phrase from the Bhoti language. This method is widely used in Himalayan civilizations like Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh (Spiti and Lahoul), Jammu & Kashmir, West Bengal (Darjeeling), Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim.  The Government of India has acknowledged and promoted Sowa-Rigpa as a traditional medical system. Similar to how Buddhism has spread over the world, the Sowa- Rigpa has likewise made an impact in nations around the world. More than 75% of the Sowa-Rigpa tests were extracted from the Ashtanga Hridaya, a well-known Ayurvedic exposition. Ashwagandha, Guggulu, Triphala, Ashok, Haridra, and other Indian-made medications are used often in the Sowa-Rigpa school of medicine.

Homeopathy is practiced as a distinct medical speciality and recognized legally as per the Homeopathy Central Council Act of 1973. The system has been acknowledged as one of the national medical systems since it has successfully assimilated into the culture and traditions of the country. The English word “homeopathy” is a combination of the Greek words “hómoios” (which means “similar”) and “páthos” (suffering). This means that in homeopathy, medications are used to treat naturally occurring illnesses that have effects that are exactly like the pain.

The approach was proposed by German physician Dr. Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann. By taking the sick person into account on all levels – physical, mental, social, and spiritual, homeopathy takes a complete approach to health, disease, and therapy.

“Similia Similibus Curentur”, which translates to “let similar things take care of like things,” is homeopathy’s guiding philosophy. Many chronic long-term ailments, various allergy conditions, skin disorders, behavioral issues, and viral illnesses are all commonly treated using homeopathic medicines.

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