Unit 5: Healing System

5.1 .Health care practices / therapeutic patterns

Traditional health care practices
I) Personalistic
“Personalistic” theories are basically superstitions that might be used to explain anything – but
not in a scientific manner. A personalistic system is one in which illness is believed to be caused
by the active, purposeful intervention of a sensate agent who may be a supernatural being (a
deity or god), a non human being (such as a ghost, ancestor, or evil spirit), or a human being (a
witch or sorcerer). The sick person is literally a victim, the object of aggression or punishment
directed specifically against him, for reasons that concern him alone.
Personalistic System - disease is the result of intervention by a supernatural being (deity or god),
a nonhuman being (ghost or evil spirit), or a human (witch or sorcerer). The person is a victim
of punishment; treatment involves assuring positive association with spirits & deities.In a
personalistic system of belief, illness is believed to be caused by the intervention of a
supernatural being or a human being with special powers.
In most of the communities people believe that disease or illness is caused by following factors:
1. Supernatural cause
i) Wrath of god and goddess including unfavourable planetry effect : In this type of
cause ,people perceive that illness is caused by angerness of god and goddess eg. Earth god
(bhumi). Water god (naag), clan god (kuldevata)and ancestors spirits (bayu) effects the health if
proper worshipping is not done.
People also believe that illness can occur if planetary position is not favourable. so astrologers
mostly perform certain type of puja to maintain the planet position.
The goddesses also play important role in the maintenance of health . The Goddesses (Devis),
who have to be worshipped to ward off evils, are believed to be different manifestations of the
goddesses kali or Durga
They include small pox goddess (Ajima, Sitala mai) and her various sisters who have special
relation to measles, cholera etc. The goddess of sky (Akash devi) may allow her shadow to fall
on children and cause harm . An example can be taken of the causation of small pox by sitalamai
or Devi, one of the seven sisters, who are said to produce various postural diseases. To be free
from these problems, sitalamai is worshipped by the people . The people in Nepal are of the view
that sitalamai causes the children to be stillborn. She obstructs the delivery and thus kills both
child and the mother, to prevent this, she must be given chickens
ii) Evil spirit
the spirit of those who died violent in or otherwise unsuspicious death or for whom death rituals
have not been properly performed will turn in to evil. Not only has this people also believed that
the person who after his death was accorded no death awakens being a ghost after 13days of his
death. They also believe that large number of ghosts are responsible to cause disease, some
examples are as follows:
• Bhut (the spirit of dead assuming human form at will)
• Pret—dead man’s spirit in its invisible form
• Pishacha-makes early and ugly notes of crying and across people on the way
• Sakini—evil spirit especially of pregnant women
• Dankini—female spirit that spares the pregnant and menstruating women
• Daini-female spirit fond of casting its spell upon young and also newly married women
 • Masana-a strong and powerful spirit that can cause bleeding or other severe diseases
• Dehi- female spirit, powerful like masana
iii) Sorcery (magic)
The disease is caused by magic of enemy. they hurt enemy through magic of his own or with the
help of sorcerer, which can bring disease and destruction upon another. if the conditions remain
undiagnosed and untreated it can lead to death.
iv) Witchcraft and evil eye
If a man is killed by a tiger or bitten by a snake or a cat or if mother cant deliver a child, people
believe that it is a work of witches. Witches may destroy others by a curse, she may involve the
spirit help with whom she has the contact or she may send her magic flying through the air on a
leaf or a bat.
2) Physical Cause
Physical causes are also considered to be responsible for certain disease . eg.
• The effect of weather : exposure to heat during summer is responsible for an attack of
loo.(heat stroke)
• Impure water : impure water causes different disease. eg. diarrhea, cholera, typhoids, etc.
• Impure blood cause skin disease like boils and scabies.
II. SELF MEDICATION
In the country like Nepal where the majority of the population is illiterate and poor, they
mostly follow self-medication and other health care practice.
Self-medication is the method of taking medicine without the advice of the doctor or
consumes medicine on his own or provided from someone who did noy possess the necessary
knowledge in medicine.
Self-medication is done usually through:
⮚ Medical shop
⮚ Using own kit box
⮚ Old prescription
⮚ Shaman's instruction
⮚ Home remedies
⮚ The advice of kabiraj
Not only this self medication is done because of culture and belief. E.g. Taking cetamol own self
in the case of fever.
The local people have been using Ethno medicine and other alternative medical practice
in various form depending upon who administered, what medicine, to whom and how.
Example of alternative medicine is as follows:
1. Having Formal Training or Vocational Training
a. Health assistant and nurse
They don't have formal authority to prescribe modern medicine but they often do so
under situation which may not always under their control.

b. Pharmacists
They run medical shops. Although they keep regular doctor for consultation, they often
suggest drugs to the patient and sell the medicines.
 The reasons behind preferring pharmacist by the people are:
● No extra fees is needed
● Easily accessible
● No need for exact quantity of medicine
● Easily approachable
● Less time consuming
c. Community health leader
These people are trained over short period of time for a very specific diseases.
E.g. jeevanjal preparation, elementary MCH care, situation etc. But they perform the
role of doctor without any legal authority.
d. Midwives
They have special training regarding safe motherhood. But sometimes they even try to
treat the diseases, though they are not allowed to do so.

e. Village health worker

They are similar to community health leader but they are trained regarding personal
hygiene, environmental sanitation, water purification etc. Due to their accessibility they
sometimes go against their authority.

2. Kirana shopkeepers (grocers)

These persons are those who hold shop for daily uses like daal, rice, oil, soap etc.
besides these goods they sell certain types of medicines such as analgesics,
metronidazoles, cetamol, some types of antibiotics, ear/eye drops etc. People contact and
buy medicine for prompt recovery, which sometimes may be harmful to their health.

3. Injection Doctors
They are taken as medical service providers. They have no authority to prescribe
medicine but they only have training to push injection. But they feel themselves as
doctors and work accordingly.

4. Sudenis and Dhais

They are assistant of trained midwives, especially helping during the delivery of
the baby. They mostly perform the duty of caring the baby and the mother. But
sometimes they treat mother and child using medicines.

III. Dhami-jhankris

They are taken as the representatives of the supernatural power and with their help they can cast
off evil spirit that cause afflication to the people. While treating they thrill their body, use grains,
grasses and bamboo sticks. They beat drums, spell mantras and sprinkles rice and other liquid
upon and affected person. These people have high prestige in the society.Jhankris can be of any
caste; more of them, however, are found to be of Tamang, Gurung, Chhetri or Sherpa ethnicity or
caste.

They have been defined by some as magico-religious specialists, part herbalists, part priests
whose technique is spiritual rather than biological and whose business is to determine the nature
of the spirit, and then either to placate it or drive it from the ill person’s body. As healers, they
examine animal entrails for signs, collect medicinal plants, perform sacrifices, exorcize demons,
and chant magical incantations. Most jhañkris will prescribe medicinal herbs, about which they
are very knowledgeable. As soothsayers, they go into trances and act as spokesmen of the gods
while as spiritual sentries, they ward off evil spirits and angry ancestors through either greater
strength or trickery.

dhami-jhankris are regarded with more respect in rural areas.it is also true that even cities like
Kathmandu has its fair number of shamans. Even in a city like the Capital with its numerous
hospitals, there are many people who prefer to have their ailments treated by shamans or
jyoitishis rather than by qualified doctors

NATUROPATHY
INTRODUCTION
⮚ Naturopathy also known as naturopathic medicine or natural medicine.
⮚ It is a complementary and alternative medicine which emphasizes the ability of the body
to heal and mantain itself, which practitioners believe is innate.
⮚ It is a holistic system, meaning the naturopathic doctors or naturopathic medical doctors
strive to find the cause of diseases by understanding the body, mind and spirit of the
person.
⮚ Naturopathic medicine is a system of medicine based on the healing power of nature.
⮚ Naturopathic doctors use a variety of therapies and techniques (such as nutrition,
behaviour changes, herbal medicine, homeopathy and acupuncture).
There are 2 areas of focus in naturopathy :
• Supporting the body's own healing abilities.
• Empowering people to make lifestyle changes necessary for the best possible health.
While naturopathic doctors treat both short bouts of illness and chronic condition,
they emphasize is on preventing disease and educating patients.
History
• Some see the ancient Greek " Father of medicine ", Hippocrates, as the first advocate of
naturopathic medicine.
• In Scotland, Dr Thomas Allison started advocating naturopathy in tuth1880s, promotinga
natural diet and exercise with avoidance of tobacco and overwork.
• Naturopathy was coined before 1900 by John Scheel, combining the two streams of
health treatment, nature cure and homeopathy.
• The term was used by Benedict Lust (a German name pronounced "loost"), who founded
the American School of Naturopathy in New York in 1905.
• Lust had been schooled in hydrotherapy and other natural health practices in Germany by
Father Sebastian Kneipp, who sent Lust to the United States to propagate Kneipp's
methods.
• Naturopathic medicine went into decline, along with most other natural health
professions, after the 1930s, with the discovery of penicillin and the advent of synthetic
drugs, notably antibiotics and corticosteroids (such as cortisone in 1949).
• It was not until the 1960s naturopathic style holistic medicine become popular again.
• One of the most visible steps towards the profession's modern renewal was the opening in
1956 of the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon .This was the
first of the modern naturopathic medical schools offering four-year naturopathic medical
training with the intention of integrating mainstream science and naturopathic principles
and practice.
• Today, naturopaths are license care providers in many states.
• There are variety of natural therapies, including homeopathy, vitamins and mineral
supplements, traditional Chinese medicine, relaxation techniques and herbal remedies.
Principles
The principles of naturopathic medicine :
Naturopathy is based on six tenets or principles (Naturopathic Medicine
Network 2007)
• "The healing power of nature"
• "Identify and treat the cause"
• "First do no harm"
• "Treat the whole person"
• "The physician as teacher"
• "Prevention"
The healing power of nature
The healing power of nature (vis medicatrix naturae), has two aspects. First, the body has the
ability to heal itself and it is the naturopathic doctor's role to facilitate this natural process.
Second, nature heals. Following this principle includes getting enough sleep, exercising,
feeding the body nutritional food, and, if needed, additional earth foods, such as herbs, or
algae (a living organism). It is asserted, yet strongly refuted by critics, that plants can gently
move the body into health without the side effects posed by some synthetic chemicals in
modern pharmaceuticals.
Identify and treat the cause
The underlying root causes of disease must be removed for complete healing to take place
(tolle causam). These root causes can exist at many levels: physical, mental, emotional, and
spiritual. It is the naturopathic doctor's ostensible role to identify this root cause and, in
addition, to alleviate suffering by treating symptoms.
First do no harm
The process of healing includes the manifestations of symptoms, so that any therapy that
interferes with this natural healing process by masking symptoms is considered suppressive
and should be avoided (primum non nocere). The natural life force of the individual should
be supported to facilitate healing.
Treat the whole person
A core tenet of naturopathy is the belief that health must go beyond treatment of immediate
symptoms (as with medicine), and instead treat the entire person's well being. That means
treating the entire body, as well as the spirit/soul and mind. This approach is usually called
the wholistic or holistic method.
The physician as teacher
It is the role of the naturopath to educate an individual in their practices and encourage that
individual to "take responsibility for their own health" (docere). This cooperative relationship
between doctor and patient is essential to healing.
Prevention
The ultimate goal of the naturopathic physician is prevention. The emphasis is on building
health, not fighting illness. This is done by fostering healthy lifestyles, healthy beliefs, and
healthy relationships.
Naturopaths
The three main types of naturopath are:
• Naturopathic doctor: A licensed naturopathic doctor must attend 4 years of naturopathic
medical school to hold a recognized certification.
• Traditional naturopath: Traditional naturopaths may not hold a license, so they are not
so broadly accepted.
• Other healthcare advisors: Other, contemporary healthcare professionals, such as
dentists, may use naturopathic methods in their treatment plans.
• The practitioner will typically begin with a diagnosis. In this part of the process, they will
address personal information, including lifestyle habits, stress levels, and diet.
• A naturopathic doctor can use physical assessments, laboratory tests, medical imaging,
and medical history examinations to diagnose a health problem.
• After diagnosis, they will establish ways to prevent and treat the health problem
by working with the natural healing systems within the body.
TREATMENT
• Therapist might look at patient’s mental, emotional, and spiritual state, diet, family
history, environment, and lifestyle before making a diagnosis.
• Some of the more common treatments used by a naturopath include:
• Nutritional counselling
• Herbal medicine
• Homeopathic medicine
• Acupuncture
• Hydrotherapy (water therapy) : These therapies include drinking natural spring water,
taking baths, alternating hot and cold application, and water exercise, all of which are
thought to stimulate healing and strengthens the immune system.
• Physical medicine: This natural approach to healing involves using touch, hot and cold
compresses, electric currents, and sound waves to manipulate the muscles, bones and
spine.
• Detoxification : This therapy removes toxins from the body by fasting, using enemas, and
drinking lots of water.
• Spirituality : Personal spiritual development is encouraged as part of an overall health
program.
• Lifestyle and psychological counseling : An N.D may use hypnosis, guided imaginary, or
other counseling methods as part of treatment plan.
Uses
People often seek naturopathic remedies when traditional or other complementary
treatments are not effective.
A 2019 review of studies found that methods that use naturopathy may be effective in:
• cardiovascular disease
 • musculoskeletal pain
• type 2 diabetes
• polycystic ovary syndrome
• depression
• anxiety
• some other chronic conditions

AYURVEDIC MEDICINE
Introduction
⮚ Ayurveda or Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient hindu system of health care that is native
to India, Nepal, Srilanka and increasingly in the west.
⮚ The word “Ayurveda” is composed of two Sanskrit words ‘ayus’ meaning ‘life’, “life
principle” or “long life” and the word “veda” which refers to a system of “knowledge”.
Thus “Ayurveda” roughly translates as the “knowledge of life” or “knowledge of long life”.
Ayurveda is based on ideas from Hinduism. Some ideas also evolved from ancient Persian
thought about health and illness.
In US, it is considered a type of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and a whole
medical system.
As with other such systems, it is based on theories of health and illness and on ways to prevent,
manage or treat health problems.
AIMS OF AYURVEDA
1. To integrate and balance the body, mind and spirit (thus, some view it as “holistic”).
2. To cleanse the body and substances that can cause disease.
3. To help reestablish harmony and balance.
EIGHT BRANCHES OF AYURVEDA
(Asthanga)
1. Internal medicine – Kaya Chikitsa
2. Surgery – Salya Chikitsa
3. Ears, eyes, nose and throat – Shalakya Chikitsa
4. Pediatrics – Kaumarabhritya Tantra
5. Toxicology – Agada Tantra
6. Purification of genetic organs – Vajikarma Tantra
7. Health and longevity – Rasayana Tantra
8. Spiritual healing/psychiatry – Bhut Vidhya
TRIDOSHA SYSTEM OF AYURVEDA
The central concept of ayurvedic medicine is the theory that health exists when there is a balance
between three fundamental bodily humors or doshas called vata, pitta, kapha.
Each dosha is made up of one or two of five basic elements: space, air, fire, water and earth.
Each dosha has a particular relationship to body functions and can be upset for different reasons.
A person has his/her own balance of the three doshas although one dosha is prominent.
Doshas are constantly formed and reformed by food, activity and bodily processes.
An imbalance in dosha will produce symptoms that are related to that dosha and are different
from symptoms of an imbalance in another dosha.
Imbalance maybe caused by unhealthy lifestyle or diet; too much or too little mental and
physical exertions; or not being properly protected from the weather, chemical or germs.
1. Vata
The vata dosha is thought to be a combination of element air and space. it is considered the
most powerful dosha because it control very basic body processes such as cell division, the
heart, breathing and mind. The Vata can be thrown out of balance by staying up last night, eating
dry fruit, or eating before the previous meal is digested. People with Vata as their main dosha are
thought to be especially susceptible to skin, neurological and mental disease.
2. Pitta
The pitta dosha represents the elements fire and water. Pitta is said to be related to hormones
and the digestive system. When Pitta is out of balance, a person may experience negative
emotions( such as hostility and jealousy) and have physical symptoms( heart burn 2 to 3 hours
after eating). Pitta becomes upset by eating spicy or sour food; being angry, tired or fearfull; or
spending too much time in the sun. People with the predominantly pitta dosha constitution are
thought to be susceptible to heart disease and arthritis.
3. kapha
The kapha dosha combines the elements water and earth. Kapha is thought to help keep up
strength and immunity and to control growth. An imbalance in the kapha dosha may cause
nausea immediately after eating. Kapha is aggravated by sleeping during daytime, eating too
many sweet foods, eating after one is full and eating and drinking food and beverages with too
much salt and water specially in the springtime. Those with the prominent kapha dosha are
thought to be vulnerable to diabeties, gallbladder problems, stomach ulcer and asthma.
Steps of diagnosis of Dosha
● Ask about diet, behaviour, lifestyle, reason for the most recent illness and symptoms
● Carefully watch physical characteristics such as eye, skin, teeth and weight.
● Take a person’s pulse because each dosha is thought to be make a particular kind of pulse
Treatment
The practitioners will develop a treatment plan and may work with people who know the patient
well and can help.
This help the patient feel emotionally supported and comforted, which is considered important.
Practitioners expect patient to be active participants in their treatment, because many ayurbedic
treatments require changes in diet, lifestyles, and habits. In general, treatments several
approaches, often more the one at a time.
The goal of treatment are to:
o Eliminate impurities
⮚ A process called Panchakarma is intended for cleansing; focuses on the
digestive and respiratory system. For the digestive tract, cleansing may be done
through enemas, fasting or special diet. Some patients receive medicated oils
through a nasal spray or inhaler. This part of treatment is believed to eliminate
worms or others agents thought to cause disease.
o Reduce symptoms
⮚ The practitioners may suggest various options including yoga exercise,
stretching breathing exercise, meditation. The patients may take herbs often
with honey, with the intend to improve digestion, reduce fever, and treat
diarrhoea. Sometimes foods such lentil beans or special diet are also prescribed.
Very small amount of metal and mineral preparation also may be given, such as
gold or iron. Careful controls of these materials is intended to protect the patients
from harm.
o Reduce worry and increase harmony in the patient’s life
 ⮚ The patients may be advised to seek nurturing and peacefulness through Yoga,
Meditation, Exercise or Techniques
o Help eliminate both physical and psychological problems
⮚ Vital points therapy and/ or massage may be used to reduce pain, lessen fatigue,
improve circulation. Ayurbeda proposes that there are 107 “vital points” in the
body where life energy is stored and that these points may be massaged to
improve health.
HOMEOPATHY
▪ INTRODUCTION
Greek-homos ‘similar’, ‘pathos’ ‘suffering’ or ‘disease’.
▪ Homeopathy is a form of alternative medicine first defined by Samuel Hahnemann in the
18th century.
▪ It is a self-healing system, assisted by small doses of remedies or medicines, which is
useful in variety of acute and chronic disorders.
▪ Homeopathic practitioners contend that an ill person can be treated using a substance that
can produce , in a healthy person , symptoms similar to those of the illness.
▪ practioners select treatment according to the patient’s consultation that explores the
physical and psychological state of the patient, both of which are consider important to
selecting the remedy.
▪ Homeopathy is a vitalist philosophy in that it regards disease and sickness to be causedby
disturbances in hypothetical vital force or life force in humans and that these disturbances
manifest themselves as unique symptoms.
▪ Homeopathic remedies are generally consider safe, with rare exceptions , although
homeopaths have been criticize for putting patients at risk by advising them to avoid
conventional medicine , such as vaccinations , anti- malarial drugs and antibiotics.
▪ Regardless of whether homeopathic drugs are effective , they may make people feel
better in an effect known as placebo effect.
▪ Homeopathy origin
Homeopathy was discovered by a German doctor Sameul Hahnemann, who was looking for
a way to reduce the damaging side effects associated with medical treatment of his day,
which included the use of poisons. He began experimenting on himself and a group of
healthy volunteer, giving smaller and smaller medicinal doses, discovering as well as
reducing toxicity, the medicines became more effective as the doses were lowered.
He also observed that symptoms caused by the toxic “medicines” of the time , such as
mercury which has used to treat syphilis, were similsr to those of diseases they were being
used to treat. This observation led to the principle he described as “like cures like”.
Hahnemann went on to document his work and his text formed the foundations of
homeopathic medicine as it is practiced today. A BBC radio 4 documentary aired in
December 2010 described Hahnemann as a medical pioneer who worked tirelessly to
improve medical practice, insisting that medicine were tested before used.

PRINCIPLES
● The principle of treating “like with like” dates back to Hippocrates (460-377 B.C) but in its
current form, homeopathy has been widely used worldwide for more than 200 years.
● Homeopathy is based on principles that are:
✔ Let likes cure likes
✔ The minimum dose
✔ The single remedy

1. LETS LIKE CURE LIKES:

▪ For many years Hahnmann search was unsuccessful until he stumbled upon what the though
was in amazing observation, he took a small amount of cinchona bark which contain quinine
(the drug that is used to treat malaria and develop symptoms of malaria) to healthy volunteers
(called provers)symptoms that developed in proves while taking specific substance gave the
homeopathic pictures of an indications for that he remedy. From this observation he develop
first law of homeopathy, “similar similibus curentor”or lets like cure likes.
▪ In other words, the substance or drugs that causes specific symptoms can be used to cure
disease which caused the same symptoms

2. THE MINIMUM DOSE:

▪ He began to using medical substances known in this day, such as cinchona or perkivian bark,
for relapsing fever, in a homeopathy way that means the administrated a medicine with
known remedy picture to symptom picture.
▪ But in the beginning, he was using crude substances e.g full strength herbs. He observed that
, while the patient got well, they also had side effects.
▪ To minimize those side effects, through further experimentation, he care upon the idea of
potentiating (serial dilution of a chosen substances in alcohol or distill water)
▪ Minimum dose homeopathic medication stimulates our own internal healing process while
medium dose inhibits the function of organs and large dose kill.
▪ Homeopathy has enviable centuries old history of safety in used of its potential oral medicine
among patients of all age including babies, children, pregnant and senior citizens.

3.THE SINGLE REMEDY

▪ Single remedy is the third principle of homeopathy. Most homeopathic practitioner prescribe
one remedy at a time because homeopathic, medicine stimulate your own internal healing
mechanism and while there are in action there is no need to give more medicines. The
homeopathic remedy has been proved by its self, producing its own unique drug picture. That
remedies matched (prescribed) to the sick person having similar pictures.
▪ The result are observed uncluttered by the confusion of effect that might be product of more
of more than one medicine were given at the same time. After giving the medicines wait and
watch while the healing process takes place .There may be a slight worsening of symptoms
(increase) at the start, but this should be followed by an improvement as your vitality and
immune system are stimulated by the medicine.

▪ Other reasons for giving only one medicine at a time are as follows:

✔ If you give more than one medicine , one might cancel out the action of another.
✔ If you give more than one medicine , it is not possible to known which is having an effects.
✔ The possible interactions between simultaneously given remedy are not known.
✔ Modern homeopathy have tried to justify the law of similar by comparing it to the
effectiveness of vaccines which involves giving small dose of an infectious attenuated or
 killed organisms or their proteins and operate by a known mechanism they trigger an immune
response. There is no analogy to homeopathic treatment.

INDICATIONS
▪ There is no good quality evidence that homeopathy is effective at treatment for any health
condition but it is used for some and they are following:
✔ Asthma
✔ Ear infection
✔ Arthritis
✔ Hypertension
✔ dermatitis
✔ Allergies
✔ Mental health condition etc.

SIDE EFFECTS:
● Low dose homeopathic medicines have rare side effects according to disease
● Medium dose inhibits the positive effect of medicines
● High dose kills.

HOMEOPATHY IN NEPAL
▪ Homeopathy was started in Nepal since the Rana regime(1846-1950AD) when a vetenary
surgen Dr. Khush badhur Thapa treated Rana prime minister ‘s elephant and relieved pain
with homeopathy remedy.
▪ The prime minister was highly delighted and allow the vetenary surgeon to use homeopathic
medicine in general people.
▪ In 1950AD a holy man named Ram nath established a private hospital in Kathmandu. Some
social organization also provided homeopathic treatment from 1953AD.
▪ In 1983AD, Dr. Krishna Bhagat Pradhananga construct homeopathic hospital at Harihar
Bhawan ,Lalitpur which is now run by government.
▪ The well equipped, Nepal Homeopathic Medical College was established in 2001 at
Biratnagar to run bachelor of homeopathic medicine and surgery by the homeopathic system
lover Mr. Arun Sancheti, which is affiliated by PU in Nepal. But now this college is closed.
▪ The centre for buddha maitreya soul therapy and classical homeopathic treatment established
In 1st December 2005 at Swoyambhu Kathmandu with the kindness of blessing of his buddha
maitreya for the benefits for all needy people .At present it now two branch:
Bhaktapur(2008) and another pharping, Kathmandu(2010).
▪ Bhaktapur Homeopathic Medical College is established in November 2008 to run
homeopathic health assistant(HHA) diploma course affiliated to CTEVT, Nepal. Now this
college is not taking new admission.

Unani medicine:

‘Unani ‘ means symbol of life. The name is derived from the word ‘Ionian’ which originated in
Greece. Unani medicine, like any others form of medical science strives to find the best possible
ways by which a person can lead a healthy life. It prescribes drug, diet, drinks and other
regiments including code of conduct which are conducive to the maintenance and promotion of
positive health, as well as the prevention and cure of disease. The ultimate aim of these scientific
prescriptions and prohibition is the creation of a healthy society.

The drug it uses are natural in their sources and forms. It emphasizes on retaining natural
compounds which belongs to the human body, and hence prescribes only natural remedies.
Unani medicine believes that disease can be kept at bay by use of clean and fresh water,
breathing clean air and consuming fresh foods. Likewise, a balance should be maintained
between the mind and the body so that the metabolic process can take place easily and the body
waste evacuated. Unani medicine also believes that all life forms have originated from the sea.

There are eight specialized branches of Unani medicine:

· Internal medicine (Moalijat)

· Gynecology including obstetrics and padiatrics

· Disease of the head and neck

· Toxicology

· Psychiatric

· Rejuvenation therapy including geriatrics

· Sexology

· Regimental Therapy

· Dietotherapy

· Hydrotherapy

Unani medicine believes that the human body is maintained by the harmonious arrangement of
the seven natural and basic physiological principles or component.

· Arkan (Elements)

· Mizaj (Temperament)

· Akhlat (Humorus)

· A’za (Organs)

· Arwah (Vital Spirit)

· Quwa (Powers)
 · Af’aal ( Functions)

Diagnosis under Unani medicine

· Detail history: dietary intake, excretions, symptoms, sleep and activity patterns lead to
more insights and knowledge

· Nabz (pulse)

· Baul (urine) and Baraz (stool)

Treatment

Diet therapy for its nutritional value and pharmacological actions: a specific diet or by
regulationg the quality and quantity of food.

Pharmacotherapy: Unani medicine derives its goodness from natural substances from
rebalancing the body, so the body can fight off the problem on its own. Many Unani medication
act to stimulate and support the immune system so it can function at the optimum level.

Prevention of disease: Unani lays down six essential pre-requisites for the prevention of the
disease. They are:

· Air

· Food and drinks

· Bodily movement and repose

· Physical movement and repose

· Sleep and wakefulness

· Retention and evacuation

ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese method of producing analgesia or altering the function
of a body system by inserting thin needles along a series of lines or channels, called
meridians. It is a method of stimulating certain points (acupoints) on the body by the
insertion of special needles to modify the perception of pain, normalize physiological
functions or treat or prevent disease.
Acupuncture is used to regulate the flow of chi, an energy. According to traditional Chinese
medicine, our bodies’ life force depends on a balanced flow of energy. Under this system of
belief, qi can become blocked, which causes painful sensations or loss of function in various
 body parts. From this perspective, an acupuncturist will insert needles into a person’s body
with the aim of balancing their energy.

How does it work?

Traditional Chinese medicine explains that health is the result of a harmonious balance of the
complementary extremes of “yin” and “yang” of the life force known as “qi,” pronounced “chi.”
Yin and yang represent positive and negative energy and forces in the universe and human body.
Illness is said to be the consequence of an imbalance of the forces.

Qi is said to flow through meridians, or pathways, in the human body. Traditional Chinese
medicine told that there are as many as 2,000 acupuncture points on the human body, which are
connected by 20 pathways [12 primary (main), 8 secondary] called meridians. These meridians
and energy flows are accessible through an acupuncture points in the body.
Inserting needles into these points with appropriate combinations is said to bring the energy flow
back into proper balance.

Several theories have been presented as to exactly how acupuncture works. One theory suggests
that pain impulses are blocked from reaching the spinal cord or brain at various “gates” to these
areas. Since a majority of acupuncture points are either connected to (or are located near) neural
structures, this suggests that acupuncture stimulates the nervous system.

Another theory suggests that acupuncture stimulates the body to produce endorphins, which
reduce pain and produce pleasure. Other studies have found that other pain-relieving substances
called opioids may be released into the body during acupuncture treatment.

Acupuncture Points On Human Body

 Indications
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative health (NCCIH) note that it has
been proven to help in cases of:

● Low back pain

 ● Neck pain
● Osteoarthritis
● Knee pain
● Headache and migraine

In 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) listed a number of conditions in which they say
acupuncture has been proven effective.These includes:

● High and low blood pressure

● Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
● Some gastric conditions, including peptic ulcer
● Painful periods
● Dysentery
● Allergic rhinitis
● Facial pain
● Morning sickness
● Rheumatoid arthritis
● Sprains
● Tennis elbow
● Sciatica
● Dental pain
● Reducing the risk of stroke
● Inducing labor

Other conditions for which the WHO say that acupuncture may help but more evidence is needed
include:

● Fibromyalgia
● Neuralgia
● Post-operative convalescence
● Substance, tobacco and alcohol dependence
● Spine pain
● Stiff neck
● Vascular dementia
● Whooping cough, or pertussis
Merits : Acupuncture can be beneficial in that:
● Performed correctly, it is safe.
● There are very few side effects.
● It can be effectively combined with other treatments.
● It can control some types of pain.
● It may help patients for whom pain medications are not suitable.

The NCCIH advise people not to use acupuncture instead of seeing a conventional health care
provider.
What to expect:
According to traditional Chinese medical theory, acupuncture points are located on meridians,
through which vital energy runs. This energy is known as “qi” or “chi.”
An acupuncturist will examine the patient and assess their condition, insert one or more thin,
sterile needles, and offer advice on self-care or other complementary therapies, such as Chinese
herbs.
The patient will be asked to lie down on their back, front, or one side, depending on where the
needles are to be inserted. The acupuncturist should use single-use, disposable, sterile needles.
As each needle is inserted, the patient may feel a very brief stinging or tingling sensation.
After the needle is inserted, there is occasionally a dull ache at the base of the needle that then
subsides. Acupuncture is usually relatively painless.
The needles will stay in place for between 5 – 30 minutes, depending on the seriousness and the
length of the condition.
It may take between 30-60 minutes for the completion of one session.
The number of treatments needed depend on the individual. A person with a chronic condition
may need one to two treatments a week over several months. An acute problem normally
improves after 8 to 12 sessions.
Risks:
All therapies have risks as well as benefits.
The possible risks of acupuncture are:
● Have a pacemaker : Acupuncture that involves applying mild electrical impulses to the
needles can interfere with a pacemaker’s operation.
● Are pregnant : Some types of acupuncture are thought to stimulate labor, which could
result in a premature delivery.
● It is dangerous if a patient has a bleeding disorder or takes blood thinners.
● Bleeding, bruising, and soreness may occur at the insertion sites.
● Unsterilized needles may infect the patient.
● In rare cases, a needle may break and damage an internal organ.
● When inserted deeply into the chest or upper back, there is a risk of collapsed lung, but
this is very rare.

REIKI THERAPY
Reiki (ray-key) is a Japanese word representing universal life energy, the energy which is all
around us.
It is derived from ‘rei’, means ‘universal spirit’ and’ ki’ is the ‘universal life energy’ or ‘life
force energy’.  If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel
stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.
The therapy derived from ancient Buddhist practices from Tibet several thousand years ago.
Reiki is a japanese healing art popularised by Japanese Dr. Mikao Usui and becoming
increasingly popular worldwide.
It was introduced to the western world in the mid - 1970s.
It is a form of spiritual healing and spiritual practice used for the treatment of physical,
emotional, mental and spiritual diseases.
It involves the transfer of energy from practitioners to patient through the hands of the
practitioner to restore energy balance in the body and claims to enhance the body’s natural
ability to heal itself through the balancing of energy.
It is holistic, natural, using hands on energy healing system that touches on all levels: body, mind
and spirit.
Five Principles of Reiki
ByDr.UsuiMikao

How Reiki Works?

● Inside every human being there is a subtle system of channels (nadis/meridians) and
centers of energy (chakras) which look after our physical, intellectual, emotional and
spiritual being.
● Reiki flows through this system.
● All beings are given a spark of Ki at birth, which is stored in them for life.
● This Ki energy has its own force field, known as Aura, which has colors.
● Along spine there are seven energy transformers in form of vortices known as Chakra.
 ● Flow of reiki removes blocks and balances Chakras and increases Ki.
● Chakras impact Endocrine glands and which results in healing.

The Chakras

Process of Reiki
i. Comfortable clothes should be worn i.e not too loose or not too tight. Use of pillow for
comfortness.
ii. Wash hands
iii. Client shall lie down or sit on a chair as per his comfort or choice.
iv. Cover with blankets. Expose the working site only.
v. Healer places his hands about a few inches or farther away from the patient’s body
[affected area] and manipulates the energy field from there.
vi. The recipient draws energy per required.

Reiki healing hand positions

Reiki appears to be generally safe, and serious adverse effects have not been
reported. Some practitioners advise caution about using reiki in people with
psychiatric illnesses because of the risk of bringing out underlying
psychopathology.

Merits
⦿ Helps in stress reduction and relaxation, which triggers the body’s natural healing
abilities, aids in better sleep;
⦿ Helps bring about inner peace and harmony;
⦿ Balances the mind and emotions;
⦿ Helps Offer relief during emotional distress and sorrow;
⦿ Helps Relieve pain from migraine, arthrititis’
⦿ helps speeds up recovery form surgery or long term illness.
Demerits
a) Limited scientific support
b) Individual variation
c) No formal regulation
d) It doesn’t heal but promotes healing
ALOPATHIC

INTRODUCTION
ALLOS= OPPOSITE
PATHOS= SUFFERING
It concludes that-
Allopathy is the system of medicine, commonly called the conventional medicine system, which
makes use of drugs that have an opposite effect to that of the symptoms. It works to suppress the
symptoms of a disease in the minimum possible time span.
HISTORY
The term ‘Allopathy’ was coined by Hahnemann (1842). It was practiced in both Europe and
North America (1876). Mid 1500 is taken as the first official entry of allopathy in India.
CONCEPTS
Allopathic medicines are not only based on theory, but also they are practically accepted and
practiced everywhere. Allopathic medicines are also known as
ORTHODOX/CONVENTIONAL medicine. It is based on REDUCTIONIST approach where
the individual and the affected organ/body part is viewed in isolation, forgetting that it is a part
of whole. On many occasions, it focuses on symptomatic relief rather than solving root cause.
BENEFITS
 ● Pharmaceuticals help people manage illness and pain in the long and short term.
● Antibiotics have saved countless lives in the last hundred years.
● Use of computers in allopathic section enhances the accuracy of the surgical procedures.
● Patients have rights and protection under the law in allopathic medicinal system.
SIDE EFFECTS
● Constipation
● Diarrhoea
● Dry Mouth
● Skin Rashes
● Drowsiness
● Headache
● Insomnia
● Dizziness
Traditional versus modern health care practices
1. Traditional medicine:

Strengths
● Effective in treating diseases of psychosocial origin
● Easy access
● Patients and curers share similar values
● Cheap
● Treatment of holistic persons
● Treatment done under the context of personal,
● Serves large proportion of people in most developing societies
● Is a source in many instances for the modern medicine death high

Weaknesses
● Lack of scientific standards
● Hygiene problem
● Lack of proper dosage
● Inability to effectively deal with bacterial and viral diseases
● Problem of risks of contracting other infections and adverse outcomes including informal
relationships

2. Scientific medicine:

Strengths
● Able to overcome many perennial health problems
● Effective against bacterial, viral and others diseases
● Less risk of unnecessary outcomes including death related to dosage, hygiene,etc
 ● High achievements in promoting health, wellbeing, longevity, etc
● Scientific verifiability

Weaknesses
● Fails to deal with holistic person
● Patient and practitioner do not share similar worldviews about health and disease
● Unequal authority relations
● Highly impersonal and possibility of alienation and de humanization
● Not easily accessible.

5.2 Attitude of people towards traditional and modern health care practitioners

Attitude of people towards modern health care practitioners

Universally they are well accepted because their method of treatment is based on scientific
reason but even then their services are now well accepted in the community because they are
expensive, not easily available, too many patient, few doctor, sometimes it seems that the trials
error method, treatment procedure are expensive, time consuming, frightening etc. there are
discrimination between rich and poor, transportation difficulties, language problem, they do not
listen to the patient, do not give the explanation of their problems some of the practioner seem
too commercial and people seen to lose faith on them.
It does not mean that the modern practioner are of no use, the community. They definitely are of
great help. They can arouse scientific awareness among the people prevents many people from
death by making early diagnosis and treatment in time. There are some advantage and
disadvantages of modern health workers.

Attitude of people towards traditional health care practitioners

Nepal is very rich in tradition and use of traditional medicine. In this country, there are more
than 60 traditions and about 85% of population depends upon the traditional medicines for their
primary health care. Many people in Nepal use more than one type of health care system and
medicines depending upon the type of ailments, medicine available, cost preference and faith. A
large number of traditional healers have been practicing indigenous medicines for hundreds of
years. The indigenous knowledge have been transmitting generation to generation in the form of
inherited culture and such practices have been handed down verbally and only few of the
information were documented in books and in many other religious scripts. The knowledge of
the most of the healers may be at the edge of extinction. It is the right time to document their
knowledge and evaluate their products with the scientific evidences. Various traditional
healthcare systems (Amachi, Jhakri, Banjhakri, Gosai achhat) prevailing in Nepal, various herbal
resources called jadibuti in Nepali language, their uses, a number of issues related to the
standardization, safety, efficacy and biodiversity were highlighted.

REFRENCE
https://www.slideshare.net/KushalSaha8/ayurveda-vs-allopathy-look-think-decide
References
● Rai Lalita. Nursing Concepts Theories and Principles. Fourth Edition. Chhetrapati,
Kathmandu : Akshav Publication; 2019. pg 508-09.
● Sharma Muna. Nursing Concepts and Principles. Second Edition. Jamal, Kantipath,
Kathmandu : Medhavi Publication; 2018. pg 92- 3.
● Edzard Ernst. Alternative Medicine. A Critical Assessment of 150 Modalities. Springer
Nature Switzerland AG; 2019 (ebook).pg 245-6.
● https://www.reiki.org/faqs/what-reiki
References
• Rai Lalita. Nursing Concepts Theories and Principles. Fourth Edition. Chhetrapati,
Kathmandu : Akshav Publication; 2019. pg 516 - 17.
• Sharma Muna. Nursing Concepts and Principles. Second Edition. Jamal, Kantipath,
Kathmandu : Medhavi Publication; 2018. pg 82 - 3.
• Berman Audrey, Snyder Shirlee. Frandsen Geralyn. KOZIER & ERB’S
FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING Concepts, Process and Practice. Tenth Edition.
United States of America : 2016. pg 301.
• Edzard Ernst. Alternative Medicine. A Critical Assessment of 150 Modalities. Springer
Nature Switzerland AG; 2019 (ebook).pg 150 - 2.
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156488
• https://www.acupuncturetoday.com/abc/acupuncture.php

THANK YOU!