Indigenous systems of healing have gained prominence in the past decade providing options for clinical work and research. Study and practice of ayurvedic and unani medicine have gained significant momentum. The revival of interest in these traditional systems of medicine and the demand for herbal drugs has increased the demand for medicinal plants. World health organization with the establishment of the open international university for complementary medicine has provided a worldwide forum for promoting alternative forms of healing. The Indian board of alternative medicine too has been granted affiliation.

NATURE OF WORK

Ayurvedic medicine

Ayurvedic medicine finds its origin in the Vedic times and is based on the curative properties of herbs. Diagnostic procedures are simple using pulse, blood pressure and overt physical symptoms. Messages are used for chronic pain alleviation. This form of medicine follows non evasive procedures. Ayurvedic physician examines patients by interrogation, sight, feeling pulse rate etc. to diagnose ailments and prescribe necessary medicines according to ayurvedic system of treatment. They also prescribe medicines for general improvement of health and prevention of diseases. Ayurvedic doctors specialize in treatment of diseases and disorders such as diabetes, TB, nervous or mental disorders, disease peculiar to men or women or children. They also prepare and sell tonics, patient and other indigenous medicines such as ‘bhasams’.

Unani medicine

Hakim is a unani practitioner. This form of medicine is based on an understanding of the temperament of the patient. Diagnosis is based on traditional pulse reading and pathological indications. The hakim prescribes medicines made from extracts from bird’s meat, fruits and ashes of burnt metals.

EMPLOYEMENT AVENUES

Placement of doctors trained in ayurvedic/unani medicine is in ayurvedic/unani medical colleges and hospitals. After post graduation, teaching and research are good options. There is enormous interest in consulting in these streams of alternate systems of medicine. Government hospitals usually offer time bound promotions taking these doctors gradually to senior positions where a lot more admistratoin work has to be taken up. The experience may help advance such practitioners towards research and advisory positions.