Traditional Asian Medicine

Traditional medicine in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka is deeply rooted in ancient history, sharing foundational systems like Ayurveda while maintaining distinct local healing traditions, institutional frameworks, and indigenous practices tailored to their specific regional cultures and biodiversity.

India has systematically integrated Indian traditional medicine systems Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa including Homeopathy – collectively known as ‘Ayush’ into its public healthcare delivery. Each of these systems brings distinct epistemological frameworks and therapeutic approaches, collectively contributing to the landscape of primary health care in the country. While Ayurveda has historically dominated scholarly and clinical attention, other Ayush systems are also accepted by the community, particularly in certain geographic regions in Nepal, Tibetan and Sri Lanka.

In India formal education in traditional medicine evolved over thousands of years shifting from the Gurukul system (mentor-mentee training system, where knowledge was passed down orally or via apprenticeships within families) to world class ancient Universities, e.g., Nalanda, Taksheela, Vikram Sheela in 3rd century BC to institutionalized university schooling system starting in the early 20th century. In the 20th century, the establishment of the first Ayurveda college in 1908, followed by the creation of regulatory bodies which are formal and legalized by the Act of parliament to bring uniformity in Ayush education system through NCISM and NCH (formerly known as CCIM and CCH).

Globally, 1978. the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) as experience-based health systems that can be aligned with national healthcare frameworks when implemented safely and evidence-based. India’s Ayush integration efforts align with WHO’s Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034, which advocates for rigorous evidence, quality standards, and equitable implementation.

To collate all the efforts of Ayush system towards Primary Health Care as a recognized healthcare system. This review was envisioned to analyse the implementation, scope, and outcomes of Ayush integration into India’s PHC from 2014 to 2024. It aims to evaluate both achievements and gaps by synthesizing data from national health programs, international collaborations, institutional developments, and public health indicators relevant to traditional medicine.

The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) is the statutory and regulatory apex body in India. It governs education, practice, and standards for traditional medical systems. Operates under the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. With an key important purpose Improves access to quality medical education and ensures high ethical standards. Includes separate boards for assessment / rating and ethics / registration. It is imperative that both people in India and people outside India and Asia realize that traditional medicine is legally and professionally regulated by law and is valid only under the guidance of AYUSH.

Traditional medicine relies on ancient cultural knowledge, natural herbs, and whole-body balance. Modern medicine uses science, lab tests, pharmaceutical drugs, and surgery. Traditional methods excel at prevention and chronic care, while modern medicine saves lives in emergencies and acute trauma. Traditional medicine from Asian regions is more often described as local wisdom of traditional therapies and remedies – such descriptions are similar and available in every culture and every region around the world. These traditional medicine practices have been used for thousands of years and are increasingly globalized. While evidence for some of these are evolving, others need further developing and testing. The consumers, clinicians, and policymakers should concern about the effectiveness, costs, and potential adverse events of these practices before using or recommending them. The use of these therapies could also be culture specific, therefore, the evidence of their effectiveness and safety in one culture does not necessarily confirm that these would be effective and safe in all cultures.

Traditional Medicine Practice in East Asia

Traditional medicine practice in East Asia mainly includes Traditional Chinese, Japanese Kampo, and Korean Medicine. The Japanese Kampo and Korean Medicine originated largely from Chinese Traditional Medicine and have well developed in combination with their own cultures and practices. The traditional medicines in China, Japan, and Korea have common and similar elements. They mainly include herbal prescriptions, technical therapies including acupuncture, moxibustion, massage, naprapathy, cupping therapy, various forms of physical therapy, sports therapy (e.g., Taiji, etc.), Qigong, and food therapy, as well as the Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western medicine, which is very popular in China. Chinese Tibetan medicine and Mongolian medicine have their own unique characteristics. Traditional medicine in East Asia has its complete systems of education, practice, research, and special training throughout the country. For example, there are a total of 34 universities of Chinese Traditional Medicine and over 60 thousand major Chinese traditional medicine hospitals in mainland China. Clinical and basic research have shown the significant benefits of traditional medicine in musculoskeletal body pain for pain reduction and improvements in disability, muscle tension, flexibility, anxiety, and pain-causing disease treatment, among others.

Traditional Medicine Practice in South Asia

South Asian traditional medicinal practices have a long history of over 2000 years. It can be argued that these traditional medicinal practices have helped to advance modern western medicine. South Asia, with a population contains a quarter (30%) of the world’s population include: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Afghanistan.Topographically, it is dominated by the Indian subcontinent and is bounded by the Indian Ocean in the south, and the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Pamir Mountains in the north form a majestic high-altitude convergence zone in Central and South Asia. Currently, South Asian traditional medicinal practices have undergone globalization and are frequently used in different parts of the world including the Western world. South Asian medicines and therapies include Ayurveda, Yoga, Meditation, Mindfulness, Naturopathy, Homeopathy, Sowa-Rigpa, Siddha, Unani and different herbal medicines specific to different regions and cultures. Some of these, such as meditation, yoga and mindfulness have been extensively studied and are frequently used for several chronic pain conditions, including but not limited to chronic low back pain, neck pain, fibromyalgia, headache, and arthritis. These therapies are also delivered by physical therapists, psychotherapists, occupational therapists and other pain clinicians. Mechanisms of action of herbal medicine, adverse events, and interactions with other herbal products and western medicines, nonetheless, are poorly understood. More research is needed to understand this important information before implementing herbal products into patient care for pain management and health care in general.

Traditional Medicine Practice in South East Asia

Traditional medicine practices in South East Asian region such as Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos Myanmar, Vietnam and the Philippines, are influenced by other Asian regions such as East Asian and South Asian regions. These practices have evolved over the years, developed their own philosophy and have now been passed down to many generations. An example of South East Asian traditional medicine is Thai traditional medicine, which includes Thai herbal medicines and traditional Thai massage. A systematic review of the literature on traditional Thai massage for musculoskeletal pain suggests that it is helpful in reducing pain and improving physical disability, muscle tension, flexibility and anxiety. Currently, Thai traditional massage practiced by licensed practitioners has been considered a treatment and is covered by certain health benefit plans. Thai traditional medicine still has a major role in providing health care in Thai society. For example, Thailand currently allows the use of medicinal Cannabis and Kratom in medical practice. Nevertheless, this practice to date is still controversial due to potential long-term harm and risk of abuse, which needs further investigation before integrating it into routine care.

Ayurveda outside India requires knowledge from Ayurveda providers and patience from users in Europe. It is necessary, first of all, to educate the client about the preventive direction of health – in case of illness, the joint use of Western and Ayurveda medicine is Welcome. This is proven in modern times by the traditional Panchakarma program in India.

Traditional medical systems rely on ancient, community-based knowledge passed down through generations. Practitioners learn through direct mentorship, oral history, and practical experience with local plants and remedies. Trainees practice by making remedies and treating community members over many years. Healing methods match seasons, weather, and the rhythms of the earth. Treaters focus on the whole person, including mind, body, and social ties, instead of just a single disease. Common global traditions that for centuries and in the present modern time teach Traditional Medicine through (6) six time-summer cycles such as: Ayurveda an old Indian system focused on life balance and body energies; Chinese Medicine, uses herbs, acupuncture to restore health; Indigenous Healing from Tibet and the Himalayas, uses local plants, rituals, and community wisdom passed down by tribal elders Menpa or Amchi. Medical astrology and historical divide the life cycles of humans and plants into appropriate phases. Both systems use elemental balances and seasonal changes to explain birth, growth, peak strength, decline, and end of life.

In traditional medicine, especially in traditional Ayurvedic time measurement is divided into (6) six different seasons. Shishira: Winter season; Vasanta: Spring season; Grishma: Summer season; Varsha: Monsoon or rainy season; Sharata: Autumn season and Hemanta: Late autumn/pre-winter. In the mentioned (6) six seasons of India and (4) of Europe, the way of life of people (raising a family, religion, culture), as well as social and political status and economic life show a huge difference. The difference is especially felt through the awareness of the work and the offer of Ayurvedic medicines along with therapies, which is quite problematic. To force something into the metabolism in order to balance the immune system in people, with a different Prana, and at the same time forget the rule of Ayurveda – everything that is in nature in the living environment of people is the best Prana and the coexistence of nature around them (herbs, spices, food..). The rules of diet and lifestyle (Ritucharya) for a certain season that are valid in the Prana of the annual cycles in India and advising dietary guidelines in Europe is unprofessional and unethical!

Although Traditional medicine gradually lost its utility with the rise of western medicine, traditional medicine is still practiced in different parts of the world at varying levels. A balance and integrated use of Traditional medicine with Western medicine may provide effective relief for selected chronic pain conditions. People with lived experience of pain and clinicians treating pain conditions should consider the effectiveness of the integrated interventions, safety, and cost-effectiveness based on sound and high-quality available evidence.

A clinician is a health care professional typically employed at a skilled nursing facility or clinic. The main function of a clinician is to manage a sick person in order to cure their illness, reduce pain and suffering, and extend life considering the impact of illness upon the patient and their family as well as other social factors. The combine Western medicine and Traditional medicine should be evidence-based, which includes the experience and expertise of the clinicians in using these therapies, and patient preferences in addition to available evidence. Nowadays, the limitation of the “standard western medicine” to address the multidimensional nature of chronic pain makes people reutilize and study traditional medicine again, in systematic way.

Standard Western medicine often focuses only on physical symptoms. Chronic pain is complex and affects the body, mind, and feelings. Because of this gap, scientists and doctors now study traditional and complementary medicine in a careful, scientific way to help treat long-term pain better. Why Western Medicine Falls Short – It treats pain mostly as a physical broken part. It often ignores stress, mood, and life history. It relies heavily on drugs that may stop working or cause harm over time. How Traditional Medicine Helps – It looks at lifestyle, emotions, and physical health together. Practices like yoga and meditation calm the nervous system. It gives people daily tools to manage pain on their own.

Traditional and Modern Western medical care both offer great value for health. Combining Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) and Western Medicine (Hippocrates) brings together old healing ways and modern science. This mix can treat the whole person, ease side effects, and improve care. In continuing, I recommend People, Organizations, and Institutions that have a long history of professional and ethical practice in traditional medical for mental, spiritual, and physical health.

One of the great challenges of personal development is people’s willingness to expose themselves to the public. I know the people, organizations, and institutions presented through that web link, and I recommend them. They embody humane values and support a shared commitment to ethical, respectful, and compassionate professional conduct toward people. Please, if you are a client / patient of a TCIM practitioner, organization, or institution in your local community – not only in Asia but also in Europe – please recommend them by e-mail, and I would be very pleased to contact them. If you are a TCIM practitioner, organization, or institution whose work embodies humane values and you supports a shared commitment to ethical conduct, please contact us. We would be delighted to include you in all TCIM micro-and macro-level guidelines.

Mitakshi Ayurcare Panchakarma Speciality Hospital is a renowned Ayurveda Centre and Panchakarma Specialty Hospital located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

They are dedicated to providing exceptional Ayurvedic treatments and therapies, focusing on holistic healing and well-being. The skilled practitioners use the finest quality herbal medicines and personalized care plans to ensure each client receives the best possible treatment. Mitakshi Ayurcare Hospital in Panchakarma therapy, it offers a complete metabolic reset for physical and mental renewal. The Mitakshi Ayurcare Panchakarma Specialist Hospital has long-standing guidelines for special therapies in gynecology – treatments aimed at preserving fertility or treatments to have a child. At Mitakshi Ayurcare Panchakarma Specialist Hospital, they offer a comprehensive range of treatments based on the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda and the rejuvenating practices of panchakarma. Mitakshi Ayur Care is an ISO Certified Healthcare services centre in Trivandrum offering all types of Ayurvedic and Panchakarma treatments.

Their high-quality work, especially under the Leadership Dr. Sreeja. V.S. (Former Senior Assistant Professor Government Ayurveda College, Thiruvananthapuram) provide curative and compassionate healing therapies which serves the human species.

Dr. Sreeja. V.S
www.mitakshiayurcare.com

The Panchakarma Ayurvedam At Sreenilayam is are a small, family-run Ayurvedic treatment center tucked away in a serene village about an hour outside of Calicut in Kerala.

Ayurvedam At Sreenilayam team of Ayurveda physicians is led by Dr. Mali, a graduate of the Ayurveda College of Coimbatore. He began studying Ayurveda in the ancient system of gurukulam at the age of 16 and has more than 30 years of experience delivering authentic Ayurvedic healthcare at Sreenilayam and around the world. Dr. Mali belongs to a family for whom astrology and Ayurvedam are a way of life. His father, Vaidyapadan Sri Ramakrishnan, was a well known Ayurvedic doctor from Shoranur Ayurveda College. Dr. Mali has conducted workshops in Lausanne, Geneva and Moscow. Dr. Mali’s wife Sujatha is the hostess of Ayurveda at Sreenilayam. She makes it a true home, taking care of every minute detail and welcoming her guests like family.

At Sreenalayam, every detail is treated with love and care. With seven rooms and four doctors on site, they are able to offer their patients the highest quality of treatment. Many of the Ayurvedic medicines and oils are made in-house, meals are prepared with local organic ingredients, purified drinking water comes from their own well, is powered by solar energy, and the Ayurveda center is built according to Vastu (Vedic sacred geometry) for the proper flow of energy. It is a peaceful oasis where you can reconnect with the nature around you and your own nature within you.

Dr. Vana Mali
www.ayurmali.com

Healingveda Health Solutions was founded in 2002 as a company by Dr. Anil P. Kumar with his vision to promote authentic Ayurveda worldwide and was incorporated at Manalil Road, Kollam City, Kerala. Healingveda under the leadership of Dr. Anil P. Kumar also works operates at 6th floor, Tomášikova 26, Bratislava, Europa.

Healingveda coordinates Ayurveda-based treatments and various healthcare services across the globe, dedicated solely to these. Healingveda coordinates a number of expert doctors, therapists and other allied healthcare professionals with the aim of providing the best supportive Ayurvedic care to the people in need. Healingveda supports Ayurvedic health projects, trainings, health retreats and much more. They organize authentic Ayurvedic treatments and yoga practice in hospitals and resorts, mainly in Kerala. Health and wellness travel and retreats to explore the beauty of Kerala. They provide complete technical support for all health and wellness projects worldwide. They conduct courses and trainings in Ayurveda, Yoga and Lifestyle Management all over the world. Global promoter of Ayurveda and well-being till date: Kollam, Kerala, India · Bratislava, Slovakia · Milan, Lombardy, Italy · Belgrade, Serbia · Lagos, Nigeria · Bangalore, Karnataka, India · Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan · Paris, France · London, United Kingdom · Dubai, United Arab Emirates.