Introduction
The essay is a critical analysis of the concept of alternative medical treatment in South India. Alternative medicine has been thought of as the kind of treating people as well as preventing disease by use of techniques not scientifically proven. As suggested by (Becker, 1990), alternative medical treatment entails such terms as meditation, biofeedback, herbal medicine, chiropractic, acupuncture and homeopathy, massage, and naturopathy.
History of Alternative Medical Treatment in South India
Levy, 2001 asserted that the history of AMT in India dates back to 1500BC and turned out to be one of the popular modes of treatment in South Asia. In 1000BC siha was developed and incorporated into new knowledge in treating and preventing diseases. It is worth noting that over time the concept received criticism but later gained popularity due to its ability to successfully treat and prevent diseases, having fewer side-effects as well as the desire of citizens to lead a healthy lifestyle.
The philosophy of the then ruling empire and religious practices saw to it that a number of streams of AMT emerged. Despite this rapid development, there was a lot of stress in striking and maintaining balance “between the elements and the use of naturally available herbs, medicinal plants as ingredients in their medicines”. Currently western or scientifically proven medical intervention is not favored or sought after by the majority of south Indian residence as close to 3,000 healthcare facilities in the country offer traditional Indian medicine.
The major streams of AMT available in South India are Ayurveda which helps in treating skin problems, beauty, and diabetes; homeopathy works under the principle that lower temperature cures and provide medical attention to close to 1.2 billion Indians. Unani seek to ensure that air, earth, fire, and water when mixed incorrectly and in different proportion help prevent diseases. Naturopathy help cure bad habits for instance eating an unbalanced diet, lack of exercise. Finally, Siddha is attained by going through yoga practices (Ehret, 1977).
Close to 80% of people from the south utilize alternative medicine, this kind of medicine has been integrated into the health system of china, India Vietnam, and other countries. In Europe, there is an increase of individuals seeking such medical attention, for instance, 75% of French have used alternative treatment at least once (Shaman, 2010). Close to 80% of German healthcare provide their clients with acupuncture. It is amazing that globally, the market for alternative medical treatment is 60 billion U.S dollars annually and in the United States of America expenditure on the same is almost 3 U.S dollars yearly.
It is established that 3 of 4 African living with HIV and AIDS utilize alternative medication to curb some symptoms of the epidemic. It is worth noting that China has fully integrated alternative medication in their health care systems which accounts for between 30% and 50% of service delivery. The country has about 800 firms that manufacture herbal goods contributing almost US dollars 2 billion to the country’s economy. Almost half of the citizens in Indonesia use alternative medicine and by 1999 the country had 723 firms that manufactured herbal products (World Health Organization, 2010). It is projected that the number of the human race that will seek alternative medication will continue to increase globally.
Table 1. Status of Ayurveda in India. Source: Subhuti Dharmananda. 2003. The Ayurveda medicine industry in India.
The crisis facing the sector
Alternative medical treatment has been faced with several obstacles. One major is criticism from skeptics especially those who are pro scientifically proven medication. These individuals did make efforts to degrade the industry (Schechter, 1991). On the same note, inadequate funding did prove to be a challenge in trying to develop the industry especially in buying equipment for processing and educating stakeholders as well as fighting skeptics (Shaman, 2010.
According to Dharmananda, 2003 initially, the field lacked professionals who could be able to not only advocate for the idea of alternative medication but also make the whole idea professional. This has been addressed currently by the Indian Board of Alternative Medicine which has made it possible for individuals to be trained. Lack of adequate was a crisis to the industry. Few individuals thought alternative medication worked, however, over time tremendous improvements have made a majority of the human race from all walks of life resort to this kind of medication (Fuhrman, 1990).
Government intervention
According to Angell & Kassirer, 1998 it is no doubt that the industry has contributed a lot to the country’s economy. A bigger proportion of Indians have got job opportunities in this field. For that reason, the Indian government noted that the industry is an important enterprise in the country. One major notable step taken by the government to support the industry is in 2009 when it spent Rs. 922 crore in promoting the mainstreams of alternative medical treatment (Bratman, 1991). Additionally, the government propelled the formation of the Indian Board of Alternative Medicine back in 1961 a body that is recognized globally. Among the responsibilities of the board include improving public health in line with principles of alternative medical services, financing, organizing as well as maintaining healthcare institutions providing such (McCabe, 1988).
Additionally, the government has enacted laws that support Foreign Direct Investment and international trade. This has made it possible for foreigners especially from the United States of America to invest in firms that manufacture herbal products as well as a ready market for the product. On the same note, the government provided incentives as well as reduced taxation to propel the industry’s growth (Acharya & Shrivastava, 2008).
Conclusion
From the review of alternative medical treatment in South India, it is evident that it has a long history dating back to 1500BC. It entails major streams such as Ayurveda, homeopathy, Unani, naturopathy, and Siddha. India together with other countries has fully integrated alternative medical services into its health care system. Billions of Indian citizens of other countries as far as the U.S have resorted to alternative medical attention.
Financial problems, lack of adequate government support, allegations from skeptics, inadequate number of professionals, and lack of adequate market proved to be the major challenges facing the industry. However, with the realization that the industry had not only medical benefits but also an economic boost to the country, the government intervened by formulating laws to encourage the development and growth of the industry. Through medical and health ministry the government pumped money to support the industry.
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