Different cultures have different beliefs, methods, communication, and medication used for different illnesses. Such medication and its methods in a particular contradict greatly with the modern medicine and procedures. In the Asian Culture, the Indians have a rich history of medication and practices. Some traditions that have passed the test of time in India and are today integrated with the medical practices today. For example, the Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha commonly referred to as folk traditions or the “Lok Parampara” is a tradition passed from generation to another (Gayatri Palat, 2012). Word of mouth is the most used method of passing the traditions from one generation to the other. In some cases, these traditions are enshrined in religious and practices and Astrological practices among the Indians. The Indian attributes many illnesses such as cancer to supernatural powers. The Indian traditional medicine has its basis on the “eight component science.” It includes the General medicine for the cure of “diseases affecting the body” and pediatrics i.e. treatment of children. It also has surgery that involves the removal of substances from the body. Toxicology and ophthalmology, the cure of teeth related diseases and the doctrine of antidotes respectively is also part of the traditional medical approaches in India. Demonology or exorcism describes the treatment of mental diseases. Anti-aging and aphrodisiacs are also common. There are traditional medicine colleges that train the Ayurveda practitioners. One presents oneself upon being sick to the Ayurveda practitioner. Diagnosis is done in eight ways using Mootra(urine), Nadi(pulse), Jinvha(tongue), Shabda(speech), Mala(stool), Druk(vision), Sparsha(touch), and Aakruti(appearance) (Mishra, L., Singh, B. B., and Dagenais, S., 2001).
The African culture also has a rich history of medical practices. It mainly involves herbalist, midwives, and diviners. Just as the Indian Counterparts, the cure for various diseases involves the use of religious beliefs and herbs. The medical beliefs and practices, therefore, rely on heavily in the religious aspects. The diviners consult the ancestors or the spirits to establish remedies of various disease conditions. Word of mouth and apprenticeship is the most common method of passing the medicine traditions from one generation to the other.
When one falls ill, the person calls or presents oneself before the traditional medicine man. The medicine man makes incantations make a diagnosis. Treatment would then involve various methods such as dieting and fasting, herbal therapies, massage, and specifically surgical procedures (Helwig, David, 2010). Bleed-cupping after applications of herbs is also common to cure abscesses, migraines, and coughs. The use of steam and application of traditional ointments is also part in the traditional medicine treatment.
In both the Indian culture and the African Culture, traditional medicine is considered as an alternative medication. The remedies form part of the mainstream medical practices albeit with limitations in various cases and levels. Such is because the effectiveness of these remedies in both diagnosis and treatment is not guaranteed or scientifically proven (Stanley, Bob (2004)
References
Mishra, L.; Singh, B. B.; Dagenais, S. (2001). "Healthcare and disease management in Ayurveda". Alternative therapies in health and medicine 7 (2): 44–50
Gayatri Palat (2012). Reflections from IAHPC Board Members: Cultural health beliefs, practices and attributions in India: effects on health care delivery. International Association for Hospice & Palliative Care. Retrieved from http://hospicecare.com/about-iahpc/newsletter/2012/9/reflections-from-iahpc-board-members/ on July 4, 2014.
Helwig, David (4 Feb 2010). "Traditional African medicine". Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine.
Stanley, Bob (13 February 2004). "Recognition and Respect for African Traditional Medicine".
Canada's International Development Research Centre. Retrieved 11 March 2010.
