India not only has a great cultural and geographic diversity but is one of the few countries where many healthcare sciences have co-existed for ages.
Allopathy or Western Medicine is the most recent addition to the health scenario of this country (recent only in relative terms). Homeopathy is also not as old as the concept of Ayurveda or other ancient forms of medicine, so is not a traditional way of treatment. The word Allopathy though commonly used for Modern Medicine has a broader meaning. Being the most organized and probably the quickest in effectiveness, it has taken over most other health care sciences in terms of popularity. Such is the notion developed over the decades that health care and Western Medicine have become synonymous. It commands the authority with a vast back up of research and evidence-based practice which is regulated by international organizations thus making it most universal medical science. Allopathy is a constantly evolving field of study where there is little scope for error.This science as any other has its limitations and faces its own challenges from time to time. One of the most talked about and worrying challenge in recent years is "Drug Resistance".
Every patient must understand that allopathic practice is one field of expertise and is not a part of any hierarchy of health sciences.No such hierarchical pattern exists so other health care professionals like Ayurveda or Homeopathy practitioners are independent in their own rights, to diagnose and treat. Asking an Allopathic practitioner on whether to go for any other consultation, is like a cricketer asking a football coach about which batting position is most suitable for him.
Various Health Sciences that have stood the test of time and are still known to be effective include Ayurveda, Homeopathy,Traditional Chinese Medicine and Unani among others.Many common terms like Naturopathy, Acupressure, Acupuncture, Panchakarma,Yoga Therapy (therapeutic Yoga) and Siddha usually make their way during discussions when patients are trying to find alternative ways of treating their health issues, particularly chronic conditions.
Physiotherapy or Physical Therapy is a field of healthcare which is quietly evolving out of the shadow of Western Medicine and finding its own ground as a methodology of treatment.It is a promising amalgamation of the knowledge of Human Anatomy, Physiology, Biomechanics, Pathology etc. from Modern Medicine and the application of treatment which finds its derivation from concepts based on Yoga,TCM etc. and of course evidence-based research back up.Electro Magnetic or Electro Therapy treatment uses some of the most sophisticated equipment available for treatment in any form of treatment. Manual Techniques used in physio treatment may draw comparisons with techniques used by few other health professionals like Chiropractic techniques or Ayurveda massages but are actually not the same. Exercise prescription during Physical Rehabilitation by a Physiotherapist is one of the most evolved and well-formulated forms of treatment for physical health issues and may also be implemented on other health related problems like cardiac conditions.This is a branch of science which has its roots in the best of the past but is surely a boon for the future of Health Care. It is still a long way to go before the old misplaced thoughts about Physical Therapy among people may be taken over by the complete faith in the effectiveness. One thing is for sure that there is no point drawing comparisons or creating a hierarchy amongst health care sciences as each one has a way of its own and a role to play depending on many factors that rule your health.
Allopathy or Western Medicine is the most recent addition to the health scenario of this country (recent only in relative terms). Homeopathy is also not as old as the concept of Ayurveda or other ancient forms of medicine, so is not a traditional way of treatment. The word Allopathy though commonly used for Modern Medicine has a broader meaning. Being the most organized and probably the quickest in effectiveness, it has taken over most other health care sciences in terms of popularity. Such is the notion developed over the decades that health care and Western Medicine have become synonymous. It commands the authority with a vast back up of research and evidence-based practice which is regulated by international organizations thus making it most universal medical science. Allopathy is a constantly evolving field of study where there is little scope for error.This science as any other has its limitations and faces its own challenges from time to time. One of the most talked about and worrying challenge in recent years is "Drug Resistance".
Every patient must understand that allopathic practice is one field of expertise and is not a part of any hierarchy of health sciences.No such hierarchical pattern exists so other health care professionals like Ayurveda or Homeopathy practitioners are independent in their own rights, to diagnose and treat. Asking an Allopathic practitioner on whether to go for any other consultation, is like a cricketer asking a football coach about which batting position is most suitable for him.
Various Health Sciences that have stood the test of time and are still known to be effective include Ayurveda, Homeopathy,Traditional Chinese Medicine and Unani among others.Many common terms like Naturopathy, Acupressure, Acupuncture, Panchakarma,Yoga Therapy (therapeutic Yoga) and Siddha usually make their way during discussions when patients are trying to find alternative ways of treating their health issues, particularly chronic conditions.
Physiotherapy or Physical Therapy is a field of healthcare which is quietly evolving out of the shadow of Western Medicine and finding its own ground as a methodology of treatment.It is a promising amalgamation of the knowledge of Human Anatomy, Physiology, Biomechanics, Pathology etc. from Modern Medicine and the application of treatment which finds its derivation from concepts based on Yoga,TCM etc. and of course evidence-based research back up.Electro Magnetic or Electro Therapy treatment uses some of the most sophisticated equipment available for treatment in any form of treatment. Manual Techniques used in physio treatment may draw comparisons with techniques used by few other health professionals like Chiropractic techniques or Ayurveda massages but are actually not the same. Exercise prescription during Physical Rehabilitation by a Physiotherapist is one of the most evolved and well-formulated forms of treatment for physical health issues and may also be implemented on other health related problems like cardiac conditions.This is a branch of science which has its roots in the best of the past but is surely a boon for the future of Health Care. It is still a long way to go before the old misplaced thoughts about Physical Therapy among people may be taken over by the complete faith in the effectiveness. One thing is for sure that there is no point drawing comparisons or creating a hierarchy amongst health care sciences as each one has a way of its own and a role to play depending on many factors that rule your health.
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