Integrating modern dermatology and Ayurveda in the treatment of vitiligo and lymphedema in India

Self Cite

Biomedicine has not provided a complete explanation with fully effective therapies for disorders of pigmentation. Biomedicine emphasizes the role of melanocyte for protection from UV rays and as a determinant of skin colour. These important properties acquired a genetic basis much later than other functions, many relating to cell contact as in the keratinocyte -melanocyte unit, or as with the synapses of the neurological system. There are other roles, biochemical and mechanical, of melanocyte. Management that is inclusive of a maximally holistic approach justifies the use of diverse herbals, yoga and concern for cultural awareness provided by integrated medicine. Vitiligo provides a model which demonstrates that Ayurveda has a richer view of its presentations, possibly a stronger line on its pathogenesis, and a huge range of herbals, many now backed by studies from ethnobotanical laboratories, awaiting research into the many possible mechanisms by which they may act in the wide and complex field of melanocyte biochemistry.

Section: Integrated Medicine As An Interventionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Disorders of Pigmentation of the Skin - Hypotheses Underlying Interventions by Multiple Systems of Medicine:Is there a Role for Integrated Medicine?

Arianayagam

Ryan

2016

Self Cite

“…Traditional herbal preparations have been shown to provide benefits in the treatment of common skin conditions, including fungal infections and eczema 13 . Additionally, an integrated approach combining modern dermatology, Ayurveda, Homeopathy and Yoga therapy has been used successfully at the Institute of Applied Dermatology in Kasaragod, Kerala, for the treatment of vitiligo and lymphoedema 14 . The use of an integrated approach in the management of leprosy has not yet been assessed.…”

Section: Integrated Medicinementioning

confidence: 99%

Integrated Care and Leprosy in India:A Role for Indian Systems of Medicine and Traditional Health Practice in the Eradication of Leprosy

Chandler

2016

The benefits of an integrated approach in the future of leprosy control in India are discussed, by involving professionals from different systems of medicine and coordinated by dermatologists working in the field of community dermatology. The low level of education amongst traditional healers has led to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment, thus emphasizing the importance of health education for patients, families and local practitioners to enable prompt and appropriate treatment. The Indian systems of medicine though supportive do not have the required rehabilitation services. Traditional health practitioners demonstrated an improved knowledge of leprosy on completion of training, and were able to detect and refer suspect cases with only early signs of disease.

“…Not many individual research groups have adopted such integrated approach, but it is to be appreciated that one research group in North Kerala has been able to prove its success in reducing morbidity of lymphatic filariasis and some other skin disorders 23 . This was also possible with funds from the Government.…”

Section: Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

Status of Regulation on Traditional Medicine Formulations and Natural Products:whither is India?

Kumar¹,

Dua²

2016

The Indian traditional medicine (TM) has a rich heritage of science healing humans and animals. While so much attention is being paid to regulation of biomedicine (BM) practice and research, the same is desirable for TM too. The existing guidelines and regulations related to natural products/herbal formulations should be implemented to integrate BM and TM in a meaningful way for patient-centric treatment, as this would add to the Government's endeavour to improve public health. Registration of practitioners, setting up of statutory bodies controlling education, including prescription of standard texts and syllabus, pharmacopoeia, research, and related guidelines and Acts would serve as standards for evaluating the status of these systems in modern times.