SINAI Urban Health Institute » Medicine

Medicine Balls. From Back Breakers to Muscle Makers

admin — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 13:30:04 +0000

Medicine balls have been hovering in the corner of the gym for close to 2 centuries. The first medicine ball was designed and used by William “Iron Duke” Muldoon in 1830. Iron Duke was a championship wrestler and boxing trainer in New York back then and the medicine ball was developed as a strength training device. I doubt very much that back then Iron Duke knew that his simple idea would turn into such a diverse tool in the fitness and sports industry.

The original medicine balls featured a tough leather outer skin. You can still buy models of this style and like the original they are truly designed for basic strength training. Great for fitness and building any muscle in the body, leather covered medicine balls may not be fancy but they get the job done when it comes to general strength building. A leather medicine ball routine utilizing a range of weights and a good variety of exercises will help build muscles throughout your body from calves and thighs to biceps your neck and back. As with any weight training the performing the exercises the right way is important otherwise you’ll find the medicine ball to be a back breaker rather than a muscle maker. You can start by searching online for medicine ball training resources

That covers weight training now lets really get into the nitty-gritty. If you shop online at sites like www.morleyathletic.com you’re going to find a lot more than the old fashion style leather covered medicine balls. This is where it starts to get exciting for you hard core team sports athletes out there.

It turns out old Iron Duke was really onto something but science just wasn’t ready for it back in the 1800’s. With today’s modern scientific instruments and our higher understanding of the human body we have taken medicine ball training to a new level and it continues to improve by the minute. We have now developed specific types of medicine balls for specific exercises for specific sports and for specific muscles used in those specific sports. Confused, well there is a lot of specifics you will need to determine but once you do you will be able to pick up a medicine ball and pinpoint a muscle group based on your athletic needs. Pitchers may be building muscle memory to develop the perfect arm, football receivers can pinpoint muscle groups for leg speed and strength.

Now it’s not my intention to teach you any exercises. I don’t profess to know that much about plyometric and strength training but I do know about medicine balls themselves so I’m going to point out a few styles that you may be interested in after you learn more about medicine ball training. Below is some information on a few styles of medicine balls I recommend.

Rubber Medicine Balls

Standard rubber medicine balls are only one step above the original leather covered models but they need to be mentioned. They are by far the most popular medicine ball being commercially used today because the rubber cover is durable, does not get damaged by moisture (such as sweat), they are easy to clean, they bounce and they come in a large variation of weights and sizes. Oh yeah- they are also pretty economical compared to their designer cousins.

Rhino Elite Medicine Balls

Rhino Elite Medicine Balls are a pumped up version of the aforementioned balls. Rhino Elite balls feature an exclusive textured surface and a design that ensues superior grip and handling. They are made from a hollow synthetic rubber which means they are designed to be bounced and can take all sorts of atmospheric conditions (they can get wet). The hollow rubber makes for a consistent bounce so you can perform wall throws, squat throws, start throws… well medicine ball throws in general. Rhino Elite medicine balls are available in 11 different weights so you can really vary your resistance levels.

Gel Filled Medicine Balls

These gel filled medicine balls are the softest most pliable medicine ball available. They are designed for a softer grip on the ball and are perfect for use with medicine ball rebounders or for general training. Made from durable roto-molded PVC shells these medicine balls are built to last. In addition each ball features a textured cover for even easier catching.

Rope Handled Medicine Balls

Rope handled medicine balls are designed for specific exercises. Each rope handled medicine ball is fitted with a strong yet soft rope for a wide variety of advanced medicine ball activities. Swinging, throwing and chopping exercises are performed with these medicine balls. Don’t worry if your budget won’t allow for more than one kind of medicine ball you can also remove the rope and use the ball as a standard medicine ball. Two soft rings keep the rope firmly in place to prevent knotting during use.

That is a short list of medicine balls you should consider when starting your routine. You will find tons of information regarding medicine ball exercise and how to use medicine balls to pinpoint different muscle groups for your sport specific needs on the internet. My only advice is to make sure you stick to information provided by professionals in the field. Exercising the wrong way will do more harm than good. A complete selection of medicine balls used in commercial facilities is available at www.morleyathletic.com.

Alternative Medicine – Avenue for Medical Tourism

admin — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 03:20:15 +0000

The history of alternative medicine is a rather interesting one, and has its

origins in traditional methods of medicine. Alternative medicine has been

in existence since time immemorial. Being a primeval science, this medicinal

system has been known to man since the early days of his time on Earth. Using

natural ingredients to prevent and cure most illnesses has perhaps been man’s greatest foray into medical science. Traditional medical practitioners aimed at prevention of diseases associated with an increase in resistance of the human body. As an expert rightly pointed out, “The study of the history of alternative medicine is fascinating on a variety of levels, not just concerning other and often better ways of preserving and restoring health.”

Practised for thousands of years, alternative medicine includes systems like

Acupuncture, Ayurveda and traditional Asian medicine. Alternative medicine branches

out from the Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) treatments and

therapies. CAM is often combined with formal, conventional medicine, integrating

both medical practices, in order to give the best results to patients. It can be said that

the earlier methods of medicine were attempted at achieving a balance between bodily

and natural energy. Energies were sought as positive and negative energies, where

positive energies were to bring in happiness and health and negative energies an

incapacitation of resistance to face any ailments. Matters of utmost importance in

deciding therapies or treatments in these earlier medical systems were factors like

one’s lifestyle, one’s habits of eating and one’s occupational pressures.

The earliest use of traditional remedies dates back to 2800 BC in China.

Practised all over the world in more than a hundred disciplines, alternative medicine

has aided medical tourism in an unprecedented manner. Using alternative medicine

and following alternative medical practices not only removes any possible additional

affects of the illness but also increases the resilience of the body. It is generally

claimed that natural remedies are not only less inimical to human physiology

but they also help in retaining body pliancy. Systems of natural, traditional

medicines use a combination of ingredients to restore the bodily constituents. In

fact, natural remedies are considered more as food, given their natural constituents.

Since alternative medicine is based on completely natural methods and there is

no usage of any chemicals, there is no danger of any interference with the organic

system. A holistic approach as opposed to looking at a set of symptoms and a

treatment that delves into the root-cause of an illness are some of the distinct and

highly acknowledged features of alternative medicine. It is also opined that

widespread use of modern medicine has deteriorated the immune system in the

human physiology and has resulted in these modern medicines becoming less

effective. It is also often said that alternative medicine is the only way to cure

some incurable diseases.

A Brief History of Alternative Medicine

The history of alternative medicine can be traced back to some 5000 years, when the Chinese and Indians discovered traditional and Ayurvedic therapies to heal the body and the mind. The real objective was to identify the deterrents in the body system which caused ailments, and

strengthened the body’s immunity. The therapies mainly incorporated self-care, lifestyle

changes and various preventive measures. The normal practices that were followed in the early stages of the history of alternative medicine include the extractions of the bark of willow trees. Many kitchen ingredients were also used for treating patients. The treatments were considered as the blessings of God, as it brought immense relief to the writhing bodies and prayer was considered as one of the strongest weapons in waging war against ailments.

Source: “A Brief History of Alternative Medicine”, http://www.med-help.net/med-history-of-alternativemedicine.

html

Alternative Medicine and Medical Tourism

Today, alternative medicine holds out immense potential in attracting medical

tourists. For example, India is likely to become a major hub for medical tourism,

with revenues from the industry estimated to grow from US$333 million in 2007

to US$2.2 billion by 2012, says a study by the Confederation of Indian Industry

(CII) and McKinsey.3 The major competitive advantages that India faces are cost

effectiveness and traditional medical systems like Ayurveda and Naturopathy.

The world has witnessed the development of many traditional as well as modern

systems of medicine in the 20th century. Path-breaking discoveries like penicillin,

technological advancements in modern surgery, major research advancement in stem

cell research and genetic structure, and the development of traditional medical systems

like traditional Chinese system of medicine, Acupuncture, Osteopathy, Homeopathy,

Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani and others have all been a part of developments in the

omnipotent territory of global medicine. The major competitive advantages that India

has are cost effectiveness and traditional medical systems like Ayurveda and Naturopathy.

The last few years have seen countries with their own individual expertise attracting

tourists from all over the world and promoting medical tourism like never before.

India

In India, medical tourism in alternative medicine has its ancestry in South India

and some places in North-Eastern India. Internationally famed for its natural remedies and therapies, Kerala’s schools of medicine have embraced Siddha,

Naturopathy and Ayurveda in treating their patients. These traditional medical

practices are estimated to attract high-end medical tourists from Europe and

Middle Eastern countries. The vital advantages that a country like India faces

with regard to medical tourism are its traditional therapies like yoga and Ayurveda

combined with tourist attractions in states like Kerala and north-eastern states.

Naturopathy, a therapeutic system based on natural remedies, trusts natural

elements like air, water and sunlight, combined with therapeutic massages and

conditioning and toning of the human body. Naturopathy believes that the human

body has the capacity to heal on its own, provided it is in a healthy environment.

With a holistic approach to well-being, Naturopathy believes that the three

physical entities – the physical body, the supernatural soul and the mind – must

be integrated through natural energies. “A recent survey shows that 76% of global

drugs are consumed by USA and European countries. We believe that freedom

from diseases and drugs can only be achieved by living a natural life style.”4

Ayurveda, the most ancient health care system, takes its ingredients from nature.

The use of herbs, materials like gold and mercury and many household ingredients

make this science easily accessible to common man. Ayurveda claims to cure diseases

like diabetes with the aid of nature. The Siddha medical system, which is a part of

Ayurveda, employs herbs, minerals and advanced scientific techniques under ancient

principles of medical science to cure many chronic diseases. It is named as one of

the most complicated and intricate forms of medicine. Siddha considers nature

and
man as one essential entity. It claims that physiological characteristics like

human aging can itself be arrested with natural remedies.

Naturopathy has evolved medical tourism in India in more than one ways.

With its systems of medication using all natural ingredients to restore the holistic

disease-fighting nature of the human body, the medicine has created increased

chances of its own survival through tourists from all parts of the world visiting

India to reap its benefits. As Vitthal Kamat of the Kamat Group of Hotels says,

“With Naturopathy and Ayurveda along with the world renowned tourist attractions

and heritage places, the tourism sector can grow in leaps and bounds.”5 Naturopathy

in “KayaKalp”, a naturopathy centre in Himachal Pradesh, run by the Vivekananda Medical Research Trust in India has served medical tourists in detoxifying, immunizing and rejuvenating through Yoga, Pranayama, Panchkarma, Meditation and Naturopathy. Its therapies are claimed to be drug-less and extremely natural. Naturopathy takes the help of Ayurvedic preparations for healing processes like Panchkarma and improvement of blood circulation.

India’s pioneer in alternative therapy – medical tourism, Kerala, has visitors

from all over the world in the months of June, July and August. These months are

looked upon as the best period for cure of bodily ailments through Ayurveda.

High quality medical facilities provided at low prices are the main tourist attraction

in Kerala. Mr. M Narayanan, head of Poovar Island Resort says that there are

tourists from countries like Australia, Europe and Germany. The packages offered

in these Ayurvedic spas include services like Ayurvedic oil massages, powder

massages, vegetarian diets, detoxification programs and a lifestyle change. In fact

it is little known that Ayurveda includes not just massages, but a whole gamut of

services like herbal and natural diet plans, natural healing therapies, and therefore

a full-fledged medical system.

Ayurveda Gram, a unique Ayurvedic Institution in Bangalore offers Ayurveda

in its wellness form to medical tourists. It offers services like Customized Yoga,

Pranayama, Meditation, and a vegetarian diet to boost metabolism. Its sprawling

campus full of medicinal herbs and natural surrounds helps in the processes of

cure for specific ailments like Arthiritis, Spondilytis, Cholesterol, Sinusitis, Peptic

Ulcer and Obesity. Other therapies by Ayurveda Gram include Stress Management

therapies, Panchkarma and rejuvenation therapies.

AYUSH, the department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha

and Homeopathy was formed under the Indian Medicine Central Council Act,

1970. One of the most recent awareness activities undertaken by AYUSH was a

health fair organized in parts of Hyderabad, Chennai, Indore and New Delhi.

AYUSH ensured that the major Ayurvedic, Unani and Siddha manufacturers in

India participated in this health fair.

Another famous Ayurvedic centre in India is the C V N Kalari Centre for

Ayurveda. Kalari is one of the approved Ayurvedic centres recognized by the

Kerala Tourism Department.6 Kalari has its customers from many foreign countries. The centre specializes in Marma Chikitsa (the application of pressure on specific

nerve points) and other special practices of healing. Having both therapeutic and

rejuvenative aspects in them, these specialized healing procedures take extensive help

of Ayurveda to treat the ailing.

Some Ayurvedic resorts have formulated Ayurvedic kitchens that help improve

the effectiveness of oil treatments. Diet regimens, detoxification programs and other

processes that give a glowing skin to the customer are very popular. Some of these

Ayurvedic resorts also arrange for cooking classes to help their customers acquire

and maintain the lifestyle that they are introduced to in these spas and resorts.

Ananda, an Ayurvedic Spa in the Himalayas is one of the most famous destination

resorts in India. It offers specialty Ayurvedic packages like Aroma therapy massages,

reflexology programs for rejuvenation, stress release programs, personalized Yoga

sessions, body composition analysis and weight reduction programs through Yoga

and Ayurveda. Ananda claims that its packages and therapies cure many ailments

like headaches, nausea, climatic disorders, facial paralysis, insomnia, asthma, neuralgia

and does general improvement of metabolism.

China

The 3000 year-old method of traditional medicine in China has gained popularity

as the world’s most popular medicine, being used by more than a quarter of the

world in treating even chronic diseases like cancer, AIDS, allergies and heart diseases.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses medicinal herbs, therapeutic exercises

and acupuncture to cure ailments. TCM diagnoses illnesses based on the five elements

theory and the yin-yang theory. The five elements theory base their evaluation on the

five elements – wood, fire, earth, metal and water to establish a connection between

human physiology and pathology and the natural environment.7 The movement of

these five elements constantly rules the functioning of the human body and thus

establishes the interdependence of both.

The yin-yang theory calls for comprehending the bright and dark sides of

the universe, in other words, the opposite properties of the universe.8 The relative

nature of yin and yang represents the interrelationship between substance and function. As traditional chinese medical practitioners say “Only with ample

substance can the human body function in a healthy way; and only when the

functional processes are in good condition, can the essential substances be

appropriately refreshed.”

Chinese herbal medicine is more known as Chinese materia medica. This includes

Chinese crude medicine, prepared drugs in pieces, traditional Chinese patented

medicines and simplified Chinese medicinal preparations. Chinese herbology, a major

aspect of TCM addresses the art of combining medicinal herbs.10 It visualizes the

entire human body’s balance of energies and spirit to treat a medical condition.

Herbs are combined into different potions of various characteristics for the sake of

different individuals being treated by TCM practitioners. Herbs like Astragalus,

Ginkgo, Ginger, Green Tea, Siberian Ginseng and Garlic are used to treat several

ailments. Around 300 mineral and animal extracts and 400 formulae are used to

cure diseases, in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Acupuncture, as part of TCM is used to unblock the flow of vital energy through

the human body.11 One of the oldest healing techniques in the world, this traditional

method aims at “restoring health through simulation of specific points on the body.”12

Ailments like nausea, addictions and some kinds of pains are claimed to be treated

with the help of acupuncture.

Taking advantage of its abundant human resources, China is luring medical tourists

into its web of alternative medical therapies. Wellness packages in China come at

low costs and without any side-effects, thanks to proliferated Traditional Chinese

Medicine. Several massages and spas have been set up in recent times that provide

mental health and physical well-being to medical tourists with the help of Chinese

medicinal herbs. Wellness apartments are established for the purpose of serving

senior medical tourists. These well
ness apartments facilitate these tourists in

practising their own hobbies and also conducting medical activities like Taiji.

Germany

Germany’s alternative medical practices have their origins in Homeopathy, a

medical system that was developed by Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician.

Homeopathy considers symptoms as disturbances of vital forces that have

connection with the human body. Homeopathic advocators believe that this

medical system has the ability to cure acute diseases like flu, cold, pains, depression

and fatigue, constipation, irritability other than chronic diseases. It is claimed to

cure allergies and allergic disorders like Eczema and Asthma. Moreover, this

medical system is child friendly, in the sense, that the medication given by

homeopaths is sweet to the tooth and therefore acceptable. Homeopaths are known

for debonair and their hands free treatment of patients. They concentrate more

on the patient’s state of mind and attitude towards life. The preparation of different

potions in Homeopathy is done mostly with the help of herbs, minerals and

animal extracts. Also, it is often reasoned that since the dosage that homeopaths

prescribe is in such minute constitutions and because they come in dilutions of

substances like water and alcohol there is no chance of any side-effects.

Germany also stands famous for its herbal remedies. Regulated by Commission

E14 on the purity and pharmaceutical activity, these herbal medicines in Germany

have come a long way in preventing and curing many diseases like cancer, AIDS and

other serious ailments. Most physicians in Germany are required to be educated in

Alternative therapies, so that it serves complimentary to modern medical treatments.

As Mark Blumenthal, chairman of the American Botanical Council points out, “Most

of the clinical research that’s conducted on the leading herbal medicines in the United

States comes from Germany.”15

With more than 300 spa towns, Germany has become the premier destination

for health and wellness in Europe.16 One of the most famous resorts in Germany

is the Baltic Spa Resort in Warnemunde. Situated on the shore of the Baltic Sea,

it idealizes the sea as a “homeopathic pharmacy” and claims that “it contains all

important trace elements and has a similar composition to human blood”17 Sea water is said to have revitalizing effects in treating bodily ailments like respiratory

illnesses, sleep disorders and obesity. Other than these, mental disorders like

depression, anxiety and agony are claimed to be cured with the help of the sea.

Sea breeze is said to be specifically effective in treating cardio-vascular as well as

dermatological conditions. Major advantages that Germany faces are in terms of

both cost and quality. As Axel Steller, the CEO of the Arab German Health

Foundation points out, “In the US, operations are four to five times more expensive

as they are in Germany”.

Japan

Japanese medicine is known as Kanpo or Kampo, a herbal medicine that forms part

of well-researched modern clinical methods and also traditional methods of

medicine. A Japanese variant of the traditional Chinese medicine or the Oriental

medicine, Kanpo adheres to the body’s natural instincts and natural mechanism

of healing. For this purpose, medical treatment involves diagnosis of the tongue,

abdomen and pulse. At each stage of the treatment, different formulae that are

necessary to bring the body back to normalcy, are prepared by the physician.

These herbal medicines are regulated by the Japanese Government. Kanpo

medicine is used to cure many acute and chronic ailments like cardio-vascular,

respiratory, digestive, reproductive and dermatological conditions and immune

system corrections and even disorders like bedwetting, high cholesterol and

hepatitis. Though Kanpo therapies take longer than usual to work, this medical

system uses some very natural diagnosis and treatment methods and concepts

like water, blood and air to identify bodily symptoms. Also, it is claimed that

these herbal medicines produce no side-effects because of their natural

compositions. Japanese therapists of Anma visit countries like India and Singapore

to help in promotion of health tourism. Anma, a traditional Japanese massage, is

said to be a complete form of Shiastu19 that treats the body to release blood flow

in a proper manner to rejuvenate the body.

Apart from attracting tourists for its natural herbal medical treatments, Medical

tourism in Japan has become popular thanks to its volcanic areas that have allowed

the formation of some hot mineral water springs called Onsen. Japanese Onsen serve as places where the ailing can get alternative treatments to modern medical

practices. These have medicinal properties that heal wounds, alleviate pains and

replenish energy levels. Senior tourists and people suffering from many kinds of

aches and pains come flocking to these mineral water springs. The healing

properties of these springs are accentuated by the surrounding volcanic soil that

is composed of many minerals and curative elements.

Outlook of Medical Tourism in Alternative Medicine

Alternative medicine is here to stay, claim some traditional medical practitioners.

Given its perceived advantages over the modern medical techniques and the expensive

western medicines, alternative medical therapy is gaining ground in many developing

as well as developed countries. Practices like Ayurveda and Homeopathy claim that

surgery may always be the last option in case of treatment of an ailment. Natural

medicines like herbs and minerals can all be partaken as food and not medicines as

such, since their composition is all natural. Alternative medicine is used in conjunction

with modern medicine to treat many chronic ailments like diabetes and AIDS. This

helps modern medical practitioners to evolve a closer relationship with the patient

and cure him to a greater extent, thus giving him a new perspective to life. It follows

that one should never overlook the disposition of the traditional cures suggested by

our ancestors. These provide a standpoint from where one can comprehend the

profundity of traditional and alternative medicine, and gauge the tremendous potential

of alternative medicine in medical tourism.

Please seek author’s permission for reprint. Send a reprint request to kirrti82@gmail.com.

References

1. www.hinduonnet.com

2. “Kerala”, www.takekerala.com

3. “Prospects of Medical Tourism in India”, www.mpiweb.org

4. “Medical Tourism push for Penang and Langkawi”, http://thestar.com.my

5. www.wikipedia.com

Impact of Education on Ethno-medicine and Health Care Practices Among the Tribal People of India

admin — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 16:48:15 +0000

Impact of Education on Ethno-Medicine and Health Care

Practices among the Tribal People of India



We must protect the forests for our children, grandchildren and children yet to be born. We must protect the forests for those who can’t speak for themselves such as the birds, animals, fish and trees.

INTRODUCTION

            Anthropology as an integrated science of man deals with biological and cultural aspects of man. Presently anthropologists are more involved in applying their knowledge and techniques for human welfare.

            Ethno-medicine is a sub-field of medical anthropology and deals with the study of traditional medicines: not only those that have relevant written sources (e.g. Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda), but especially those, whose knowledge and practices have been orally transmitted over the centuries.

            In the scientific arena, ethno-medical studies are generally characterized by a strong anthropological approach, more than a bio-medical one. The focus of these studies is then the perception and context of use of traditional medicines, and not their bio-evaluation.

TRIBES IN INDIA

            The Indian sub-continent is inhabited by 88.2 million tribal populations belonging to over 577 tribal communities that come under 227 linguistic groups. They inhibit varied geographic and climatic Zones of the country. Their vocation ranges from hunting, gathering, cave dwelling nomadic to societies with settled culture living incomplete harmony with nature.

            Forests have been their dear home and totally submitted themselves to forest settings. Their relationship with the forest was symbolic in nature. They have been utilizing the resources without disturbing the delicate balance of the eco-system. Tribal thus mostly remained as stable societies and were unaffected by the social, cultural, material and economic evolutions that were taking place with the so called civilized societies. But this peaceful co-existence of the tribal has been disturbed in recent years by the interference in their habitats. Traditional communities living close to nature have, over the years acquired unique knowledge about the use of living biological resources. Modernisation, especially industrialization and urbanization has endangered the rich heritage of knowledge and expertise of age old wisdom of the traditional communities.

            A study on the utilization of local tribal revealed that they hold precious knowledge on the specific use of a large number of agents of wild plant and animal origins, the use of many are hitherto unknown to the outside world.

HERBAL HISTORY AND TRADITION IN INDIAN CONTEXT

          The Rigveda, the oldest document of human knowledge mentions the use of medicinal plants in the treatment of man and animals. Ayurveda gives the account of actual beginning of the ancient medical science of India, which according to western scholars was written between 2500 to 600 B.C. Charaka and Susruta wrote around 1000 B.C. Charaka concentrates more on medicine while Susruta deals with surgery in details along with therapeutics.

TRIBES AND ETHNO-MEDICINE

            Ethno-medicine refers to “those beliefs and practices relating to disease which are the products of indigenous cultural development and are not explicitly derived from the conceptual frame work of modern medicine” (Hughes, 1968, cited from Misra et al, 2003). Various institutions are now concerned with the traditional health care system and means of traditional treatment.

            The tribal people are the real custodians of the medicinal plants. Out of 45,000 species of wild plants, 7500 species are used for medicinal purposes. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been promoting a movement for ‘Saving plants for saving lives’. This is because of the growing understanding of the pivotal role medicinal plants play in providing herbal remedies to health maladies.

            India is the home of several important traditional system of health care like Ayurveda. This system depends heavily on herbal products. Several millions of Indian households have been using through the ages nearly 8000 species of medicinal plants for their health care needs. Over one and half million traditional healers use a wide range of medicinal plants for treating ailments of both humans and livestock across the length and breadth of the country. Over 800 medicinal plant species are currently in use by the Indian herbal industry.

            In recent times with the increased knowledge of life and culture of the tribal communities, the social scientists are taking interest in ethno-medicinal studies. Many works have been reported especially from among the rural and tribal communities of India (Choudhury, 1986; Bhadra and Tirkey, 1997; Sharma Thakur, 1997).Ray and Sharma (2005) have given a description of ethno-medicinal beliefs and practices prevalent among the Savaras, a tribal community of Andhra Pradesh.

            Kumari (2006) gave an account on the concept of illness and disease and the application of folk medicine among the Saureas of Jharkhand. However, ethno-medicinal studies are relatively less in Northeast India. Guha (1986) has reported from among the Boro-Kachari tribe of Assam. A glimpse of indigenous health practices among the plain tribes of Assam is given by Sharma Thakur (1999). The socio-economic condition of some of the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh and their problems of health and indigenous methods of treatment has been reported by Choudhury (2000), Duarah andPathak (1997), Kohli (1999), Bhasin (1997, 1999,2002, 2003, 2005).

ETHNO-MEDICINE AND HEALTH CARE PRACTICES AMONG SONOWAL KACHARIS IN ASSAM (INDIA)

            The Sonowal Kacharis is an endogamous group of Kachari tribe and a popular plain scheduled tribe population of Assam. Various types of locally available herbs and leaves of wild plants are used by them as medicine. Like many other communities of the region, there are few herbal specialists among the Sonowal Kachari. These specialists or medicine-men have considerable knowledge about the herbs and its medicinal use. Normally they learn about these medicinal plants and its uses from their ancestor. These medicine-men are referred by different term according to the cultural norms. Among the Sonowal Kachari’s they are called as Bez (Barua and Phukan, 1958: 334). Of course in rural Assam, they are mainly known by this term.

It has been observed in the villages that use of herbal medicine for curing certain diseases are quite known to the people and besides medicine-men, many elderly persons known about the use of herbal medicines. Some of the diseases and their indigenous methods of treatment are given below:

(1) Fever: Lime (Citrus auran tifolia) juice mixed with sugar is applied on the forehead of the patient to get relief from fever.

(2) Diarrhoea: Dry goose berry (Emblica officinalis) powder and black salt mixed with cold water is taken. Bark of Long Pepper (Pipoli tree) mixed with Misiri water is also used to cure the disease.

(3) Dysentery: Lime (Citrus auran tifolia) juicewith hot water and little salt is used in dysentery. The juice of black Tulsi leaves (Ocimum sanctum) and Sirata
(Swertiachirata) is also used for the purpose. The juice of tender leaves (three numbers) of mango (Mangifera indica), black berry (S.cuminii) and goose berry (Emblica officinalis) (equal proportions) together with honey are mixed with goat milk and is taken to cure blood dysentery. Honey together with the juice of Dubari grass (Family-Gramineae) can cure blood dysentery and need to be taken for three/ four days. They also use a kind of wild herb, locally called Manimuni (Centila asiatica).The juice of this herb mixed with sugar or honey should be taken continuously for a month to cure the disease. They also use limewater (chun pani) mixed with juice of turmeric (Purcuma domestica) leave to get relief from blood dysentery and mucous.

(4) Blood Vomiting: A table spoon of carrot (Dancus carota) juice mixed with honey can cure blood vomiting.

(5) Liver Disease: Two to three raw or ripe Papayas (Carica papaya) daily can cure liver disease. A curry prepared from the bud of banana (Musa paradisiaca) and the meat of pigeon is also used as a medicine for the purpose.

(6) Jaundice: The medicine is prepared by pounding five or six number of Silikha (Myroballum) mixing with jaggery and it can cure jaundice. A glass of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) juice twice daily prescribed for the purpose. Boiled raw papaya (Carica papaya) is said to be good for curing the disease. Kardoi (Averrhoa carambola), Goose Berry (Emblica officinalis), Sugar cane (Saccharun officinarum), Neem leave (Azadirachta indica), a wild herb known as Duran ban (Lecas aspera), Brahmi sak (Herpestis monnieria), Purakol (Musa sapientum) are prescribed edibles for the patient.

(7) Nose Bleeding: Flower of Pomegranate (Punica granatum Linn) is crushed and 3-4 drops of juice is poured inside the nose to give immediate relief.

(8) Tonsilities: Juice is prepared by mixing one Amara seed (Sponolias mangifera), one Silikha seed (Mysoballum) and a piece of Turmeric (Purcuma domestica) and advice the patient gargles for a week regularly.

(9) Worms: Paste of five lemon seeds (Citrus aurantifolia) mixed with water and is prescribed to eat in empty stomach for a few days. The twigs of Chirata (Swertia chirata) are soaked in the water overnight and the water is prescribed to drink in empty stomach in the morning for one week regularly.

(10) Scabies: Lemon juice (Citrus aurantifolia) mixed with coconut oil is massaged for curing scabies. To remove scabies they take bath with hot water in which leaves of Neem (Azadirachta officinarum) were boiled. Twigs of Chirata (Swertia chirata) arecrushed into paste with water to be used as an ointment and applied on the skin. Chirata water is prescribed to drink in the morning in empty stomach.

(11) Pain in the Ear: Juice of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) is boiled and put it in the ears to heal earache.

            The patient is treated with available herbs, flora and minerals. Some of these are home remedies and some are specially prescribed by herbalist or folk medicine man available in the community. The practice of ethno-medicine is a complex multi-disciplinary system constituting the use of plants, spirituality and the natural environment and has been the source of healing for people for millennia. The spiritual aspects of health and sickness have been an integral component of the ethno-medicinal practice for centuries.

Diseases due to wrath of the supernatural

Disease

Supernatural agencies

Pujas (Rituals)

Dysentery, mental diseases, cancer

Deo

Propitiated by sacrificing two red cocks, one red hen, and one egg, besides other items of feast. Arrangement is made in the forest.

Asthama, Mental

Disease, cancer

Lord of water

Jalkhai puja, worshipped by sacrificing one white duck and other items of feast, rice, salt vegetables, etc.

Accident, sudden illness

Burah-dangoria

No sacrifice. Only raw items, e.g. gram, rice, powdered rice, etc. are offered to propitiate Burah-dangoria.

Gastritis

Ancestral spirits

Ai puja, no sacrifice is made except offering of raw articles, powdered rice, gram with betel nut and leaves.

Epidemic and natural calamities

Mother goddess

Community level worship by arranging bhur-utuwa puja. One pair of betel nut and leaf is offered from each family. One red duck is offered on behalf of the villagers. All the offered articles are placed in a boat.

Epidemic and large scale death of men and animals

Mother goddesses of forest.

A white goat is a must for the Puja besides other offering.

PRESENT POSITION OF TRIBES

          The tribal health care practices and system of treating diseases are based on their deep observation and belief in nature. But with the development of education and their awareness towards importance of health and health care and also with the advent of modern health care facilities, Government health measures these people are becoming more interested in taking modern medicine instead of traditional herbal medicine.

SAVING THE PLANT IS SAVING THE LIFE

            According to the text of Vishnu Samhita, causing any harm to the plants/animals is a sin. Even purloining of parts/ products of any of these living beings is a crime. The sinner/ criminals are liable to chastisement in this life and also after death. The punishments are of diverse nature:-pecuniary, corporal, expiatory and donation of specific articles to Brahmins.

CONCLUSIONS

            The growing disinterest in the use of the ethno-medicinal plants and its significance among the younger generation of the tribes will lead to the disappearance of this practice. Educated younger generation of the tribes should be encouraged by the Government to protect and cultivate these valuable herbal plants before they get lost due to the impact of modernization and urbanization and also due to deforestation.

            The role of Anthropology is also very important in the field of saving herbal plants. By educating tribal people we can preserve all these things for future generation. It is the Government duty to take necessary steps to preserve all these things.

Reference:

Barua, I. and R. Phukan. 1990. “Socio-religious aspects of Health among Sonowal Kachari”. The Eastern Anthropologist, 55: 4.

Bhasin, Veena. 1997. “Medical Pluralism and Health Services in Ladakh.” J. Soc. Sci., 1: 43-69.

Bhasin, Veena. 1997. “The Human Settlements and Health Status of People of Sikkim”, (Pp. 153-187), in K.C. Mahanta (ed.), People of the Himalayas:Ecology, Culture, Development and Change. Delhi:Kamla-Raj Enterprises.

Bhasin, Veena. 1999. Tribals of Ladakh: Ecology, Human Settlements and Health. Delhi: Kamla-Raj Enterprises.

Bhasin, Veena. 2002. “Traditional Medicine among Tribals of Rajasthan.” J. Soc Sci., 6(3): 153-172.Bhasin, Veena. 2003.”Sickness and Therapy among Tribals of Rajasthan.” Stud. Tribes and Tribals, 1(1): 77 -83.

Choudhury, S. 2000. “Indigenous beliefs and Practices of herbal Medicine among the few Arunachalis”.Resarun, 26. 72-81, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh,Department of Cultural Affairs.

r/>

Das, B. M. 2007. “Sonowal Kachari Nigostiya parichya”, (Pp. 1-3) in M. Sonowal (ed.), Sonowal Saurav Smarak Granth. Assam: Sonowal Kachari SanskriticMahotsava.

Duarah, D. K. and S. D. Pathak. 1997. “A short note on the health care practices among the Nishis of Arunachal Pradesh. (Pp. 73-78) in F. Ahmed Dasand R. K. Kar (eds.), Health Studies in Anthropology. Department of Anthropology, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh.

Kumari, P. 2006. “Etiology and Healing Practices: A study in primitive societies of Jharkhand”, (Pp. 487-499) P. Dash Sharma (ed.), Anthropology of Primitive Tribes in India. New Delhi: Serial Publications.



Guha, A. 1986. “Folk medicines of the Boro-Kacharis –A Plain Tribe of Assam”, (Pp. 191-199) B. Choudhuri(ed.), Tribal Health. New Delhi: Inter-India Publications.

*****