International Journal of Indic Knowledge Systems
ISSN: 3108-2394
Health and Wellbeing: Role of Traditional Medicine Practises in India and Southeast Asia
Saswat Kumar Pradhan, Nikunj Makwana
Volume 1 · Issue 1 · May 2025
Abstract
Traditional medicine constitutes a well-established science and practice within the domains of medicine and healthcare, enduring through generations and often perceived as an alternative to Western medicine, especially within Southeast Asian communities. Historically, both flora and fauna have been utilized as sources of medicinal compounds, and even in the present day, systems reliant on these natural resources continue to hold importance in healthcare. The understanding of health within traditional medicinal paradigms is shaped by a broad spectrum of spiritual and empirical influences. These influences include religious and philosophical systems followed by vast populations, as well as local folk beliefs, each uniquely distinct. Health crises have a profound impact on developmental activities worldwide, necessitating the mobilization of political, financial, and technical resources on a global scale. In Southeast Asia, for millions, traditional healing or medicine serves as the primary means of addressing physical, mental, and emotional distress. For those who consistently engage in traditional healing practices, illness is understood not just as a specific organic disorder but as a disruption of the physical, mental, and emotional balance within their community. This balance is shaped by the socio-cultural environment, spiritual beliefs, and divine principles. This present paper will try to find out, how traditional medicine practices has been dealing with diseases, in India and Southeast Asia. Simultaneously, present study will also try to understand the interconnection between health care system and traditional systems of medicine practised in South-east Asia in context of health and wellness of people. Also, this study will try to comprehend the relevance of the traditional medicine system and health seeking behaviour during Public Health Emergencies in South East Asia. Proposed study will use secondary data from literatures.
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How to Cite This Article
Pradhan, S. K., & Makwana, N. (2025). Health and wellbeing: Role of traditional medicine practises in India and Southeast Asia. International Journal of Indic Knowledge Systems, 1(1), 9-35.