Background
Traditional medicine in India can be classified into codified (Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha,
Homeopathy) and non-codified (folk medicine) systems. Both the systems contributing
equally to the primary healthcare in India. The present study is aimed to understand
the current scenario of medicinal practices of non-codified system of traditional
medicine in Belgaum region, India.
Methods
The study has been conducted as a basic survey of identified non-codified traditional
practitioners by convenience sampling with semi structured, open ended interviews
and discussions. The learning process, disease diagnosis, treatment, remuneration,
sharing of knowledge and socio-demographic data was collected, analysed and discussed.
Results
One hundred and forty traditional practitioners were identified and interviewed for
the present study. These practitioners are locally known as “Vaidya”. The study revealed
that the non-codified healthcare tradition is practiced mainly by elderly persons
in the age group of 61 years and above (40%). 73% of the practitioners learnt the
tradition from their forefathers, and 19% of practitioners developed their own practices
through experimentation, reading and learning. 20% of the practitioners follow distinctive
“Nadi Pariksha” (pulse examination) for disease diagnosis, while others follow bodily
symptoms and complaints. 29% of the traditional practitioners do not charge anything,
while 59% practitioners receive money as remuneration.
Plant and animal materials are used as sources of medicines, with a variety of preparation
methods. The preference ranking test revealed higher education and migration from
villages are the main reasons for decreasing interest amongst the younger generation,
while deforestation emerged as the main cause of medicinal plants depletion.
Conclusion
Patrilineal transfer of the knowledge to younger generation was observed in Belgaum
region. The observed resemblance in disease diagnosis, plant collection and processing
between non-codified traditional system of medicine and Ayurveda require further methodical
studies to establish the relationship between the two on a more objective basis. However,
the practice appears to be at crossroads with threat of extinction, because of non-inheritance
of the knowledge and non-availability of medicinal plants. Hence conservation strategies
for both knowledge and resources at societal, scientific and legislative levels are
urgently required to preserve the traditional wisdom.
