IKS Series : Book-4
Health and Well-Being in Indian Knowledge Systems
Chapter-1: Introduction to Health and Well-being in Indian Knowledge Systems
Overview: Explores the holistic concept of health across Indian traditional systems, emphasizing integration of body, mind, spirit, community, and nature for complete well-being and preventive healthcare.
Chapter-2: Folk and Classical Streams of Medical Knowledge in India
Overview: Differentiates between folk/tribal oral traditions and classical codified systems (Ayurveda, Siddha, Yoga), highlighting their coexistence, mutual influence, and contribution to India's medical heritage.
Chapter-3: Folk and Tribal Medicine: Key Practices and Traditions
Overview: Introduces diverse folk and tribal healing practices across India, focusing on community-based knowledge transmission, localized remedies, and specialized treatments preserved through generations.
Chapter-4: Medicinal Plants and Home Remedies in Folk Medicine
Overview: Discusses the vast repository of approximately 8000 medicinal plants used in folk traditions, simple household remedies, and their role in managing common ailments effectively.
Chapter-5: Primary Health Care in Folk Traditions: Bone Setting and Traditional Birth Attendants
Overview: Examines grassroots primary healthcare practices including traditional bone setting (fracture management) and role of dais (traditional birth attendants) in maternal and child health.
Chapter-6: Specialized Healers in Tribal Medicine: Poison Healers and Beyond
Overview: Highlights specialized tribal healers such as poison/visha experts, snakebite treatments, and other unique therapeutic skills developed through experiential knowledge in tribal communities.
Chapter-7: Historical Development and Milestones of Ayurveda
Overview: Traces the evolution of Ayurveda from Vedic period through classical texts, medieval compilations, colonial challenges, revival movements, to modern institutionalization and global recognition.
Chapter-8: Key Personalities, Textual Sources, and Regional Traditions in Ayurveda
Overview: Introduces major Ayurvedic scholars (Charaka, Sushruta, Vagbhata etc.), foundational texts (Brihat Trayi, Laghu Trayi), and distinctive regional variations across India.
Chapter-9: Pramāṇas in Ayurveda: Generation and Validation of Medical Knowledge
Overview: Explains epistemological methods (Pratyaksha, Anumana, Aptopadesha etc.) used in Ayurveda for acquiring, validating, and authenticating medical knowledge and therapeutic claims.
Chapter-10: Salient Features of Ayurveda: Nature-Centric and Person-Centric Approaches
Overview: Highlights Ayurveda's holistic philosophy – harmony with nature, individualized treatment based on constitution (Prakriti), integration of body-mind-spirit, and multipronged healing strategies.
Chapter-11: Pharmacopeia, Multi-Ingredient Formulations, and Treatment Strategies in Ayurveda
Overview: Covers extensive use of plant, animal, mineral sources; complex polyherbal/mineral formulations, various dosage forms, and comprehensive treatment including lifestyle, diet, and medicines.
Chapter-12: Foundational Concepts of Ayurveda: Doṣadhātumalasiddhānta
Overview: Explains core tridosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), dhatus (tissues), malas (wastes) theory as the fundamental framework for understanding physiology, pathology, and therapeutics in Ayurveda. (29 words)
Chapter-13: Concepts of Health, Daily Routines (Dinacaryā), and Seasonal Routines (Ṛtucaryā) in Ayurveda
Overview: Defines svastha (perfect health), details dinacharya (daily regimen) and ritucharya (seasonal regimen) for disease prevention and promotion of longevity and vitality.
Chapter-14: Good Conduct (Sadvṛtta), Disease Classification, and Specialties in Ayurveda
Overview: Covers ethical conduct (sadvritta), classification of diseases (Adhyatmika, Adhidaivika, Adhibhautika), sevenfold pathology, and eight classical clinical branches (Ashtanga Ayurveda).
Chapter-15: Historical Development, Personalities, and Textual Sources of Siddha Medicine
Overview: Traces Siddha system's origins in Tamil tradition, key Siddhars (Agastya, Bogar etc.), important texts, and its evolution as a distinct South Indian medical system.
Chapter-16: Foundational Concepts in Siddha: Tridoṣa, Pulse Diagnosis, Varma Treatment, and Herbo-mineral Formulations
Overview: Explains tridosha theory, unique naadi (pulse) diagnosis, varmam (vital points) therapy, preventive health concepts, and specialized herbo-mineral-metallic preparations in Siddha system.
Professional Note
Authors may submit chapters other than those listed above, provided the proposed chapter aligns with the overall theme and objectives of the book.