Description
Book SynopsisAsian Medical Systems: A Comparative Study explores the enduring relevance and evolution of traditional medical practices in Asia, emphasizing their interplay with modern cosmopolitan medicine. The book examines three major medical traditionsChinese, South Asian (Ayurveda), and Mediterranean (Yunani)that developed independently yet share foundational principles such as humoral theories of balance and equilibrium. These systems, formalized between the fifth century B.C. and the fifth century A.D., established authoritative texts, professional standards, and ethical codes that continue to influence contemporary practices. Despite the dominance of cosmopolitan medicine, rooted in scientific advancements like germ theory and modern surgery, traditional medicine in many Asian countries coexists with modern approaches, supported by educational institutions, research bodies, and professional organizations. This pluralism is particularly evident in nations like China and India, where both syst