Abstract

In our country both ancient indigenous systems of medicine and modern medicine exists side by side. In the recent past there is an upsurge of interest in age old medicine and therapeutic methods especially Ayurveda and an important issue facing modern Ayurveda is its integration with modern medicine. Contrary to the prevailing practice of oral tradition, some of the scholars in this teacher-students lineage prefer to codify whatever knowledge they did acquired. The compilation of the precepts and practices in internal medicine in ancient times was owed to Charka (1st century BCE). Sushruta (6th century BCE), the descendant of Dhanvantari school was a keen listener and codified surgical practices of his time. Ancient Indians were also the first to perform amputations, caesarean and cranial surgeries. With the knowledge shed by our ancient sages many western scientists pursued their studies in many areas of medicine e.g., embryology, blood circulation, treatment of osteo- arthritis/rheumatoid arthritis, leech therapy etc. The challenge today is to integrate the best of the different healing traditions to meet the healthcare needs of contemporary society.