Nature manifestation in philosophy, diagnosis and treatment of disease based on Ayurvedic and Malay traditional medicine: A comparative study

Pusat Pengajian Sains Kesihatan, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian Kelantan

^* Corresponding author: faienur@usm.my

Abstract

Man and nature is an important concept in the traditional community’s universal perspective. This concept can be seen in the universal and cosmological view which discusses questions on the origin of human and nature existence. In traditional medicine context such as Ayurvedic and Malay, this nature manifestation not only can be seen in medical philosophy but also diagnosed medically, as well as treatment given to the disease. This research paper discussion is focused on the community’s conception towards natural elements either physically or the opposite and the manifestation of understanding towards their medical philosophy. Among the concept that will be discussed are natural elements such as soil, water, fire, air and ether or better known as the space which is not only important in the context of nature composition but also in the human body based on Ayurvedic medicine. Research is done through the observation of literature and interview with Ayurvedic and Malay traditional medicine practitioners. The outcome obtained has shown that there is a difference between the diagnosis and Ayurvedic treatment which focuses on the characteristics and physical signs compared to traditional Malay medicine which also includes personality diagnostic methods as well as physical attributes and signs for the purpose of disease diagnosis.