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. 2023 Nov-Dec;14(6):100831.
doi: 10.1016/j.jaim.2023.100831. Epub 2023 Nov 24.

Integrative biology for integrative medicine: A complete approach

Alex Hankey  1 , Anup Kale  2
Affiliations

Integrative biology for integrative medicine: A complete approach

Alex Hankey et al. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2023 Nov-Dec.

Abstract

Background: India's AYUSH systems of medicine, Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa, and Homeopathy, use natural self-healing abilities of body and mind. Their ways to treat non-communicable diseases reduce use of modern drugs with their side-effects. Scientific acceptance requires them to be explained from a modern biological perspective. This paper indicates how to achieve such an integrative approach, using aspects of biology not yet taught in medical schools.

Methods: A new, 'Sandwich Model' of biology is introduced that includes holistic epigenetic regulation; also, complexity biology's concept of self-organized criticality; a systems treatment of organism function from Ayurveda; and Ayurveda's six stages of etiology, Shadkriyakala.

Results: Molecular biology is upgraded by the sandwich model's layer of epigenetics, leading to a new, scientific definition of health as optimized regulation. Fractal Physiology then expands this to explain self-healing, used in all AYUSH systems. Ayurveda contributes in two ways: its systems approach yields a holistic understanding of organism functioning, while Shadkriyakala improves our understanding of pathophysiology.

Discussion: These additions create an integrative biology; modern biology expands to include AYUSH systems' concepts. It provides a scientific basis for India's plan for integrative medical education, with AYUSH systems treated as equal to modern medicine.

Keywords: AYUSH; Fractal physiology; Health; Integrative medicine; Optimal regulation.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of competing interest Neither Author has any Conflict of Interest to declare.

Figures

Image 1
Graphical abstract
Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Depicts the differences between the two models of biology.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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