TRADITIONAL INDIAN MEDICINE IN SINGAPORE : A GEOGRAPHICAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Traditional Indian medicine which is based on the interrelationship of three mam theories, the Tridosha (the three humors) theory, Panchamahabhutas (the five elements of nature) and the Virya concept (hot-cold dichotomy), is an intricate system of healing and maintaining health that has a long history originating m India. Through a geographical perspective, this study is aimed at analyzing the present state of Indian medicine in Singapore in terms of knowledge, practice and trade of traditional Indian medicinal products. Techniques including library research , fieldwork, a structured survey (N=100) and in-depth interviews (N=8) in Little India were employed to define the subjective and objective aspects of traditional Indian medicine. With regard to the knowledge of Indian medicine, the study found that Indians view traditional Indian medicine as the use of herbal remedies (mentioned by 49% of respondents). Moreover, traditional medicinal knowledge amongst Singaporean Indians is mostly confined to common Indian medicinal resources that are familiar and accessible in Singapore (e.g. medicinal plant sources such as ginger and garlic) and the medicinal cures used were for simple ailments (e.g. flu, coughs, fever). However three major illnesses, diabetes, high blood pressure and rheumatism common amongst Singaporean Indians are widely treated by common medicinal resources (e.g. bittergourd for diabetes). Most Singaporean Indians have some basic knowledge of the three mam theories of Indian medicine mentioned above. Not all traditional Indian medicinal knowledge amongst Singaporean Indians translates into the practice of Indian medicine. Self-treatment by individuals and family for specific illnesses (usually common ailments) is most commonly used by 'local' Indians. Traditional Indian medicine however, is not equally utilized by Singaporean Indians. Differences in utilization of Indian medicine is explained by personal and non-personal factors. Personal factors include age, experience, level of knowledge of Indian medicine, gender, ethnolinguistic group, religion and educational levels. Non-personal factors include the family, the local 'urban' setting, the influence of mass media and the government (Indian medicine is not legalized). To endorse the use of Indian medicine, the study looked at the 'supply' side of traditional Indian medicine (retail trade and marketing) and found it to be active. The presence of shops, market suppliers and illegal trade activities contribute to a constant supply of traditional Indian medicine in Singapore. Manufactured Indian medicines especially from India and Malaysia, and fresh medicinal plants from Malaysia (Johor, Melaka) show the sustained consumer demand for Indian medicine in Singapore. The study suggests that although Indian medicine, like other traditional medicinal systems, is bound to face challenges from Western medicine, the knowledge, practice and the trade activities of Indian medicine are likely to endure since traditional Indian medicine is closely tied up with the preservation of Indian culture.