Indian System of Medicine has a long history and is perhaps, the oldest in the world. This knowledge is the foundation and the starting point of the origin and growth of India's indigenous systems of medicine. Originating from the Vedas, Ayurveda, is the knowledge of life (' Ayus' meaning life, 'Veda' meaning knowledge). It is now the oldest surviving complete medical system in the world. The knowledge of the science of life (Ayurveda), about 5000 years old, has had continuous progress, and provided the impetus for continued advancement in medical science through research and development. The discovery of Ayurveda was also accompanied by the discovery of medical properties of organic elements of nature, ushering in the knowledge of the medicines. From there followed the developments in the field of medicines. This had led to diversification as well as faster growth of the indigenous medicinal system.

Indian System of Medicine is time-tested and has survived the challenges coming from subsequent developments in the field of medical science, especially the development of the MSM and its rapid progress. Core strength of ISM is the knowledge and the skill of the ISM practitioners, who have traditionally languished in poverty. In the post-Independence period, in recognition of the relevance of the ISM for the people of India, the government had felt the need for official support for rejuvenation of the system by way of providing necessary institutional support. However, it was recognised more as an alternative, rather than main stream, system of medicine.

There are four wings of ISM -Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Yoga & Naturopathy.There are lot of linkages between them, especially in the diagnostic process and the medication system. Given this, it is amenable to development of an integrated system of ISM, including ISM products and indicating in the process a vast scope for further research and development.

While Ayurveda is an herbal system of medication, Siddha, a development of later period, is a herbo-mineral / metallic system. Siddha is another system of ancient medicine that had its origin in the Southern India. As in Ayurveda, diseases are diagnosed with the help of signs and symptoms. The materia medica consists of herbs, minerals and animal products.

The Unani system of medicines had its origin in Greece and was brought to India by the Arab scholars. Fundamental principle of the Unani system is that disease is a natural process and symptoms are reactions of the body to the disease. The system recognises the influence of surroundings and ecological conditions on the state of health.

Like Ayurveda and Siddha, Yoga & Naturopathy is also an old practice, focused primarily on maintenance of the health system, through certain yogic practices and natural treatment. Yoga is a long -practiced system of meditation for knowledge of the inner self and bringing 'harmony and natural order into life' Naturopathy, or naturopathic medicine, is a distinct integrated system of primary health care, consisting of the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of human disorders, by the therapeutic use of natural methods and. materials. The field of knowledge has a broad canvas, starting from the knowledge of creation to knowledge of medicines (including knowledge of the medicinal materials) to application of medicines according to diagnosis. The medicines in the ISM system are primarily herbal, and availability of a wide variety of medicinal herbs and plants within the country has acted as an important catalyst in growth and development of the ISM and folk physicians among various ethnic groups. The stock of medicinal plants and herbs, along with its diversity, provides ample opportunity for further development of the ISM in a more organised manner .

In India, the history of homeopathy is linked with the name of Dr. Honiberger, a French man who brought homeopathy to India in 1829. A German Physician, Dr. Christian Frederic Hahnemann discovered the fundamental principle in Homeopathy. Homeopathy is based on the cardinal principles such as:

1. The law of similars.
2. The law of direction of cure .
3. The principle of single remedy.
4. The theory of minimum diseases and
5. The theory of chronic diseases.