Introduction to Traditional Medicine Program

Child Family Health International (CFHI) is the leading nongovernmental organization (NGO) placing health science students on global health education programs in ways that are socially responsible and financially just. We model best global health education practices which demonstrate a priority commitment to community engagement and local integrity.

I will be participating in the 'Introduction to Traditional Medicine' program in Northern India for the month of August. The program gives students the opportunity to learn about the traditional and indigenous systems of medicine in India. Participants will study the philosophies behind Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Homeopathy, and Reiki. In addition to learning about traditional medicine, students will observe how these practices may interact with Allopathic methods (aka Western medicine) and gain an understanding of the importance of cross-cultural competency in diagnosing patients who may be receiving a combination of modern and traditional treatments.

I will be travelling through three locations during the duration of the program; two weeks will be spent in the capital city of Dehra Dun. Students will then spend one week in the hill town of Rishikesh. The last week will be spent in Than Gaon, a rural village.