Evolution of Medicine : From primordial healing to modern lifestyles

Boro Laipubam
The evolution of medicine is the long journey from supernatural and herbal remedies in prehistoric times to today’s Science based, technology-driven healthcare. Since the primordial age, medicine has been derived from plants, minerals, and animals—initially for survival and injury care, and later for targeted treatments in the modern era.
All living creatures rely on chemical processes; these chemicals ultimately determine energy balance and shape our health culture. Yet today, the growing popularization of non-chemical therapies such as yoga, music, and meditation highlights the urgent need to reconsider how we approach health in modern lifestyles.
This shift toward non-chemical interventions is not limited to humans. Even in agriculture, to increase crop yield and quality, farmers and researchers are exploring non-chemical methods. Studies have shown that sound waves can stimulate and enhance plant physiology, influencing germination, flowering, and productivity. Perhaps such observations explain the origin of rhythms and songs traditionally associated with cultivation and harvesting practices.
As the era of synthetic chemicals faces increasing challenges, researchers are redirecting focus toward regenerative medicine, stem cell therapy, and genetic modification in the pursuit of curing lifestyle-related diseases. Simultaneously, the evolution of medical diagnostics and treatment methods is accelerating due to modernization and rapid technological advancement.
1. Primordial and Prehistoric Medicine
In early human societies, medicine was instinctive and survival-driven. Illness was often attributed to supernatural forces such as spirits or curses. Healing was done on plant-based herbs, roots, leaves, animal products, minerals, rituals, and spiritual practices.This created the idea that nature itself is the first Doctor.
2. Ancient Traditional Medicine
With the of rise of civilizations, medicine became more structured and systematic.
Ayurveda emphasized balance among body, mind, and spirit. Traditional Chinese Medicine focused on energy (Qi), acupuncture, and herbal therapy. Egyptian medicine introduced surgical tools and medical documentation.
This era marked the beginnings of diagnosis, record-keeping, and ethical medical practice.
3. Medieval Medicine
Medical progress slowed due to religious dominance, yet notable developments occurred. Hospitals were attached to monasteries with the early surgery, wound management and medical knowledge spread through scholars.
However, limited hygiene and lack of scientific understanding reduced treatment effectiveness.
4. Renaissance to the Industrial Revolution
This period marked a decisive shift from belief-based to evidence-based medicine. During this stage human anatomy was studied through dissection, discovery of blood circulation, invention of microscopes and the introduction of vaccination.
Science and medicine became deeply interconnected.
5. Modern Medicine (20th Century)
The 20th century witnessed revolutionary healthcare advancements include antibiotics and mass immunization, advanced surgery and anesthesia, imaging technologies such as X-ray, CT, and MRI were introduced with public health systems and preventive medicine.
6. Medicine in the Modern Lifestyle Era
Today, healthcare is shaped by lifestyle, technology, and behaviour.
Lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity dominate with the expansion of AI-driven diagnostics system, digital health, and telemedicine.
Personalized medicine and genetic testing are emerging and increased focus on prevention, wellness, and mental health.
Ironically, while medical science advances, modern lifestyles continue to generate new health challenges.
7. The Present Reality: Completing the Circle
Modern healthcare is now converging ancient wisdom with modern science such as Yoga, mindfulness, and herbal medicine coexist with pharmaceuticals and technology. Integration of computers with the human body is no longer theoretical. For instance, Neural implants, Nerve-controlled prosthetic limbs, Bionic vision systems, Artificial organs and cognitive enhancement etc.
These developments raise profound ethical questions regarding human-machine fusion and the future of healthcare.
The recent rise in the region of non-allopathic therapies is reshaping healthcare dynamics. These approaches are often more cost-effective, accessible, and socially accepted.
Manipur, with its rich biodiversity remains under explored for medicinal research. Unlocking this potential could offer sustainable economic solutions and promote a higher quality of life—reducing dependence on imports and counteracting sedentary, screen-driven lifestyles.
Conclusion
Medicine has evolved from instinct to intelligence. Yet, true health ultimately depends not on how advanced our treatments become, but on how consciously we choose to live.
Healthy lifestyle remains the most powerful medicine.