There are a large number of diverse, therapeutic or preventive, medical practices and therapies, that are not part of the conventional (Allopathic) medicinal system, existing today. These are generally known as Alternative / Complimentary systems and therapies.
India is home to several alternative systems of medicine such as the Ayurveda, Siddha and so on. Knowledge of medicine in India has been considered as the out-come of the great power of observation, experimentation and analysis, with the patient effort of hundreds of investigators spread over thousands of years. This knowledge has been documented in an integrated form in the 'Vedas'-the most ancient document about Indian wisdom and knowledge.