Heritage consistency is a concept developed by Estes and Zitzow (1980, p. 1) to describe “the degree to which one's lifestyle reflects one's tribal culture.” The attempt is to study the degree to which a person's lifestyle reflects their traditional culture, such as European, Asian, African or Hispanic. Culture is a way through which we express ourselves. It is the sum of beliefs, practices, habits, likes, dislikes, norms, customs, rituals, and so on that we have learned from our families over the years of socialization (Spector, 2009, p. 9-11). Indian culture is truly unique and diverse. Healthcare traditions in India have their roots in history. There are various healthcare traditions and customs in Indian culture. Our traditional lifestyle is oriented towards herbal medicines. Ayurveda, Homeopathy, herbal medicines and Yoga are other health traditions used in the treatment of diseases. Indigenous or traditional doctors continue to practice across the country. The two main forms of traditional medicine practiced are the Ayurvedic system (meaning the science of life), which deals with causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment based on all aspects of well-being (mental, physical and spiritual), and unani (so-called Galenic medicine) herbal medical practice. A vaidya is a practitioner of the Ayurvedic tradition and a hakim (Arabic for a Muslim doctor) is a practitioner of the unani tradition. These professions are often hereditary (“Healthcare in India,” n.d.). Traditional healers used herbal medicine to prevent and treat diseases. Yoga is an ancient art of healthy living practiced by saints in India. Yoga is the integration of body, mind and soul. Practicing yoga regularly helps people... middle of paper... traditional methods of maintaining health and is still used by people. Cultural heritage is unique to each culture and plays an important role in people's healthy lives. Professional heritage is another branch that deals with people's lives. I am proud to be part of my professional legacy. References The five traditional Indian health practices. (n.d.). Retrieved February 27, 2011, from http://www.rediff.com/getahead/slide-show/slide-show-1-specials-top-5-traditional-indian-health-practices/20101122.htm Healthcare in India. (n.d.). Retrieved February 27, 2011, from http://www.indianchild.com/health_care_in_india.htmSpector, R. E. (2009). Cultural diversity in health and disease (7th ed.). New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall. The Middle Eastern community. (n.d.). Retrieved February 27, 2011, from http://www.culturediversity.org/mide.htm