Dear Santosh, The reason that I initially posted the piece that was the subject of this thread is to demonstrate how far this nation of (predominantly?) vegetarians has aped the meat-eating gluttony of the west (led by our Portuguese ex-colony) when US doctors have to tour the country promoting vegetarianism as a healthier alternative to coronary bypass surgery and insulin dependence. Naturally, the medical profession would be putting themselves out of business by recommending healthier lifestyles ;-)
My LIFE is dependent on science but not to the extent that I have to close my mind to the possibility that there are still unexplored areas. Unlike jc, I DONT take scientist's data on faith because, if I doubt it, I have all the tools necessary to verify it myself. Just because science has not elucidated the mechanisms of alternative therapies doesn't mean that they have to be discounted out of hand. I don't use any of them in my practice because I am scientifically inclined against them but will, on occasion, refer clients to local alternative practitioners when I am out of options. Acupuncture was derided until it was scientifically shown that the endorphins it produced could explain it's temporary beneficial effects. However, concepts like phlegm and the (triple?)afterburner as well as the energy meridians do not yet and may never will have scientific explanations. The benefit of practicing meditation cannot be scientifically explained but has been scientifically quantified. Mainstream medicine (speaking of murky waters) would be well advised to adopt the holistic approach instead of prescribing a pill for every ailment that fits the list of textbook diagnoses. However, these days, doctors are more inclined to prescribe the pill for fear of litigation if they do not, even if it's a sugar pill. http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1700079,00.html It is no wonder that many good doctors are looking to expand their practices to include law. Scientists and those who depend on science professionally have come to revere it as the Holy Grail. I have a deep respect for science and live my life based on it's inferences, but know that there is much we still have to learn and have tried to avoid being sucked into it's vortex of arrogance. I am disgusted with quackery just as much as I am disgusted by the materialism of modern medicine. I do not condone the exploitation of (sometimes terminally) ill patients. I posted the link to the outcome of the lawsuit against Quackbusters because there are always two sides to every story... and the spin masters are getting better and better every day. Reading the two sites (Quackbusters and Quackpotwatch) are as interesting as the debates here on GoaNet. As a Secular Humanist, I am aware that the perception of wellbeing is just as important as being physically well. Cancer patients have extended their lifespans and remission rates with positive attitudes and in some cases, yes, even prayer. Vegetarianism, as FN has mentioned, is satisfying for the body as well as the 'soul' (and before anyone jumps down my throat for using that nebulous term, I am referring to the 'mental attitude'). I am not advocating veganism for meat-eaters as long as they are mindful of the ramifications of their gustatory preferences. I feel that public perceptions about meat-eating today are where they were about smoking 50 years ago. Sincerely, Kevin Saldanha Mississauga, ON. ================== Date: Sat, 26 Jan 2008 10:33:02 -0800 (PST) From: Santosh Helekar <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Dear Kevin, So now you have stopped relying on science as well? Do you believe petty lawsuits settle scientific issues? Are you willing to vouch for the credibility of the above website, its authors and the unscientific treatments they promote? Your answers to these questions would be instructive. Cheers, Santosh -- http://2008goanconvention.com http://www.multiculturalcanada.ca/ecp/content/goans.html
