I read the sub-text of this debate (though clothed in a 'scientific' language) as an attempt to discredit all non-allopathic forms of medicine.
While we could always compare other religions, clothes, food, lands (doesn't anyone remember the 'which is the best place in the world to live in' Goanet debate?) unfavourably against our own, by creating a convenient set of goalposts. "Evidence-based medicine" has its own limitations. But the fact that allopathic cures have become so costly -- and can kill people because of their high price -- is matter for concern in itself, in parts of the world, such as Goa too. At the same time, many have faith in ayurveda, homeopathy, Indian and other non-Western forms of medicine. If they get relief from it, we should respect their preferences (rather than trying to prove them wrong). To me, it matters little whether this is the placebo effect at work, or how-the-mind-heals-the-body phenomenon. For instance: "The calming effect of reciting prayers with rosary beads is similar to that found in Islam, with the tasbih, and the mala used by Hindus and Buddhists. The concentrated appeal to God strengthens the immune system: incredible but true." 9/08 GEO, p 47). While we would like to debunk the forms of 'medicine' we don't believe in, an academic journal [1] carries an announcement of its forthcoming issue (April/May 2009) on "medical pluralism in contemporary India". Among the articles being debated are principle and practice in Siddha Medicine (by V Sujatha, who, incidentally, was at the Goa University and is a sociologist focussing on health matters); indigenous medicine in cosmopolitan Mumbai (Leena Abraham); ayurvedic manufacturing in Kerala; the place of dargahs in Mahashtra and recovering from psychosocial traumas (Bhargavi V Davar and Madhura Lohokare); indigenous traditions of midwifery (Mira Sadgopal). I think there's need for more open minds, and the ability to go beyond what we traditionally (or habitually) believe in ... FN [1] Economic and Political Weekly, which despite its name, also carries sociological, health, historical and other articles. P 43, April 4, 2009 -- FN * http://fredericknoronha.wordpress.com http://twitter.com/fn M +91-9822122436 P +91-832-2409490 http://fredericknoronha.multiply.com/ http://goa1556.goa-india.org "Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." - Abraham Lincoln
