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Social research and health care planning in south asia - part 1

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Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Social research and health care planning in south asia - part 1
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:

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Author:

Charles Leslie


Ancient Science of Life:

(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)

Full text available for: Social research and health care planning in south asia - part 1

Year: 1988

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA


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Summary of article contents:

Introduction

This paper by Charles Leslie explores social research and healthcare planning in South Asia, particularly focusing on the comparative study of medical systems and their implications for public health projects. It examines the evolution of medical anthropology since 1965, highlighting the growing interest in medical systems of South Asia and the need for a cross-cultural understanding of health concepts. The author emphasizes the complexities surrounding indigenous medical practices and the relationships between various healthcare traditions, particularly concerning the integration of allopathic and indigenous medicine.

The Pluralism of Medical Systems

One important concept discussed in the paper is medical pluralism, which refers to the coexistence of diverse healthcare systems and practices within South Asian society. Leslie notes that while modern medicine dominates politically and legally, humoral medicine remains culturally prevalent. Various medical traditions—indigenous systems, Ayurveda, Unani, and cosmopolitan medicine—interact in complex ways. Patients often navigate these systems in a pragmatic manner, combining treatments from different traditions based on perceived effectiveness and personal experience. The anthropological essays reviewed illustrate how the relationships and interpretations within these medical systems reveal the intricacies of healthcare-seeking behavior in rural and urban contexts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Leslie's exploration of social research on South Asian medical systems underscores the need for an integrated approach to healthcare planning that acknowledges the cultural significance of indigenous practices alongside modern medicine. The paper advocates for understanding the pluralistic nature of health beliefs and practices among the population to improve health outcomes. By documenting the complexities of medical pluralism and the relational dynamics between practitioners and clients, the author highlights the importance of establishing frameworks that respect and incorporate local knowledge within broader health strategies.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What was the purpose of Charles Leslie's research in South Asia?

The research aimed to discuss social research and health care planning systems in South Asia, highlighting the relevance of understanding diverse medical practices for effective health care planning.

How did villagers perceive Western medicine compared to indigenous practices?

Villagers distinguished between 'doctor medicine' and 'village medicine,' generally relying on local remedies for chronic conditions but seeking Western medicine for acute diseases, seeing practitioners from Western medicine as outsiders.

What role do indigenous medical practitioners play in health care?

Indigenous practitioners provide a significant portion of medical care, often integrating modern drugs with traditional practices, and play a crucial role in community health despite being politically and legally subordinated.

What challenges did researchers find in South Asian health care systems?

Challenges included the coexistence of diverse health care traditions, differing levels of practitioner training, and varying public perceptions of medical effectiveness, leading to a complex landscape of health beliefs and practices.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Social research and health care planning in south asia - part 1�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses a range of systems that include indigenous healing practices, Western biomedicine, and cultural interpretations of health. In South Asia, many healing traditions coexist, promoting a pluralistic healthcare approach where individuals may navigate therapeutic choices based on belief, effectiveness, and social context.

2) Ayurveda (Ä€yurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian medical system emphasizing balance and harmony within the body and between individuals and their environment. It utilizes herbs and diets to maintain health and treat ailments, incorporating concepts like doshas and holistic wellness, reinforcing its cultural significance amidst modern practices.

3) Knowledge:
Knowledge in this context refers to the understanding and interpretations of health and illness across various medical traditions. This encompasses local insights, cultural narratives, and formal medical training, which influence healthcare practices and guide individuals in choosing appropriate treatments.

4) Vaidya:
Vaidya comprises practitioners of Ayurveda, often revered for their deep understanding of traditional medical knowledge and herbal remedies. They play a crucial role in the health of communities, utilizing holistic approaches that resonate with local customs and health concepts, amidst modern medical systems.

5) Drug:
In both traditional and modern medicine, drugs serve as essential components for treatment. They include indigenous herbal remedies as well as synthetic pharmaceuticals, highlighting the blending of practices. The perception of drugs varies culturally, which influences their integration in health-seeking behavior.

6) Rasa (RasÄ, Rasha):
Rasa denotes the vital juice or essence that is central to the Ayurvedic understanding of life. It connects the physical and spiritual aspects of health, illustrating how diets, plants, and bodily functions interplay in maintaining balance, vital for effective treatment and healing.

7) Water:
Water represents a foundational element in Ayurveda, symbolizing purity and essential for bodily functions. It plays a significant role in treatments and detoxification processes, reinforcing the holistic perspective that emphasizes balance among elements within the body and their interactions with external environments.

8) Substance:
Substance refers to the materials and entities in both Ayurveda and cosmopolitan medicine that influence health. In Ayurveda, it captures the essence of medicines, food, and even emotions, linking them to bodily functions and overall health, underscoring the systemic interplay of various factors.

9) Science (Scientific):
Scientific encompasses empirical methods of understanding health and illness, particularly through Western biomedicine. It contrasts with traditional perspectives, influencing healthcare policies, practices, and the integration of diverse medical systems in South Asia.

10) Blood:
Blood is critical in various healing traditions, seen as a vital fluid in both Ayurveda and Western medicine. It symbolizes life force and is interconnected with other humors; understanding its state is essential for diagnosing ailments and determining corrective therapies in treatment.

11) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transform highlights the dynamic nature of health and healing processes. It represents the idea that treatments, whether through diet, herbs, or modern medications, can alter physical and spiritual well-being, signifying the continuous interplay of healing traditions and their practical applications.

12) Training:
Training refers to the education and skill development of healthcare practitioners. In South Asia, this includes both formal qualifications from institutions and informal learning through traditional practices, impacting the effectiveness and acceptance of various medical systems within communities.

13) Diet:
Diet is a cornerstone of health in Ayurveda, emphasizing the importance of balanced food intake in maintaining bodily equilibrium. It embodies the connection between lifestyle and health, illustrating how nutrition is formative in preventative care and treatment of diseases.

14) Discussion:
Discussion serves as an essential tool for knowledge-sharing among practitioners and laypersons. It fosters understanding of illnesses and therapies, merging different perspectives, and can bridge gaps between traditional practices and modern medical concepts, facilitating holistic healthcare decisions.

15) Activity:
Activity involves the various actions individuals take concerning their health, including seeking treatment or employing preventive measures. Understanding health-seeking behavior encompasses cultural, social, and economic factors that guide people in navigating pluralistic medical systems.

16) Channel:
Channel signifies the pathways of energy or substances in the body, representing Ayurvedic concepts of circulation and functioning. It underscores the interconnectedness of bodily processes with external factors, emphasizing holistic health management and the significance of maintaining proper flow.

17) Oshadhi (Osadhi, Osadhī, Oṣadhi, Oṣadhī):
Osadhi refers to medicinal plants and herbs, fundamental to Ayurvedic practice. Their therapeutic properties are highly regarded, and they form the basis of treatment, highlighting the traditional emphasis on natural remedies and the relationship between nature and health.

18) Bitter:
Bitter is one of the six tastes recognized in Ayurveda, influencing dietary and medicinal choices. It plays a role in digestive health, and its incorporation into treatments reflects the nuanced understanding of how different flavors affect the body’s balance and healing.

19) Rakta (RaktÄ):
Rakta signifies blood in Ayurveda and is one of the body's vital humors. Its balance is crucial for health, with disturbances seen as contributing to various ailments; thus, it becomes a focal point for treatment and understanding health dynamics.

20) Vata (VÄá¹­a, Vaá¹­a, VÄta, Vaá¹­Ä�):
Vata is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, representing air and space. It governs movement in the body and is essential in maintaining balance; its disturbances can lead to various health issues, emphasizing the holistic approach to treatment.

21) Vayu (VÄyu):
Vayu, meaning wind, is closely associated with the concept of movement in both the physical and metaphysical aspects. In Ayurveda, it pertains to one of the vital energies affecting bodily functions, illustrating the interconnectedness of elements in health.

22) Rheumatoid arthritis:
Rheumatoid arthritis is reflected in the discourse around modern and traditional treatments, illustrating how different systems approach chronic illnesses, highlighting the implications of integrating Ayurvedic concepts of imbalance alongside conventional medical understanding.

23) Caraka-samhita (Caraka-saṃhitÄ):
Caraka-samhita is a foundational text in Ayurveda, detailing principles of medicine, diagnosis, and treatment. It serves as a critical reference for practitioners and illustrates the historical continuity of Ayurvedic knowledge and its application in Contemporary healing contexts.

24) Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy represents a modern, scientifically-backed treatment pathway for cancer, illustrating the contrast between biomedicine and traditional healing approaches. Understanding its role reveals the complexities in treating severe ailments and the pathways for integrating diverse medical ideologies.

25) Accumulation (Accumulating, Accumulate):
Accumulated reflects the buildup of substances, energies, or experiences in the body that may lead to health imbalances. In Ayurvedic practice, addressing these accumulations is essential for restoring health, showcasing the holistic approach to understanding disease.

26) Agriculture:
Agriculture symbolizes the interconnectedness of lifestyle and health in Ayurveda, where the knowledge of natural processes informs dietary choices. This relationship exemplifies the comprehensive approach taken in traditions where health is influenced by environmental factors.

27) Apanavayu (Apana-vayu, ApÄnavÄyu, ApÄṉavÄyu):
Apana-vayu is a specific aspect of Vata, governing downward and outward movements in the body. Its balance is essential for excretion and reproductive functions, illustrating the Ayurveda's intricate understanding of bodily functions and the need for harmony.

28) Vatarakta (VÄtarakta, Vata-rakta):
Vata-rakta represents an imbalance where air and blood qualities interfere with health, emphasizing the interconnectedness of doshas in diagnosing and treating conditions. Understanding such relationships is crucial for a holistic medical approach.

29) Mahabhuta (MahÄbhÅ«ta, Maha-bhuta):
Mahabhuta refers to the five great elements (earth, water, fire, air, space) in Ayurvedic philosophy, serving as a foundational framework for understanding health. Their balance and interrelations are pivotal for maintaining wellness and informing treatment methodologies.

30) Vitiation (Vitiated):
Vitiation speaks to the disruption or imbalance of health factors, central to Ayurvedic diagnosis and treatment. Understanding vitiation assists practitioners in determining therapeutic interventions, underscoring the approach that focuses on restoring equilibrium.

31) Caitanya:
Caitanya signifies consciousness or life essence in Ayurveda, critical in understanding the connection between physical and mental health. Its study reflects the holistic nature of health care in traditions where mind-body connections are integral to treatment.

32) Madhura (MadhurÄ, MÄdhura):
Madhura represents the sweet taste, one of the six tastes in Ayurveda, linked to health and wellness. Its significance in diets and remedies underscores the role of flavors in maintaining balance and treating bodily ailments.

33) Samhita (SaṃhitÄ, Saṃhita):
Samhita refers to the compilation of Ayurvedic texts and knowledge that document the principles and practices of this medical system. It is essential for practitioners, illustrating the continuous evolution and application of Ayurvedic wisdom.

34) Nigraha (NigrÄha):
Nigraha refers to restraint or control in the context of Ayurvedic practices, emphasizing the importance of moderation in diet and lifestyle for maintaining health. It signifies the proactive measures within traditional healing frameworks.

35) Krishna (Kṛṣṇ�, Kṛṣṇa):
Krishna is a significant figure in Indian culture, often associated with healing and holistic traditions. His mention reflects the integration of spiritual beliefs and health practices in South Asia's medical systems, highlighting the interplay of culture and care.

36) Hridroga (Há¹›droga, Hrid-roga):
Hrdroga pertains to heart-related disorders within the Ayurvedic texts, providing a historical framework for understanding cardiovascular health in traditional medicine. It emphasizes the holistic approaches taken in diagnosing and treating such conditions.

37) Brahman:
Brahman, representing the ultimate reality in Hindu philosophy, reflects the spiritual foundations that often underpin health systems in South Asia. Its association with healing practices illustrates the intertwining of spirituality and health.

38) Quality:
Quality refers to the intrinsic characteristics of treatments, substances, or practices in Ayurveda and other medical systems. Emphasizing quality is essential for ensuring effective healthcare delivery, highlighting individual experiences within pluralistic frameworks.

39) Habitat:
Habitat relates to the environments in which individuals live, influencing health outcomes and treatment practices. Understanding habitat is critical in acknowledging the broader social and ecological factors that affect health in South Asian societies.

40) Tantra (TantrÄ, Tamtra, Tantrism):
Tantric refers to an esoteric spiritual tradition often intertwined with healing practices. Its significance in the discourse illustrates the diversity of medical systems in South Asia, where spiritual elements coexist with physical remedies.

41) Caraka (CÄraka, CÄrÄka):
Caraka is noted as a pivotal figure in Ayurvedic medicine, contributing significantly to foundational texts. His teachings reinforce the cultural heritage and depth of Ayurvedic practice, influencing contemporary understandings of holistic health.

42) Vedana (VedanÄ):
Vedana conveys the experience of pain or suffering, highlighting the subjective aspect of health and illness in treatment decisions. Its role emphasizes the importance of individual perceptions in navigating medical practices.

43) Katuka (Kaá¹­ukÄ, KÄá¹­uka):
Katuka indicates the bitter taste in Ayurveda, its therapeutic properties contributing to digestive health and balance within the body. Understanding therapeutic qualities associated with tastes is fundamental to Ayurveda's dietary prescriptions.

44) Shukla (Åšukla, ÅšuklÄ, SuklÄ, Sukla):
Shukla signifies purity or brilliance in Sanskrit, often associated with positive aspects of health. Its inclusion reflects the philosophical dimensions of Ayurvedic practice, underscoring the quest for harmony and balance within health paradigms.

45) Hridaya (Há¹›daya):
Hrdaya denotes the heart in Ayurvedic philosophy, symbolizing both physical and emotional health. Its conceptualization emphasizes the heart's integral role in various bodily functions and health practices.

46) Lavana (Lavaṇa, Lavaṇ�):
Lavana refers to salty taste, one of the six recognized in Ayurveda, playing a vital role in stimulating digestion and maintaining bodily balance. It illustrates how tastes contribute to overall health and the therapeutic process.

47) Aguru:
A-guru translates to without a teacher, indicating self-learning or informal education in medical practices. It highlights the diverse pathways of knowledge acquisition in traditional contexts, emphasizing the value of experiential learning.

48) Kashaya (KÄá¹£Äya, KÄÅ›aya, KÄsÄya, Kaá¹£Äya, KaÅ›Äya, KÄsaya, Kaá¹£ÄyÄ, KasÄya, Kasaya):
Kasaya is associated with astringent taste in Ayurveda, contributing to health through its tightening properties. Its importance lies in the balance of tastes for therapeutic effectiveness in diet and treatment.

49) Cancer:
Cancer signifies a critical health issue, prompting diverse treatment approaches including modern and traditional methods. It illustrates the challenges faced by practitioners in integrating various medical discourses while addressing complex illnesses.

50) Reason:
Reason encompasses the logic and understanding applied in medical discourses. It reflects how patients and practitioners navigate decision-making in health-seeking behavior, integrating cultural beliefs with empirical observations.

51) Desire:
Desire speaks to the motivations influencing health choices and behaviors. In the context of pluralistic medicine, understanding patient desires helps practitioners align treatments with individual needs, enhancing overall healthcare satisfaction.

52) Phlegm:
Phlegm, another vital humor in Ayurveda, signifies excess mucus believed to indicate specific health conditions. Its management reflects the complex interplay of bodily elements in maintaining health and the intricacies of traditional treatments.

53) Pandita (Paṇá¸ita, Paṇá¸it, Paṇá¸itÄ, Pandit):
Pandit denotes a learned scholar, often associated with traditional knowledge systems in India. In healthcare, they symbolize the blend of scholarly expertise and practical healing wisdom, crucial for preserving cultural medical practices.

54) Tikta (TiktÄ):
Tikta represents the bitter taste recognized in Ayurveda, linked to digestive stimulation and detoxifying effects. Its role in treatments accentuates the nuanced understanding of tastes and their therapeutic implications in health.

55) Pakva:
Pakva means ripe or cooked in Ayurvedic terminology, symbolizing nourishment and completeness. Understanding this concept is essential for balanced diets and treatments, reflecting broader philosophical dimensions in Ayurveda's approach to health.

56) Dhatu (DhÄtu):
Dhatu refers to the seven bodily tissues in Ayurveda, crucial in understanding physical health and nourishment. The balance of dhatus is vital for sustaining energy and vitality, emphasizing the holistic nature of Ayurvedic health practices.

57) Apana (ApÄna, Ä€paṇa, Ä€pÄna, ApÄṇa, Ä€pÄṇa, Ä€pana):
Apana relates to the downward energy in the body governing excretion and reproduction, underscoring its importance in Ayurvedic health concepts. Its management is key in preventative medicine and overall well-being.

58) Dharin (DhÄrin, Dhari):
Dhari signifies the support or sustenance of life surrounding health, crucial for nourishment and vitality in Ayurvedic thought. Understanding its implications enhances comprehension of dietary practices and patient care.

59) Acrid:
Acrid refers to a sharp or pungent taste that influences health in Ayurveda. Its inclusion among the six tastes underscores how diverse flavors contribute to dietary prescriptions and treatment outcomes.

60) Salt (Salty):
Salty, representing one of the six tastes in Ayurvedic medicine, plays a role in nutritional balance and stimulating bodily functions. Its consideration in dietary practices underscores the holistic approach to health.

61) Cina (CÄ«na, CÄ«nÄ, Ciṉa, CiṉÄ�, CīṉÄ�, CinÄ):
China represents an alternative medical tradition that has coexisted with Ayurveda and Western medicine. This relation exemplifies the global diversity of healing practices, influencing health approaches and collaborations across cultures.

62) Guru:
Guru symbolizes the teacher or guide in traditional learning. In healthcare, practitioners may act as gurus, sharing vital knowledge with patients and students, reinforcing the cultural transmission of medical wisdom.

63) Maru:
Maru represents a significant aspect of research into health practices and their ties to cultural contexts. It reflects the integration of local knowledge in addressing health issues, emphasizing the importance of grassroots approaches.

64) Ojas:
Ojas signifies vitality or life force in Ayurveda, representing health and well-being. Its importance reflects the emphasis on balancing physical and mental dimensions, reinforcing the holistic perspective in medical practices.

65) Dosha (Dosa, Doá¹£a, DosÄ, Doá¹£Ä�, ḌosÄ):
Dosa refers to the three fundamental energies in Ayurvedic medicine that govern physiological functions. Understanding dosas is crucial for diagnosing and treating imbalances, illustrating the core concepts of traditional healthcare.

66) Amla (AmlÄ, Ä€mlÄ):
Amla, indicating the sour taste, is vital in promoting digestion and health in Ayurveda. Its ingestion emphasizes the role of taste in regenerative medicine and reflects Ayurveda's comprehensive approach to wellbeing.

67) Guna (Guṇa, Gūna):
Guna represents properties or qualities in Ayurvedic thought, essential for understanding substances, behaviors, and illnesses. Its significance is vital for discerning treatment modalities and feeding into the holistic understanding of health.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Social research and health care planning in south asia - part 1�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Therapeutic action, Medical system, Ayurvedic theory, Doctor-patient relationship, Medical Pluralism, Home remedies, Indigenous medicine, Health professional, Medical anthropology, Folk practitioners.

Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.

Cultural continuity.

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