Social research and health care planning in south asia-part 11
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Social research and health care planning in south asia-part 11
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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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 11
Year: 1988
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
In the second part of the study on social research and healthcare planning in South Asia, Charles Leslie argues for the integration of indigenous medical practices within state-funded health service systems in developing countries. He critically examines the relationship between alternative medical practices and the prevalent allopathic (scientific) healthcare model, emphasizing the historical and ideological biases that inform health planning in both developed and developing nations. The paper raises essential questions about the effectiveness, legitimacy, and cultural relevance of medical pluralism, ultimately calling for a reevaluation of the assumptions underlying health interventions in non-industrial contexts.
Medical Pluralism: Understanding Disease vs. Illness
One of the core concepts introduced by Leslie is the distinction between "disease" and "illness," which Leon Eisenberg has articulated. According to Eisenberg, "disease" refers to the scientifically diagnosed medical conditions, while "illness" encompasses the subjective experience of suffering. This distinction becomes crucial in understanding medical pluralism, wherein both allopathic and indigenous medical systems coexist and interact. While scientific medicine claims superiority in diagnosing and treating diseases, it often struggles to engage effectively with the subjective experiences described as illness. Indigenous medical practices, meanwhile, might not diagnose diseases in the same way but may excel at addressing the illness experience through culturally resonant frameworks. Leslie critiques the exclusive reliance on one medical paradigm, advocating for an integrated approach that recognizes the usefulness of both allopathic and indigenous systems in providing holistic care.
Conclusion
Leslie's essay articulates the necessity of acknowledging medical pluralism in healthcare planning, particularly in South Asia. He emphasizes that to recommend the integration of indigenous practices alongside allopathic medicine, health planners must avoid ethnocentric biases and understand the complementary roles these systems can play in patient care. By synthesizing contemporary scientific insights with traditional healing practices, planners can create more inclusive healthcare models that better address the diverse experiences of illness faced by populations in developing countries. Thus, embracing pluralism not only enriches medical practice but also recognizes the cultural and social contexts in which these healing traditions thrive.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main focus of this study on health care planning?
The study emphasizes the integration of indigenous medical resources within state-funded health service systems in developing countries to enhance healthcare effectiveness and reach.
What distinction does the author make between disease and illness?
The author distinguishes disease as a medical diagnosis and illness as a patient's subjective experience, highlighting that one can have a disease without feeling ill and vice versa.
How do allopathic and indigenous medicine differ in practice?
Allopathic medicine focuses on disease diagnosis and treatment, whereas indigenous medicine often emphasizes managing the illness experience through cultural practices and beliefs, leading to different patient-practitioner relationships.
What concerns does the author raise about health planners advocating indigenous systems?
The author critiques health planners for potentially promoting an inferior version of local practices, urging that acknowledging the value of medical pluralism in their own countries is essential for valid recommendations abroad.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Social research and health care planning in south asia-part 11”. 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 refers to the system and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease. In the context of the text, it encompasses both allopathic and indigenous systems, highlighting the ongoing debate and interaction between modern scientific approaches and traditional practices in various societies.
2) Science (Scientific):
Scientific pertains to the methodology and rigor associated with science. The text discusses its role in modern medicine, especially in diagnosing and treating diseases. It acknowledges the persistence of indigenous systems despite advancements in scientific medicine, and the validity of their practices as complementary rather than inferior.
3) Gupta (Guptā):
Gupta is a common surname referenced in the text, particularly in relation to contributions by Giri Raj Gupta in the context of social and cultural issues in medicine. His works illustrate the intersection of traditional and modern medical practices in South Asia.
4) Giri:
Giri, often referring to Giri Raj Gupta, denotes social scientists who analyze medical systems from anthropological perspectives. Their contributions shed light on how cultural beliefs and practices shape health-seeking behaviors and the interaction between different medical paradigms in South Asia.
5) Cina (Cīna, Cīnā, Ciṉa, Ciṉā, Cīṉā, Cinā):
China represents a model in the text for integrating indigenous medicine with modern health systems. The People's Republic of China is cited as an example of how health planners might rationalize the division of labor between indigenous practices and cosmopolitan medicine.
6) Knowledge:
Knowledge refers to the accumulation and application of information, particularly regarding health and medical systems. The text emphasizes the role of knowledge in shaping the efficacy and acceptance of both allopathic and indigenous practices in addressing health issues in various cultures.
7) Discussion:
Discussion involves the process of engaging in dialogue about different viewpoints on health. The text highlights the importance of discussion in understanding how medical pluralism operates, particularly the coexistence and negotiation between indigenous healing and scientific medicine.
8) Training:
Training refers to the education and skill development of health practitioners. The text discusses the need for health professionals to be trained in both scientific methods and cultural sensitivity to effectively collaborate with indigenous healing systems in diverse populations.
9) Hygiene (Hygienic):
Hygiene encompasses practices related to maintaining health through cleanliness. The text critiques how allopathic medicine sometimes prioritizes clinical hygiene standards, often overlooking the cultural significance and methods of hygiene practiced in indigenous medical systems.
10) Yoga (Yogā):
Yoga is a traditional practice originating from India that encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual disciplines. In the text, it is suggested as part of a therapeutic modality within Indian cultural contexts, showcasing the integration of physical practice with holistic health approaches.
11) Hand:
Hand symbolizes manual skills and the practical aspect of medicine in both indigenous and allopathic practices. The text discusses traditional healers who often engage in hands-on treatment, contrasting this with the often impersonal nature of modern medical consultations.
12) Barbara (Varvara):
Barbara likely refers to Barbara Myerhoff or another relevant figure in the anthropology of medicine. The mention reflects the interconnectedness of cultural narratives in understanding health practices, emphasizing the need for anthropological insights into medical systems.
13) Vaidya:
Vaidya refers to practitioners of Ayurveda or traditional Indian medicine. The text discusses how vaidyas navigate the medical landscape, often incorporating modern diagnostic tools alongside traditional therapies, exemplifying the hybridization of medical practices.
14) Prabha (Prabhā):
Prabha likely refers to a contributor to the discourse in the text, possibly connected to Prabha Ramalingaswami, whose work focuses on Indian health systems. This highlights the role of individual scholars in shaping the understanding of medical pluralism.
15) Kakar:
Kakar likely refers to D.N. Kakar, associated with the analysis of indigenous and modern medicine in India. The mention underscores the contributions of specific researchers in exploring the dynamics between traditional and scientific health regulations.
16) Maru:
Maru signifies Rushikesh Maru, who has conducted research on health policies in India. His works contribute to the understanding of the intersection between healthcare management and community health needs, emphasizing the role of localized solutions.
17) Mental disorder:
Mental disorder refers to a range of conditions affecting mood, thinking, and behavior. The text addresses how mental health practices intersect with traditional beliefs, illustrating the challenges in integrating these perspectives within the modern healthcare framework.
18) Mental health:
Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being. The text discusses the importance of understanding mental health through both allopathic and indigenous views, acknowledging the diverse cultural interpretations of mental wellness.
19) Cow dung:
Cow dung, mentioned as a traditional remedy, reflects cultural practices in certain medical systems. The text critiques the use of such practices in modern medical discourse, highlighting the tension between traditional beliefs and contemporary medical hygiene standards.
20) Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy symbolizes the advanced medical interventions often employed in allopathic medicine to treat diseases like cancer. The text discusses how modern treatments like chemotherapy coexist with traditional practices, emphasizing the need for integrative approaches to healthcare.
21) Tuberculosis:
Tuberculosis serves as an example of a disease that highlights the need for effective diagnosis and treatment within both allopathic and indigenous systems. The text reflects on how different medical practices address TB, demonstrating the complexities of health management in diverse contexts.
22) Perception:
Perception refers to the understanding and interpretation of health-related concepts. The text underscores the variations in patient perceptions of health across different cultures, influencing how individuals seek care and engage with medical practitioners.
23) Substance:
Substance in the context of medicine often refers to the materials or compounds used in treatments. The text discusses how both allopathic and indigenous practitioners utilize various substances for therapeutic purposes, showcasing the shared reliance on multiple modalities.
24) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine emphasizing holistic health. The text explores its integration with modern practices, advocating for a pluralistic approach to health care that recognizes the validity of Ayurvedic treatments alongside allopathic medicine.
25) Himalaya (Himālaya, Hima-alaya):
Himalaya signifies the geographical and cultural significance of this region in traditional health practices. The text reflects on how indigenous healing modalities in Himalayan cultures can inform broader understandings of health and medicine in South Asia.
26) Hysteria:
Hysteria is referenced as a historical diagnosis reflecting cultural interpretations of mental health. The text critiques the medical conception of hysteria and calls for a more nuanced understanding of diverse illness experiences across different medical systems.
27) Samkhya (Sāṅkhya, Saṃkhyā, Sāṃkhya, Saṅkhyā, Sankhya, Shankhya, Saṃkhya):
Samkhya is an ancient Indian philosophical system that contributes to Ayurvedic thought. The text notes its relevance in understanding cosmological principles underlying health practices, advocating for integrative approaches that honor philosophical contexts within modern healthcare.
28) Krishna (Kṛṣṇā, Kṛṣṇa):
Krishna may refer to cultural or mythological representations influencing health practices in South Asia. The mention illustrates how cultural and religious beliefs intersect with health-seeking behaviors, playing a role in shaping individual health experiences.
29) Nirmala (Nirmalā):
Nirmala likely represents a figure in the discourse, possibly Nirmala Maru, who explores health practices in Indian contexts. This illustrates contributions to the dialogue on the integration of traditional and modern health approaches within specific cultural settings.
30) Quality:
Quality refers to the standard of care provided in healthcare systems. The text critiques how quality is assessed differently across indigenous and allopathic practices and stresses the importance of recognizing diverse methodologies in delivering effective healthcare.
31) Leprosy:
Leprosy is mentioned as a significant public health concern historically resisted by modern medicine. The text explores the cultural perceptions and treatment thereof, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive approaches in addressing diseases traditionally viewed with stigma.
32) Tantra (Tantrā, Tamtra, Tantrism):
Tantric refers to traditional practices often associated with Indian spirituality and healing. The text highlights the significance of such practices in holistic health approaches, suggesting a dialogue between Tantric methodologies and modern medical treatments.
33) Malaya (Mālaya):
Malaya represents a geographical context within Southeast Asia where traditional medicine systems exist. The text acknowledges the diverse medical landscapes in Malaya, illustrating how different cultural practices inform healthcare delivery in the region.
34) Dharma (Dharmā, Dhārma):
Dharma refers to the moral and ethical duties guiding individual behavior in Indian philosophy. The concept influences health practices, as the text suggests that health-seeking decisions are often shaped by societal norms and individual responsibilities.
35) Mishra (Miśra):
Mishra signifies contributions from scholars like S.K. Mishra within the realm of medical anthropology. The text highlights their role in examining healthcare practices and their implications for policy and social attitudes towards health.
36) Satmya (Sātmya):
Satmya is a concept from Ayurveda regarding dietary compatibility and lifestyle practices. The text discusses the relevance of Satmya in understanding health and wellness, emphasizing its importance in aligning practices with individual needs.
37) Shukla (Śukla, Śuklā, Suklā, Sukla):
Sukla likely refers to a contributor to medical studies within South Asia, denoting the importance of local voices in the discourse around medical pluralism and the interactions between different healthcare systems.
38) Shastra (Śāstra):
Sastra refers to authoritative texts in Indian culture that provide guidance on various subjects, including medical practices. The text underscores its relevance in understanding traditional systems and the legitimacy they afford in contemporary healthcare settings.
39) Garlic:
Garlic is frequently used in traditional medicine for its purported health benefits. The text illustrates how common substances like garlic are integrated into both indigenous and modern practices, highlighting the shared wisdom across different medical traditions.
40) Debate:
Debate refers to the ongoing discussions regarding the efficacy and integration of various medical systems. The text engages in debates surrounding the superiority of scientific medicine versus alternative practices, emphasizing the need for pluralistic approaches.
41) Desire:
Desire influences health-seeking behaviors and choices in medical treatment. The text notes how personal and cultural desires shape interactions with various healthcare systems, driving the need for understanding individual motivations within health planning.
42) Ratna (Ratnā):
Ratna may refer to Ratna K. who has made contributions in the context of healthcare. This inclusion illustrates the role of individuals in advancing the study of healthcare practices and their integration into broader social frameworks.
43) Nandi (Nāndī, Nandin, Nāndi, Nandī, Nāndin, Namdi):
Nandi likely signifies a participant in the anthropological study of medicine in India, highlighting the diversity in experiences and practices in rural health settings as discussed within the context of the text.
44) Usa (Uṣā, Usā, Ūsa, Usha, Uṣa, Ūṣā, Ūṣa):
Usha may refer to Usha Bambawale or a related figure in the discussion of healthcare practices. This highlights contributions to understanding the complexities of medical systems within specific cultural settings.
45) Mani (Maṇī, Mānī, Maṇi, Māṉi):
Mani signifies an individual involved in the analysis of cultural practices in health. Their contributions emphasize the necessity of viewing healthcare through culturally specific lenses to understand individual and community behaviors.
46) Neem:
Neem is a traditional medicinal plant recognized for its beneficial properties in various cultures. The text discusses its role in indigenous practices, illustrating the importance of local knowledge in the context of herbal and natural remedies.
47) Diet:
Diet refers to the dietary practices associated with health and wellness. The text highlights how both allopathic and indigenous systems consider diet essential for treatment and prevention, reflecting the integral role of nutrition in health.
48) Drug:
Drug represents pharmaceuticals typically associated with allopathic medicine. The text scrutinizes the reliance on drugs within healthcare systems while advocating for a comprehensive understanding that includes indigenous remedies and their role in treatment.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Social research and health care planning in south asia-part 11’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Cultural tradition, Scientific medicine, Allopathic medicine, Primary health care, Medical Pluralism, Traditional healer, Home remedies, Patient compliance, Rural health services, Functional disorder, Health behavior, Integrated health system.
Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.