I Medicine and It Medicine
This note challenges the limiting belief that external medicine is the only solution to health problems. Solely relying on medicine, whether modern or alternative, can hinder our body's natural healing potential. It's time to move beyond the passive approach of popping pills. True healing requires active participation in our own well-being.
While modern medicine offers powerful tools for treating disease, in reality it's just one piece of the healing puzzle. True recovery goes beyond external interventions. Our physical body has an inherent capacity for self-healing. We need to harness this natural ability through the practice of Sri Anand Yoga.
Let us first understand what medicine is. Medicine is the vast field concerned with keeping people healthy. It involves both scientific knowledge and practical skills used to diagnose illnesses, predict their course, prevent them from happening in the first place, and treat them. This can involve curing diseases entirely, or managing them to improve a person's well-being.
The landscape of medicine can be viewed as a vast canvas. Modern medicine and alternative therapies each contribute vibrant strokes, creating a more comprehensive picture of healthcare.
Modern medicine draws on many areas of science, like biology and genetics, to develop tools and treatments. These can range from medications and surgery to psychotherapy and physical therapy.
Western medicine, also known as conventional medicine, represents a systemized approach to healthcare. Medical professionals, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and therapists, collaborate to diagnose and address a broad spectrum of illnesses. Their treatment options encompass medications, radiation therapy, and surgical interventions, all guided by established scientific principles.
On the other hand, alternative medicine encompasses a wide range of medical practices and systems from cultures around the world. This term is generally used to describe practices that are outside mainstream medicine. People are drawn to alternative medicines in the belief that it offers
Holistic approach: Unlike traditional medicine that often focuses on treating symptoms, alternative therapies aim to address the root cause of a problem by considering the whole person – mind, body, and spirit . This can lead to a more well-rounded treatment plan.
Fewer side effects: Many alternative treatments are seen as gentler on the body and have fewer side effects compared to conventional medications . This is appealing to people who want to avoid harsh chemicals or medications with a long list of potential side effects.
Natural ingredients: Alternative medicine often uses natural substances like herbs and acupuncture, which some find more appealing than synthetic medications.
Patient focus: Some people feel that alternative medicine practitioners spend more time with their patients and create personalized treatment plans based on their individual needs .
Stress reduction: Techniques like massage therapy or meditation can help people manage stress and improve their overall well-being .
There is a large section of the population who are dissatisfied with Western medicine. People are unhappy with the side effects of the Western Medicine and are frustrated with a lack of cure for some chronic conditions and the perception of impersonal treatment of the western medicine. There is also a perception of safety in alternative medicines vis a vis the Western Medicines.
Let's set aside comparisons between existing medical practices. For now, we'll bypass the debate on conventional and alternative methods. Our approach offers a fresh perspective on healing. We propose a revolutionary way to address health issues. We're venturing beyond the established branches of medicine, exploring an entirely new paradigm for health.
This note challenges the limiting belief that external medicine is the only solution to health problems. Solely relying on medicine, whether modern or alternative, can hinder our body's natural healing potential. It's time to move beyond the passive approach of popping pills. True healing requires active participation in our own well-being.
Modern healthcare often falls prey to a 'car mechanic' mentality. We bring our bodies, the vehicles of our lives, into clinics – the garages – expecting a quick diagnosis and repair. The doctor is then seen as the mechanic of this vehicle, tasked with fixing whatever's broken through medication or other interventions. While this approach addresses symptoms, it might overlook the underlying causes of ill health.
Disillusioned by modern medicine's limitations, many turn to Ayurvedic practitioners. Yet, they often bring the same 'car mechanic' mentality. They expect the Ayurvedic Vaidya (doctor) to simply swap out treatments, replacing modern medicine with an Ayurvedic solution, dispensing herbal remedies instead of pills. – all while hoping for a magical cure with no side effects. but the underlying belief remains the same: our body is a machine in need of external tinkering. We continue to remain focused solely on the physical body as a machine needing repair. We may change the tools, but the mindset remains stuck in the mechanic's garage.This approach, while potentially offering different tools, overlooks the root cause of our health issues.
Our taste buds often take center stage when it comes to food. We indulge in spicy dishes, sugary treats, or even alcohol, savoring the immediate pleasure. The digestive system, however, gets relegated to the background. Lacking taste buds of its own, we often assume it doesn't communicate its needs. This creates a disconnect. When we overindulge, the initial enjoyment comes from our senses and desires, with little thought to the consequences our digestive system must bear. This disconnect between immediate pleasure and long-term well-being undermines our overall health. It's like mocking a dedicated team member who tirelessly cleans up after our messes.
Our digestive system isn't shy about expressing its discontent. Through aches, bloating, or other ailments, it sends us clear signals. Yet, we often miss these messages, prioritising the fleeting pleasure of our taste buds over long-term gut health.
This approach reflects a fundamental misunderstanding. We treat our bodies like instruments for pleasure, squeezing out every drop of enjoyment without considering the consequences. A more holistic perspective is needed which views our physical body not just as an instrument, but as an essential part of our entire being.
Sri Anand Yoga: Unveiling a radically new path to healing
Sri Anand Yoga offers a unique perspective on healthcare,: The Path of Self-Healing
This approach focuses on fostering harmony between your body, mind, and spirit. It encourages a conscious connection with your body, cultivating a loving and joyful relationship through mindful practices. Here, healing can occur with or even without external medicine, but the emphasis lies on empowering yourself to promote well-being.
Beyond the System: Cultivating a Holistic Mindset
While various healthcare systems exist, Sri Anand Yoga emphasises that a truly holistic approach transcends the specific medicine used. It's about your conscious approach to your body. Embracing I Medicine is a Journey of Self-Awareness
Shifting from "It Medicine" to "I Medicine" requires a radical change in perspective. We need to move beyond a transactional approach of simply "taking a pill" and delve deeper into understanding our inner workings. "I Medicine" empowers you to take an active role in your health by fostering self-awareness and providing tools to cultivate inner harmony, potentially leading to lasting well-being.
Sri Anand Yoga (SAY) embraces a collaborative approach to well-being. While acknowledging the remarkable progress and life-saving benefits of modern medicine, SAY gives prime importance to self-healing. SAY expresses deep gratitude for the tireless research of life scientists and the incredible advancements in treatments for once-incurable diseases. Their dedication has undoubtedly improved the lives of countless individuals.
Modern medicine has undoubtedly achieved remarkable feats, conquering once-dreaded diseases and extending lifespans. However, a growing concern is the quality of those extra years. While we may live longer, are we living vibrantly and healthily, or simply existing in a diminished state?
While significant advancements have been made in controlling infectious diseases, a new challenge has emerged: the rise of chronic, non-communicable diseases. Often termed 'lifestyle diseases,' these include diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. The prevalence of chronic diseases is on the rise, posing a significant challenge for modern medicine to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies. Their alarming increase exposes limitations in modern medicine's ability to keep pace with the evolving landscape of these conditions. While new forms of lifestyle diseases are emerging, modern medicine struggles to adapt its approach to effectively address these evolving health challenges. It underscores the need for innovative approaches alongside modern medicine to effectively manage and prevent these conditions. At the same time, the fight against infectious diseases is also further complicated by the emergence of superbugs – antibiotic-resistant bacteria that pose a serious threat to public health.
With its revolutionary shift in how we approach healthcare, SAY offers a refreshing perspective, encouraging us to become active participants in our own healing journey. Modern medicine and alternative therapies can be valuable tools, but SAY suggests using them minimally and strategically. Imagine yourself as the captain of your health, empowered to make choices and navigate your path to well-being. This active participation allows you to not only reach your destination, but also enjoy the journey.
Unlike the focus on disease cure in modern medicine, Sri Anand Yoga (SAY) inherently has a state of natural well-being. SAY underlines the idea that good health is an inherent state, achieved through a balanced and synchronised life cycle. When imbalances arise, SAY practices naturally restore harmony within the body, rather than needing external interventions. In SAY, good health is considered the baseline, not something actively pursued. In SAY, good health is considered the natural rhythm of our life cycle.
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(also refer to my very old blog titled as ‘Alternative to Alternative medicine’
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