What is your view on the role of natural medicine compared to conventional medicine. Is it possible for them to work together, or are they too different to find common ground?

Lakshmi's knowledge of natural health remedies is recognized as valuable not just by the Maharinis, but by Dr. Kumar, too. What is your view on the role of natural medicine compared to conventional medicine. Is it possible for them to work together, or are they too different to find common ground?

I totally believe in natural medicine in combination with convention medicine. It’s the way I heal myself. I think both types should work together to heal the whole person. I understood and respected all the remedies Lakshmi employed and I think they were especially necessary during those times.

Yes, agree with bestmartin. In fact, the characters of Lakshmi and Jay Kumar are the embodiment of how natural medicine can augment traditional medicine and sometimes achieve greater success.

Years ago I worked for a health insurance company and was sent to an alternative medicine conference to get an understanding of non-conventional medicine. I believe that natural/alternative medicine can support conventional medicine. There are herbal supplements and other therapies which have been in practice for years and work for some illnesses. I also had an well-respected physician of Indian descent as an obstetrician. She was very firm about non-invasive practices for childbirth and I think I had a healthier childbirth experience because of her.

Yes, I believe in natural medicine. I like using natural methods before taking medications that should be reserved for when the natural remedies are not strong enough. There are many natural things that can be used in tandem with conventional medicine to help soothe the side effects . It’s important that you make sure one is not compromising or adversely interacting with the other.

At one time I was a "conventional medicine only" snob as a daughter of a doctor and nurse. My views have certainly changed. I believe both approaches have merits, and while often there is no one silver bullet, working together natural and conventional medicines often can determine a solution. However, the left hand needs to be aware of what the right hand is doing, and natural herbs, etc. must be held to a standard.

I am an advocate of natural medicine alongside conventional medicine. My experience is they do work together in some cases and keeping in mind our understanding of natural medicines have led to technological advances in conventional medicine.

One of my favorite travel stories is actually from a trip to India and perfectly covers this:

After about two weeks in India and a week in New Delhi, I was having some issues with "Delhi Belly" and things weren't quite flowing the way they normally would. I had rested, taken anti-diarrhea mediation, etc. and it wasn't great, but I was managing. I traveled up North to the Palampur region and signed up for yoga classes. I ended up being the only one who signed up, so they became one-on-one lessons.

Within about ten minutes, after doing some hands-on adjusting, the instructor asked me if I was feeling okay and if I was having stomach problems. I explained that I hadn't been feeling great and he told me he could feel the issue: MY NAVEL WAS OFF-CENTER. I giggled (because I had to) and he launched into a big explanation of what that meant--my intestines were pushed to one side, so things couldn't flow. He "proved" it to me by measuring with a string and offered to help. I still didn't quite know what was happening, but of course, I said yes.

He punched me in one shoulder (I again started to laugh because it was just so odd to this Westerner), he tied string around my two big toes, we did a few specific yoga poses, and he gave me instructions (don't run, don't ride in the back of the bus, etc.) It was such a strange thing and my twenty-something self found it hilarious and fascinating.

But, I kid you not, I woke up the next morning feeling amazing. Everything was back to normal. I kept the string on my toes as long as I could, followed his instructions, and didn't have any more problems.

I've always been a "yoga person," but this made me a true believer in the healing power of Eastern medicine.

Epilogue: When I returned home, I went to dinner with an Indian friend and told the story. He interrupted me to launch into his own explanation of how important it was to have your navel centered. We then had a really interesting discussion about Eastern/Western medicine and how India was just starting to realize it needed both. It had been under English rule for so long and so many wanted to assimilate, that they forego their beliefs in Eastern medicine...but they're starting to come around and realize that a balance of both is needed.

This book was a nice reminder for me to explore natural medicine.

I was skeptical of alternative or Eastern medicine until I traveled to India and China. These travels changed my perspective. I now take natural herb supplements to aid in proactive healthcare. I believe western and eastern medical practices can and should be part of our lives.

TBM, loved your story!

Natural medicine has been around for a very long time and there is a world of knowledge to be learned from it. I feel it has wonderful merits and can be used along with our scientific medicine to the great benefit of
mankind, once more medical doctors open their minds to it. Nutrition is still given short shrift in medical schools today and the mutual worlds of natural and alternative medicine is not given the opportunities that it should by many modern doctors. These disciplines are not exclusive and the combination of both can be and possibly will be utilized much more in our future.

Thank you for sharing such a neat experience, TBM!

I think that many people who have not had exposure to "conventional" medicine are fearful because it is so unknown. How many rural villages even have a medical clinic?? For generations, families in rural India have ben treating their own illnesses with remedies handed down or relying on a "healer" in their villages.

I admired Dr. Kumar for being willing to look at alternative ways to treat illness- -many doctors believe that they know what is best because of their training and education. Had Dr. Kumar not respected the beliefs and practices of his patients, he probably would not have had very many. By incorporating what they already knew in their treatment plans, I believe, Dr. Kumar showed respect and a willingness to learn from his patients. He did not elevate his own status because of his education and knowledge.

I can't help but think it is better for a person's body to be free/freer of manufactured medicines, multiple medicines, and being over medicated. (I am not a doctor :)- -this is just a personal opinion).

I think working together definitely improves chances for success. I, too, want to thank TBM for sharing her experience. Its enough to make you a believer.

I loved that the author combined the successes (and failures) of natural and conventional medicines. Even better was that the conventional doctor that was willing to acknowledge and learn that there are cures from natural medicine. I wish that there was more marriage between the two spheres of medicine - I think we would all be healthier!

I think they can work well in tandem, I'm always interested in trying out alternative medicine. In the book, I enjoyed how Dr. Kumar wanted to find ways to help the mountain folk that might be more partial to alternative medicine.

I think traditional medicine and cultural can blend very well.

Yes, I believe that natural medicine and conventional medicine can co-exist.
Each has its purpose and can often have the best outcome for the patient.

I am a great believer in holistic and/or conventional medicine. I think they both have an important place in treating people. There are times when conventional medicine must come first but I think that natural medicine afterwards can help in the healing process and prevent ill health in the future. There are times when natural medicine can be enough and if possible it should be tried first because conventional medicine sometimes also brings toxicity to the body and long range consequences.

I feel by natural medicine and conventional medicine both have a role in keeping us healthy. I liked that Dr Kumasi and Laskshmi were willing to blend their philosophies and skills and
work together to serve the health needs. Of the mountain people.

I believe strongly in natural medicine. I see conventional medicine as a last resort. I think if we are good to our bodies, for the most part, they will be good to us. In the instance that conventional medicine is needed, it can be used with natural medicine.

I worked for awhile in a school where some of the parents depended only on "natural" remedies and others only on "scientific" remedies. Some parents could appreciate the qualities and efficacy that both types of medicine offered, but others were so busy decrying the "wrongness" of the opposing viewpoint that it even caused rifts in their children's relationships. It all goes back to mutual respect. Besides, we all know chicken soup works!

I think that it is very important to recognize the value of natural medicine when working alongside conventional medicine. The doctors I like and respect the most, see the value in homeopathic remedies alongside their prescriptions. I don't think it has to be a one or the other case. I would never just subject myself or my family to natural remedies...but I do think they have their place in treating minor illnesses. A friend of mine taught me about the "mustard plaster" and I have used it from time to time for my kids when they are having a bad cough or respiratory symptoms...and 9 times out of 10, it works!