Complementary medicine

ORTHODOXmedicine has limitations.
Expert and documented excuses,
Strain credulity when symptoms persist.
Distressed and disappointed,
Patients search for an alternative form of relief,

Facilitating the development of complementary medical practice.

Those using plants, minerals, water,
magic and prayers
Concentrate on the whole patient and
Help him develop a fighting spirit.
Restoring the patient's confidence and dignity,

And enabling acceptance of diagnosis, limitations of therapy,
They often help him recover peace and equanimity.

Popular with the masses,
They spark off debates amongst the intelligentsia

On their standardisation, recognition, and regulation.
Whilst patients are pleased with what they get,

Opponents clamour for therapeutic trials
And 'scientific' evidence of validity.

Their efficacy is questioned by 'modern' medicine men,

Deficiencies in methodology highlighted
And increasing numbers of procedures laid down
For evaluation and acceptance.
The need to document untoward effects is emphasised,
Even as paucity of 'literature' is bemoaned.

Since ayurveda, unani and homeopathy
Historic and full of tradition,
With empiric palliation in untold numbers
And cures where possible,
Should we not greet their practitioners
With humility ? And toil with them for the greater good?

P.THIRUMALAIKOLUNDUSUBRAMANIAM
Gizan, Saudi Arabia

A. UMA
Madurai Medical College, Madurai 625020