Happy 2021 to all. Let’s start the year off on a thoughtful note. The above quote is mine, and I truly believe it:
“As doctors, our course of study is called MEDICINE. That’s how doctors are trained to think, to reach for medicines immediately. But I actually believe it should be renamed HEALTH. Doctors should be trained to think first and foremost about the health and wellness of the whole patient”
One of my favorite historical physicians and biggest inspirations is Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine. The first time I read about him was in a book that changed my life when I was a teenager. For my 19th birthday my uncle gave me: “Sophie’s World” by Jostein Gaarder. It remains my favorite book. I will quote directly from the book:
“Concurrently with the new directions in Greek philosophy, a Greek medical science arose which tried to find natural explanations for sickness and health. The founder of Greek medicine is said to have been Hippocrates, who was born on the island of Cos around 460 BC.
The most essential safeguards against sickness, according to the Hippocratic medical tradition, were moderation and a healthy lifestyle. Health is the natural condition. When sickness occurs, it is a sign that Nature has gone off course because of physical or mental imbalance. The road to health for everyone is through moderation, harmony, and a ‘sound mind in a sound body’”.
…clearly Hippocrates was onto something 2500 years ago!
Suneel Dhand is a physician, writer, and YouTuber. He is Founder at MedStoic Lifestyle Medicine and DocsDox . Follow him on YouTube and Instagram
And we are supposed to be scientifically advanced! Ha!
Right on, as usual, Suneel
Could not be said better.
Thank you,
Cornel.
Thanks Cornel! Happy 2021 to you Sir. Regards, Suneel
Absolutely right!! one size doesn’t fit all and most medicines are basically chemicals and could be poisonous and dangerous at certain doses.
The tenets “live in harmony with nature”, “healthy mind, healthy body and spirit” professed by the great sages-charaka, sushrutha et al, are the corner stones of ayurveda, a comprehensive and holistic medical system originating in India more than 5000 years ago, one of the, if not the oldest philosophical traditions of this world.
It takes into account the various factors affecting a person’s health and well-being, advises to bring these into balance using various modalities-healthy diet, yoga, pranayama, meditation, prayer (relaxation, exercise, breath work, nutrition), etc.
It’s width, depth, and wisdom are unparalleled and incomparable, it talks about “anda, pinda, brahmaanda” (egg, embryo/life, universe-our place in this universe) in the same breath as it describes “anu, paramaanu” (atom and subatomic particles) and quantum energy.
Very well put Pramo. Love the “live in harmony with nature”! Happy New Year. Regards, Suneel
Well Said Suneel.