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Ayurvedic treatment for jaundice in Nepal
1Columbia University, Sergievsky Center, New York, NY 10032.
Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Ayurvedic physicians in Kathmandu blend ancient practices with modern treatments for jaundice. Beliefs about jaundice causes may adapt to align with adopted therapies, suggesting a dynamic interplay between illness understanding and treatment choices.
Area of Science:
- Medical Anthropology
- Traditional Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Jaundice is a significant health concern in Nepal.
- Ayurvedic medicine (vaidyas) plays a role in treating jaundice.
- Modern Nepal exhibits syncretism between Ayurvedic and allopathic traditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document beliefs and practices of Ayurvedic physicians regarding jaundice in Kathmandu.
- To explore the interplay between traditional Ayurvedic and modern allopathic treatments.
- To investigate the evolution of jaundice causation beliefs in relation to therapeutic choices.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative research methods were employed.
- Interviews and observations with Ayurvedic physicians (vaidyas).
- Analysis of beliefs and treatment practices for jaundice.
Main Results:
- Continuity of ancient Ayurvedic ideas alongside syncretism with allopathy observed.
- Popular beliefs about jaundice etiology appear to adapt to therapeutically adopted practices.
- Evidence suggests beliefs may rationalize or provide meaning to illness and therapy experiences.
Conclusions:
- Beliefs about illness causation do not always precede therapeutic choices; they can follow and rationalize them.
- The study raises hypotheses regarding the efficacy of Ayurvedic treatments for jaundice.
- Understanding syncretism is crucial for analyzing healthcare practices in Nepal.