Alternative Systems of Medicines: Are they Placebos?

Abstract

Oxford dictionary defines the “placebo” as a “medicine given to patients to make them happier or more confident rather than for any physical effect”. For example, the doctor injects distilled water or sugar syrup to a patient and tells her that he has given a very powerful medicine which will cure her in a short time. And it actually cures. The healing factor here is the faith of the patient that she was given a wonderful medicine and it will cure her. There are influential sections in medicine and media, probably supported by the powerful drug industry, which are trying to undermine the validity of ASM and dismiss them as mere placebos. For example, an editorial in the Economic Times with the title “No Alternative” argues that there is no alternative to the allopathic systems of medicine because all other systems are just placebos. Some research findings by a reputed medical researcher are cited to support the conclusion.