As has been mentioned earlier, a major objective of this book is to introduce the reader to a wide spectrum of health practices prevalent in India. We have looked at Ayurveda as one form of the codified tradition. We have also had a brief look at the folk tradition. What we need to look at now is the symbiotic relationship between the two. The chapter attempts to not merely describe local traditions but, with a few examples, to also understand and explain them in the light of the theory and principles of the codified Indian systems of medicine (ISM).

Rationale Underlying Some Common Local Practices

Disease/condition: Diarrhoea

Treatment (a): Greens should be avoided and buttermilk and rice should be taken (reported from localities in Tamil Nadu in the ‘Mother and Child Health Survey’).

Rationale: In diarrhoea, the jatharagni, i.e., digestive power, is not normal and its action is diminished. Greens are not advised as they are guru, i.e., difficult to digest. Buttermilk (takram) and rice, on the other hand, have the qualities of dipana (appetiser or that which increases the digestive fire) and kasaya rasa (astringent taste). It is said in Astanga Hrdaya (Sutra sthana, Chapter 5) that takram is light (to digest), has a kasaya (astringent) and amla (sour) taste, and because of this it improves appetite and controls kapha and vata.