000			01912nam a2200193Ia 4500
999			_c15339 _d15339
005			20220210173400.0
008			200202s9999 xx 000 0 und d
020			_a7069079930
082			_a306.4 Soc
100			_aGupta, Giri Raj (ed.)
245		0	_aSocial and cultural context of medicine in India.
260			_aNew Delhi
260			_bVikas
260			_c1981
300			_a356 p.
520			_aSocial and Cultural Context of Medicine in India explores the relationship among illness, belief systems and social life as well as the similarities and differences in the ways people perceive and cope with health problems. This work presents the history and development of the medical system, including various aspects of allopathy, ayurved, yunani and homeopathy in relation to the beliefs and practices involved with prevention and treatment of illness and injury among various groups in the Indian subcontinent. Indigenous practices of curing and healing; the training, organization, case histories and practices of health specialists; the role of disease and the impact of education, socio-economic and cultural factors on physical and mental health are critically examined. The discussions on the variety of causes of illness, both natural and supernatural include noxious environmental agents, the disfavor of the gods, intercession with the spirit world-incurred perhaps by unwitting offenses against them, enmity of other persons, pollution emitted by profane objects and exposure to undesirable situations. The fourteen valuable contributions of distinguished scholars with decades of extensive research in various parts of India provide significant analyses of socio-cultural context to the concerns of administrators, planners, politicians, medical and allied professionals as well as social scientists.
650			_aSocial Policy
942			_cB _2ddc