Throughout my journey in medicine, I’ve always been captivated by the wisdom found in simplicity. Over the years, I’ve spoken with experts worldwide, and one message echoes louder than ever: true health comes from understanding the human body in harmony with nature. This revelation isn't new; it’s deeply rooted in practices long before modern medicine took its current shape.
Recently, I had the privilege of discussing these ideas with Dr. Shankara Chetty, a medical practitioner whose approach is refreshingly simple yet profoundly effective. Together, we explored the possibility of a health revolution—one that values observation, prioritizes patient-centered care, and integrates ancient wisdom with modern science.
The Lost Art of Observation in Medicine
In the fast-paced world of Western medicine, we’ve traded observational skills for diagnostic tests. While technology has brought us far, it has also made medicine lazy. We’ve forgotten the importance of listening to our patients and observing their symptoms with care.
As Dr. Chetty pointed out, in many Eastern practices, testing is used to confirm a diagnosis, not find one. This approach forces clinicians to rely on their skills and intuition—a stark contrast to the Western model, where protocols and algorithms dominate. The problem with this system is that it leaves no room for individual differences. And when diseases like long COVID emerge, which don’t fit neatly into existing boxes, the system falters.
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The Danger of One-Size-Fits-All Medicine
Medicine today often operates on a "one-size-fits-all" principle. But as Dr. Chetty wisely remarked, no two people are the same. Instead of striving to define "normal," we should embrace individuality. By shifting the focus from average values to patient-specific observations, we can better understand diseases and provide more effective treatments.
The rise of chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, and cancer reflects this disconnect. These conditions were virtually unknown a century ago, yet they now dominate healthcare. How did we get here? Our environment, diet, and lifestyle have changed dramatically, but our approach to health hasn’t adapted.
Breaking Free from the Pharma-Driven Model
One of the most pressing challenges we face is the influence of pharmaceutical companies on medical research and practice. As Dr. Chetty put it, pharma has become the toolmaker, dictating what doctors can and cannot use. This creates a system where profits often take precedence over patient well-being.
To shift this dynamic, we need to reclaim medicine as a practice of healing, not just treatment. This starts with re-centering clinical observations and empowering doctors to lead research, rather than letting financial interests dictate it.
The Simplicity of True Health
True health doesn’t come from complex systems or expensive treatments—it comes from understanding the basics. Our ancestors lived in harmony with their environment, eating seasonally and listening to their bodies. They skipped breakfast, naturally fasting, and gave their bodies time to repair. This practice of intermittent deprivation removed diseased and damaged cells, fostering resilience and longevity.
Today, we’ve moved away from these principles, and it shows. By reintroducing simple practices like fasting, eating locally and seasonally, and minimizing unnecessary interventions, we can revolutionize health at its core.
A Call for a New Health Revolution
This health revolution isn’t about rejecting modern medicine but complementing it with wisdom from the past. It’s about empowering individuals to take control of their health through education and understanding. We don’t need massive institutions to make this change—what we need is awareness.
As Dr. Chetty so beautifully summarized, health is about thriving, not just surviving. By fostering a holistic approach, we can build a system that prioritizes healing over treatment and prevention over profit.
Let’s start this revolution together.
Timecodes for Key Sections:
00:00:08 – Introduction and the Need for a Health Revolution
00:03:05 – Observational Skills: A Lost Art in Modern Medicine
00:05:42 – The Pitfalls of One-Size-Fits-All Medicine
00:09:30 – The Pharma Influence on Healthcare and Solutions
00:14:01 – Embracing Simplicity: Fasting, Seasonality, and Local Diets
00:20:18 – Educating Patients for Lasting Health
00:28:15 – Why True Health is About Thriving, Not Just Surviving
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