Latest news with #ManishaMishra
The Hindu
02-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Mixing Ayurveda with modern medicine: What matters is scientific proof
The proposal to integrate MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) and BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) into a single course has sparked controversy and opposition, with some calling it 'mixopathy'. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) and other organisations have voiced concerns, stating it is unscientific and could compromise patient safety. The proposed course, planned for JIPMER, aims to create doctors capable of utilising both allopathic and Ayurvedic treatments and provide a holistic diagnosis and treatment plan for patients. The Hindu webinar examined this proposal by the Central government to merge the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) with the Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) into a single integrated course. It has not just ignited a debate within the medical community, but will also have a direct impact on the way patients will be diagnosed and treated in as little as five years from now. The panellists included Dr. R.P. Parasher from the All India Doctors Association of ISM; Dr. Lakshya Mittal from United Doctors Front; Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, former IMA President in Cochin; and Dr. Manisha Mishra, Ayurveda Physician MD (Ayu). The discussion was moderated by Bindu Perappadan, Senior Assistant Editor at The Hindu. The principle of falsifiability Speaking against this integration, Dr. Jayadevan said that every country has its own traditional knowledge systems; while traditional systems like Ayurveda deserve respect, they cannot be mixed with modern medicine, as Ayurveda and modern medicine are founded on completely different principles. Also Read: IMA opposes proposed integrated MBBS-BAMS course, calls it unscientific He emphasised that modern medicine is evidence-based and founded on proof. So whatever is claimed must be supported by evidence, adhering to the principle of falsifiability. For instance, if it is said that water boils at 100 degrees Celsius, that statement should be demonstrable with proof as true or false. However, if it is said that a particular disease occurs due to one's actions in a past life, it is a belief-based and non-falsifiable statement. 'These systems can exist in parallel, but mixing them is not acceptable,' he said. Dr. Manisha Mishra, speaking in support of integration, highlighted that Ayurveda is fundamentally focused on health preservation and disease prevention, viewing health as a balance of bioenergy, physical and mental attributes, lifestyle (vihar), and diet (ahaar). It considers the soul, emotions, and genotype and phenotype in assessing disease risk and advising lifestyle changes early on to avoid future illness. She said that while Ayurveda once included surgical practices, its strength today lies more in therapeutic and holistic approaches. Unlike modern medicine's precision and symptom-focused interventions, Ayurveda aims to restore physiological balance. Dr. Mishra argued that integrating both systems could lead to holistic patient care, especially in acute cases where diagnostics from modern medicine can be combined with Ayurvedic lifestyle interventions. Integration, she added, would also improve doctor-patient communication, reduce stigma around using alternative supplements, and offer cost-effective, accessible healthcare, particularly in rural and primary care settings. Not at the cost of patient safety Dr. Mittal questioned the scientific basis of integrating the two systems, suggesting that mixing treatments without full knowledge could lead to serious side effects. He said that reforms should be in the larger public interest, and not rushed at the cost of student welfare and patient safety. Dr. Mittal called this policy idealistic but impractical. Drawing on feedback from medical students and young resident doctors, he argued that India's medical education system is already under strain, with infrastructure and quality degrading. Dr. Mittal emphasized that existing issues in medical colleges, including inadequate auditing and poor facilities must be addressed before introducing such major reforms. He warned that students are being treated like guinea pigs in these hybridisation experiments, and that this could eventually compromise both medical training and patient care. No single system complete on its own Dr. Parasher supported the integration of Ayurveda and modern medicine, arguing that no single system of medicine is complete on its own. He said that while modern medicine is heavily evidence-based, Ayurveda has its time-tested wisdom that can be valuable in today's healthcare context. Also Read: Ayurvedic medicine manufacturers support move to launch integrated medicine course at JIPMER Dr. Parasher noted that patients often do not receive complete or satisfactory treatment from a single system, and combining approaches could address the limitations of each. He also highlighted that many modern medicines, like TB drugs and antibiotics, are hepatotoxic, and Ayurvedic formulations can help manage or reduce these side effects, leading to better patient compliance. Lastly, he pointed out that despite scientific advancements, lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and hypertension are rising, and incorporating Ayurvedic principles and treatments could help manage these conditions more effectively. Important to place regulatory norms for Ayurveda Moderator Bindu Perappadan asked whether there is a lack of academic and research rigor in alternative medicine systems like Ayurveda compared to modern medicine. She highlighted that MBBS education involves stringent processes for documentation, publication, and clinical trials, and asked whether the absence of similar standards in Ayurveda could compromise the quality of education and ultimately impact patient care. Also Read: What are the risks of the government's proposed 'mixopathy' move? | In Focus podcast Dr. Manisha Mishra responded by acknowledging the gap in regulatory rigor and agreed that Ayurvedic patent medicines should be subjected to Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs). She pointed out that while modern medicines are target-based and require DCGI approval, similar regulatory enforcement is lacking in Ayurveda, and it is the government's responsibility to address that. However, she defended classical Ayurvedic formulations, noting they've been used safely over centuries and that reverse pharmacology research has been conducted on herbs like Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and Turmeric. She emphasized that CCRAS and PG students are doing research, but conceded that it should become more rigorous. Improve scientific temperament Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan stressed that belief or tradition alone cannot substitute for scientific evidence. He shared an anecdote from his medical training in New York, where his professor dismissed a drug recommendation because it lacked scientific backing, even though it had been taught to Jayadevan by another professor. Jayadevan explained, 'That's the point here, even in modern medicine, we must improve scientific temperament.' He emphasized that modern medicine is built on evidence and transparency, including explicit documentation of side effects, which is often missing in alternative systems. He warned against the illusion of safety in traditional treatments and shared that some liver transplants today are necessitated by unregulated herbal medicine use. As discussions continue around this proposal's implications for future medical education in India, it remains clear that any changes must prioritise patient welfare above all else while ensuring rigorous standards are maintained across all forms of medical practice.
Geek Vibes Nation
20-05-2025
- Geek Vibes Nation
Guide To Choosing The Best Hardware And Software For Gaming
Photo by Resul Kaya on Unsplash Gaming hardware guides often start with specs and skip the one thing that actually matters: what you're using the setup for. There's no universal best; there's only what works for the kind of games you play and how you play them. This guide breaks it all down, no filler, no fluff, just what counts. Start with What You Actually Play Hardware buying decisions only make sense in the context of what you're going to run. That's the baseline. If you mostly play low-spec titles like puzzle games, 2D indies, or casino games, you won't benefit from an overpowered rig. Gambling experts Caroline and Manisha Mishra have pointed out that casual players don't have to overspend on hardware since they'll never push past idle when playing on no verification casinos, as they can even be played on mobile devices. That's because these games are built to run on integrated graphics or modest setups. Unless you're jumping into mod-heavy games or the occasional demanding AAA title, there's no need for top-tier GPUs, multi-core CPUs, or elaborate cooling. Most midrange laptops can handle this tier of gaming without breaking a sweat. You should only start considering more aggressive specs if your sessions include titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Baldur's Gate 3, or Starfield, especially with texture mods or high resolutions. Everything else? A solid midrange build will already be overkill. What Actually Matters in a Gaming CPU Gamers overestimate what a CPU does for performance. The truth is, after a certain point, returns diminish fast. Most modern games are tuned for six to eight threads. You'll rarely need more unless you're also streaming or running background encoding. Intel's i5 series and AMD's Ryzen 5 lineup hit the performance-per-dollar sweet spot. Take the Ryzen 5 7600X: fast, efficient, and perfect for gaming workloads. Chasing flagship models like the Ryzen 9 or i9 makes sense only if you're running parallel processes that demand it. What matters more is single-core performance and thermals. Modern games reward clock speed and efficient cache access. And since gaming is rarely multi-threaded at scale, you'll get more value keeping a mid-tier CPU cool and stable than opting for something oversized that barely gets utilized. The GPU is Where Your Budget Should Go, Within Reason This is where most of your budget should land, but not blindly. The GPU is still the biggest factor in gaming performance. It dictates your max frame rate, texture quality, and what resolution you can realistically run. That said, buying the most expensive card on the shelf doesn't mean you're making the best choice. Midrange GPUs like the NVIDIA RTX 4070 or AMD RX 7800 XT can comfortably handle 1440p with high settings and even 4K in some titles using DLSS or FSR. Once you climb past this tier, you're often paying double for a marginal increase. Worse, many people pair these expensive cards with 60Hz monitors or underpowered CPUs, which drag down the system. Use case matters here, too, which is why you need to check if the GPU you have can support the games you play. If you're only playing esports titles like Valorant or League of Legends, you'll get better value from a midrange card paired with a high-refresh monitor than a flagship GPU outputting frames your screen can't even display. Why RAM and SSDs Matter More Than You Think RAM doesn't sell like GPUs, but choosing the right one has just as much impact. 16GB is the current floor, but 32GB is increasingly common for players who mod games, multitask, or run anything alongside their gaming session. Speed and latency also matter. Low-latency DDR5 makes a difference in memory-sensitive titles, especially open-world or simulation-heavy games. Then there's storage. NVMe SSDs aren't optional anymore; they're essential. Games load faster, stream assets more smoothly, and avoid stutters tied to texture pull-ins. If you're running a game like Elden Ring or Hogwarts Legacy off a mechanical drive, you're not just dealing with longer load times, you're risking performance dips mid-game. Don't bother chasing PCIe Gen 5 drives unless you're also doing high-bandwidth work. Gen 3 and 4 drives strike a balance that makes more sense for nearly all gaming use cases. Choosing the Right Display by Balancing Resolution, Refresh, and Reality Your monitor dictates what your hardware can actually deliver. A 144Hz display at 1440p will make better use of a midrange GPU than a 60Hz 4K screen ever will. If you're playing competitive shooters or action-heavy titles, refresh rate trumps resolution every time. The smoother motion and faster response of high-refresh displays are noticeable and valuable. Resolution should match the screen size and distance. For desk setups, 1440p on a 27-inch screen is ideal. It's sharp, not overly taxing, and scales perfectly with current mid-to-high-end GPUs. For larger screens or couch setups, 4K becomes more justifiable, provided your system can drive it. G-Sync and FreeSync also matter. They align your monitor's refresh rate with your frame rate, reducing screen tearing and input lag. What Gaming Peripherals Warrant a Premium Peripherals are where overlooked performance gains live. Start with input. A mechanical keyboard doesn't just feel better, it reacts faster. Optical switches, hot-swappable keys, and reduced debounce times can all shave milliseconds off inputs. That matters in games where every frame counts. Gaming mice are even more sensitive to ergonomics than specs. Sensor quality has plateaued across most decent brands, so focus on shape, grip style, and click latency. A $50 mouse that fits your hand will outperform a $150 one that doesn't. Audio matters more than most gamers admit. Instead of chasing surround-sound headsets, go for a pair of decent stereo headphones with good soundstage and a separate mic. You'll get better positional accuracy, clearer comms, and a more immersive experience. Gaming headsets often inflate features that barely translate in practice.
NDTV
13-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
What Is The Best Time To Have Gond Katira? Ayurvedic Expert Explains
Quick Reads Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. Gond katira is gaining popularity this summer for its cooling effects. The ingredient helps lower body heat and keeps users feeling refreshed. Here's what's the best time to consume it for maximum health benefits. Let's just be honest, gond katira is everywhere right now. You open Instagram, and there's a reel on how to soak it. Your WhatsApp groups are full of summer tips featuring it. Flip through any health article or home remedy blog, and there it is again. Gond katira has suddenly become the talk of the season, and for good reason. It's cooling, refreshing, and feels like exactly what our bodies need during this crazy summer heat. Of course, we all know by now that gond katira is a must-have for summer. But while everyone's busy adding it to drinks and desserts, here's the real question: what's the right time to actually have it? If you are someone who uses gond katira regularly, then this article is for you! Let's find out when you should have gond katira for its maximum benefits. Health Benefits Of Gond Katira 1. Has Cooling Properties Gond katira is best known for its cooling properties. It helps bring down body heat and keeps you feeling fresh. It is perfect for those scorching days when the sun feels unbearable. Soak it overnight and add it to chilled drinks or desserts. 2. Improves Digestion This natural gum is great for your gut health. It has fibre and enzymes that help regulate digestion, especially in summer, when stomach issues are common. Just a spoonful of gond katira can help your tummy. 3. Good For Skin Since it has hydrating properties, having gond katira can help tackle dry, irritated skin from the summer sun. It can also help soothe sunburn and rashes, and its regular intake can add a healthy glow to your skin. 4. Boosts Immunity We often fall sick more easily during seasonal changes. Thanks to its antioxidants, gond katira can help fight inflammation and support your immune system. What Is The Best Time To Have Gond Katira? Well, it depends on the kind of benefits you want to reap from this ingredient. As per Ayurveda Physician Dr Manisha Mishra, here's when you should take gond katira as per the benefit: 1. Morning: If you are looking for cooling, hydrating and antacid benefits, then have gond katira in the morning. Make sure you are taking this on an empty stomach, mixed with gulkand and soaked sabja seeds. 2. Mid-morning: If you are looking for post-partum benefits, after delivery of a baby, then have gond katira mid-morning or mid-evening. You can pair this with almonds, milk, saffron, and dates. 3. Night (After Dinner): If you are looking for a way to relieve constipation and other digestive issues, then have gond katira at night. Watch the full video below: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Manisha Mishra Goswami (@ 5 Ways You Might Be Using Gond Katira Wrong Even though it's a simple ingredient, gond katira needs to be used properly. Here are some common mistakes that you should avoid. 1. Soaking It For Too Little Time If you are soaking for just 20 minutes, that won't be enough. The gond katira won't bloom properly. The correct way is to soak it overnight with plenty of water. This way, you'll get soft, jelly-like bits you want. 2. Using Too Much In One Go It may look tiny, but gond katira expands a lot. One or two teaspoons is enough. If you add too much of it to your drink, it'll become too thick to enjoy. 3. Mixing It With Hot Drinks Gond katira is known for its cooling properties, so adding it to anything hot will defeat its purpose. Heat makes it rubbery and takes away its cooling effect. Make sure to only add it to cold drinks like rose milk, badam milk, or lemon water. 4. Skipping The Rinse After Soaking Even after blooming, it can have dust or a yellowish tinge. Always rinse it under clean water before adding it to food or drinks. This small step makes a big difference in taste and presentation. 5. Forgetting To Drink Extra Water With It
