Maharishi Ayur-Veda

Abstract

To the Editor. —I was astonished that the editors would choose to publish the article by Sharma et al1when many other quality works were probably rejected for reasons of limitation of space. The practice of Ayur-Veda is nothing more than palpable balderdash. Any thoughtful individual spending a few moments reading this article would come to a similar conclusion. Though freedom of the press and expression of differing viewpoints is guaranteed by the Constitution, the legitimization of quackery is unacceptable. This article attempts to do precisely that. Perhaps my greatest fear is that the federal government will mistake this article for legitimate medicine and issue new ICD-9 and CPT codes forVata, Pitta, andKapha. Of even greater concern would be the inevitable inclusion of Ayur-Veda in the Medicare program. It would not be the first time that a system of health care based on a whimsical theory, unsupported