Ayurvedic (Hindu) principles have long governed the health beliefs and behaviors of many South Asians. The underlying principle of Ayurveda is the relationship between the universe and the body (Kaiser Permanente 1999). Some followers of Ayurvedic medicine may feel that illness is caused by karma (the law of cause and effect over countless lifetimes), even though the patient understands that the illness has a biological cause (Rasbridge 2003).

The traditional Chinese view of the human body as a derivative of the natural world has similarities with Ayurvedic principles. Ayurvedic medicine recommends a balanced diet of "hot" and "cold" foods.

The Filipino concept of health is based on a similar principle of balance, timbang, in accord with Ayurvedic and Chinese traditions. Specific disorders are perceived to be caused by an excess intake of one type of food. For example, "hot" foods are thought to cause arthritis and hypertension, whereas "cold" foods may bring about cancer and anemia (Kaiser Permanente 1999). Many fruits and vegetables are considered "cold," while meat is considered "hot." A woman who gives birth is thought to lose body heat, which must be replaced by eating hot soups for at least six weeks.

Sok Man Kwong discusses the role of food in treating disease. | 2.4 MB Flash File

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