The Moon and Tides - From Ancient Wonder to Celestial Mechanics

 

The Tides: From Ancient Wonder to Celestial Mechanics

by lim ju boo PhD 

Postdoctoral Astronomy (University of Oxford) 

Early Observations of the Tides

Since antiquity, the rise and fall of the sea has puzzled humankind. The ancient Greeks, keen observers of nature, noted tidal rhythms but struggled to explain them. The historian Herodotus (5th century BCE) remarked on tidal changes in the Persian Gulf. Pytheas of Massalia (around 330 BCE), a Greek explorer, was among the first to connect tides with the Moon after observing tidal cycles in Britain. Later, Posidonius (c. 135–51 BCE), a Stoic philosopher, gave more systematic descriptions, recognizing the lunar influence on the seas.

It was not until much later, with Johannes Kepler and Isaac Newton, that tides were explained as a consequence of gravitational attraction. Newton, in his Principia Mathematica (1687), provided the first quantitative theory of tides, showing how the Moon (and to a lesser extent the Sun) raised bulges on Earth.

How the Moon Raises the Tides

Tides arise because the Moon exerts a gravitational pull on Earth. The side of Earth closest to the Moon is pulled more strongly, producing a “direct” tidal bulge in the oceans. On the opposite side, the weaker pull leaves the water slightly behind, producing a “compensating” bulge.

Thus, at any given time, two tidal bulges exist on opposite sides of Earth:

1. The near-side bulge (facing the Moon), caused by the stronger lunar pull.

2. The far-side bulge (away from the Moon), caused by the relative inertia of the oceans as Earth is pulled more strongly than the distant waters.

As Earth rotates once every ~24 hours, most coastlines pass through both bulges, giving rise to two high tides and two low tides per day.

Types of Tides

1. Spring tides: Occur during full Moon and new Moon, when Sun, Moon, and Earth are aligned. The solar and lunar pulls reinforce each other, producing the highest highs and lowest lows.

2. Neap tides: Occur during first and third quarters of the Moon, when Sun and Moon pull at right angles. The result is weaker tides, with smaller differences between high and low.

Solid Earth Tides

Not only oceans respond to lunar gravity; even the solid Earth flexes. These are called solid Earth tides or body tides. The crust of the Earth rises and falls by up to 30–40 cm as the Moon passes overhead. Though invisible to the naked eye, these tides are measurable and significant in geophysics, affecting sensitive instruments, underground water tables, and even earthquake stress patterns.

Tidal Friction and Earth–Moon Evolution

The Earth–Moon system is not static. Because the tidal bulges are carried slightly ahead of the Moon by Earth’s rotation, a torque is exerted. This does two things simultaneously:

1. Slows Earth’s rotation: Friction between tidal waters and the seafloor dissipates energy, gradually lengthening Earth’s day.

2. Pushes the Moon outward: The Moon gains orbital energy and slowly recedes from Earth.

Today, laser ranging experiments (using reflectors left on the Moon by Apollo astronauts) measure the Moon’s recession at about 3.8 cm per year.

Earth’s Early Rotation and Slowing Down

When Earth first formed, some 4.5 billion years ago, its rotation was much faster. A day may have lasted only 4 to 6 hours. Over billions of years, tidal friction slowed Earth’s spin to the current 24 hours. Fossil corals and tidal rhythmites (sedimentary rock layers laid down in tidal cycles) show that 400 million years ago, days were about 22 hours long, with ~400 days in a year.

The Fate of Solar Eclipses

Solar eclipses occur because the Moon’s apparent size in the sky almost exactly matches the Sun’s. But as the Moon recedes, it appears slightly smaller. In roughly 600 million years, the Moon will be too far away to fully cover the Sun, and total solar eclipses will no longer be possible, only annular eclipses will remain.

A Balance of Cosmic Forces

The dance of Earth and Moon is a delicate interplay of gravity, rotation, and energy dissipation. Without tides, Earth’s climate and ocean circulation would be profoundly different. Without tidal friction, Earth would still spin much faster, with chaotic consequences for life.

What began as mysterious sea-level changes observed by Greek philosophers is now understood as a profound planetary mechanism shaping the very future of Earth and Moon.

Summary:

1 . Tides were noted by ancient Greeks, but only linked to the Moon around 330 BCE by Pytheas.
2. The Moon raises two bulges: a near-side tide and a far-side tide.
3. Solid Earth tides affect even the land by up to 40 cm.
4. Tidal friction slows Earth’s rotation and causes the Moon to recede at 3.8 cm/year.
5. Early Earth had 4–6 hour days; by 400 million years ago, days were 22 hours.
6. In ~600 million years, total solar eclipses will end.

The Second Version: The Restless Seas and the Reluctant Moon

Stand on a quiet shore and watch the sea. The waves lap endlessly, but if you wait long enough, you will notice something subtler: the waterline creeping upward, then falling away again. The ancient Greeks watched too, though they lacked our science. To them, the sea seemed a living thing, inhaling and exhaling in slow, great breaths.

Herodotus noted that in the Persian Gulf the sea behaved strangely, swelling and retreating at intervals. Pytheas, a Greek sailor who ventured as far as Britain around 330 BCE, was sharper. He noticed that the tides obeyed the Moon, rising higher when the Moon was full or new. He had stumbled on a truth that would take nearly two millennia to explain.

The explanation arrived with Isaac Newton in 1687. Gravity, he declared, was the culprit. The Moon pulls on Earth, and since water flows more easily than rock, the oceans bulge toward it. But curiously, they also bulge on the far side. Why? Because the Earth itself is tugged slightly more than the distant water, leaving behind a bulge of its own. And so, as Earth turns, every shoreline is swept by two high tides a day, one from the near bulge, one from the far.

The Sun joins the game, too. When the Sun and Moon pull together (at new and full Moon), we get spring tides, the highest and lowest of the cycle. When they pull at right angles (first and third quarter), we get neap tides, the meekest tides of all.

It would be comforting if tides ended there, a neat story of oceans dancing to lunar music. But the Moon’s grip is firmer than that. It does not only pull water; it pulls rock. The very crust of the Earth rises and falls, like the chest of a giant sleeper, by as much as 30–40 centimeters. These are the solid Earth tides, invisible to our eyes but measured by geophysicists with instruments of exquisite sensitivity.

Yet the most dramatic consequence of tides is not the rise and fall of seas or land. It is the slow reshaping of time itself. The tidal bulges are not neatly aligned with the Moon; Earth’s rotation drags them a little ahead. And like a hand on a spinning wheel, this drag exerts a brake. Earth’s spin slows, ever so slightly, day after day.

The energy lost must go somewhere, and it does: into the Moon’s orbit. The bulges pull the Moon forward, giving it a nudge that makes it drift away. Laser beams bounced off mirrors left on the lunar surface by Apollo astronauts measure this retreat with astonishing precision: 3.8 centimeters every year.

Think of what that means. When Earth was young, perhaps four and a half billion years ago, a day was not a leisurely 24 hours. It may have been as short as 4 to 6 hours, the planet spinning like a dancer at full whirl. Over eons, tidal friction has slowed the dance. Fossil corals tell us that 400 million years ago, the day was 22 hours long, and there were about 400 days in a year. The Earth has aged not only in rocks and mountains but in the very beat of its rotation.

And the Moon? It was once much closer, looming larger in the sky. Now it drifts steadily outward. Someday, in about 600 million years, it will be too far away to fully cover the Sun’s disk. Our descendants, if any still gaze upward, will see only annular eclipses, a blazing ring of fire around a too-small Moon. The age of total solar eclipses will be over.

So the tides are more than the breathing of the sea. They are the agents of cosmic change, sculpting the length of our day and pushing the Moon on a slow journey outward. What began as a puzzle to the Greeks has become a profound story of celestial mechanics. Each wave that falls on the shore is a whisper of that story, telling us that Earth and Moon are locked in a slow but inexorable embrace, reshaping both worlds as the ages pass.

The Third Version: The Restless Seas and the Reluctant Moon

Stand on a quiet shore and watch the sea. The waves lap endlessly, but if you wait long enough, you will notice something subtler: the waterline creeping upward, then falling away again. The ancient Greeks watched too, though they lacked our science. To them, the sea seemed a living thing, inhaling and exhaling in slow, great breaths.

Herodotus noted that in the Persian Gulf the sea behaved strangely, swelling and retreating at intervals. Pytheas, a Greek sailor who ventured as far as Britain around 330 BCE, was sharper. He noticed that the tides obeyed the Moon, rising higher when the Moon was full or new. He had stumbled on a truth that would take nearly two millennia to explain.

The explanation arrived with Isaac Newton in 1687. Gravity, he declared, was the culprit. The Moon pulls on Earth, and since water flows more easily than rock, the oceans bulge toward it. But curiously, they also bulge on the far side. Why? Because the Earth itself is tugged slightly more than the distant water, leaving behind a bulge of its own. And so, as Earth turns, every shoreline is swept by two high tides a day, one from the near bulge, one from the far.

The Sun joins the game, too. When the Sun and Moon pull together (at new and full Moon), we get spring tides, the highest and lowest of the cycle. When they pull at right angles (first and third quarter), we get neap tides, the meekest tides of all.

It would be comforting if tides ended there, a neat story of oceans dancing to lunar music. But the Moon’s grip is firmer than that. It does not only pull water; it pulls rock. The very crust of the Earth rises and falls, like the chest of a giant sleeper, by as much as 30–40 centimeters. These are the solid Earth tides, invisible to our eyes but measured by geophysicists with instruments of exquisite sensitivity.

Yet the most dramatic consequence of tides is not the rise and fall of seas or land. It is the slow reshaping of time itself. The tidal bulges are not neatly aligned with the Moon; Earth’s rotation drags them a little ahead. And like a hand on a spinning wheel, this drag exerts a brake. Earth’s spin slows, ever so slightly, day after day.

The energy lost must go somewhere, and it does: into the Moon’s orbit. The bulges pull the Moon forward, giving it a nudge that makes it drift away. Laser beams bounced off mirrors left on the lunar surface by Apollo astronauts measure this retreat with astonishing precision: 3.8 centimeters every year.

Think of what that means. When Earth was young, perhaps four and a half billion years ago, a day was no leisurely 24 hours. It may have been as short as 4–6 hours, the planet spinning like a dancer at full whirl. Over eons, tidal friction has slowed the dance. Fossil corals tell us that 400 million years ago, the day was 22 hours long, and there were about 400 days in a year. The Earth has aged not only in rocks and mountains but in the very beat of its rotation.

And the Moon? It was once much closer, looming larger in the sky. Now it drifts steadily outward. Someday, in about 600 million years, it will be too far away to fully cover the Sun’s disk. Our descendants, if any still gaze upward, will see only annular eclipses, a blazing ring of fire around a too-small Moon. The age of total solar eclipses will be over.

So the tides are more than the breathing of the sea. They are the agents of cosmic change, sculpting the length of our day and pushing the Moon on a slow journey outward. What began as a puzzle to the Greeks has become a profound story of celestial mechanics. Each wave that falls on the shore is a whisper of that story, telling us that Earth and Moon are locked in a slow but inexorable embrace, reshaping both worlds as the ages pass.

Summary for 2nd and 3rd Versions 

1. The ancient Greeks observed tides but did not fully understand them. Pytheas linked them to the Moon around 330 BCE.

2. The Moon produces two bulges on Earth, one facing it and one on the far side, causing two high tides daily.

3. Solid Earth tides cause the land to rise and fall by 30–40 cm.

4. Tidal friction slows Earth’s rotation and transfers angular momentum to the Moon, causing it to recede by 3.8 cm/year.

5. Early Earth’s day was only 4–6 hours; by 400 million years ago it was 22 hours long.

6. In ~600 million years, total solar eclipses will end as the Moon drifts too far away.

7. Tides are more than ocean rhythms; they’re a driver of planetary evolution.

References

1. Lambeck, K. (1980). The Earth’s Variable Rotation: Geophysical Causes and Consequences. Cambridge University Press.

2. Bills, B. G., & Ray, R. D. (1999). “Lunar Orbital Evolution: A Synthesis of Recent Results.” Geophysical Research Letters, 26(19), 3045–3048.

3. Williams, G. E. (2000). “Geological Constraints on the Precambrian History of Earth’s Rotation and the Moon’s Orbit.” Reviews of Geophysics, 38(1), 37–59.

4. Newton, I. (1687). Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica. London.

5. Cartwright, D. E. (1999). Tides: A Scientific History. Cambridge University Press.

6. Dickey, J. O., et al. (1994). “Lunar Laser Ranging: A Continuing Legacy of the Apollo Program.” Science, 265(5171), 482–490.

A Twin Universe I Saw Twice

My brother in law, Engineer Ong Geok Soo sent me this video link recently through a WhatApps chat

 https://youtu.be/83OnVVDpAqA?si=6WhaRAjmHB_Ng0Ny 

This video claims that James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has discovered “another universe,” or even a hint of a multi universes . 

Let me break this down with sober clarity and scientific truth.  What has JWST really discovered? As far as my knowledge in astronomy I have studied at Oxford tells me,  JWST has detected galaxies with high stellar mass and structure existing only 300–500 million years after the Big Bang. These galaxies appear too mature, too massive, and too structured for that time period according to the ΛCDM model (Lambda Cold Dark Matter) based on our prevailing cosmological framework. The current models suggest that galaxies should have taken longer to form and grow after the initial expansion of the universe. Some suggest galaxy formation may have been more efficient than we thought. Others propose we might need to revise our assumptions about dark matter, cosmic inflation, or initial conditions. But this is not evidence of another universe,  it’s evidence that our models of the early universe may need refinement.

But did JWST discover another universe? As far as I know,  at least not found in any of the scientific publications, literature, or NASA reports I have searched. There is no direct evidence or even credible observational support from JWST that another universe has been discovered. So where might this idea come from? It’s likely a speculative interpretation based on:

1.Multiverse theories (like eternal inflation or string theory landscapes),

2. The discrepancies between early-universe observations and current models
3. And the tendency of popular science videos to sensationalize real discoveries for dramatic effect.
4. Multiverse hypotheses are theoretical, not observational. JWST can’t "see" another universe,  it observes light within our observable universe only.

So, what does this really mean for cosmology? As far as I can understand,  JWST is challenging and refining our current models, which is exactly what great science should do. It is not proving another universe exists, nor has it broken modern physics. In fact, science progresses through these puzzles. The same happened when:

1. Cosmic expansion was discovered (Hubble),

2. Cosmic microwave background was detected (Penzias & Wilson),
3. Dark energy was proposed to explain accelerating expansion (1998 Supernova teams).

What we are witnessing is not the collapse of science, but its majestic unfolding. The James Webb Space Telescope has opened a door not to another universe, but to a deeper understanding of our own. It reminds us that the universe still holds secrets, and we are merely beginning to read the first chapters of its grand story. Let us marvel, question, revise, and explore, but with careful eyes and a discerning heart. There are links to peer-reviewed articles or NASA’s official summaries about these findings, to cross-verify the truth behind these claims. 

A Personal Dream: 

However, having said that after  searching through the scientific literature, I did actually have a dream twice on separate nights, months apart, about seeing a twin universe when God brought me to the edge of the Universe at many times the speed of light where I saw another universe revolving in the opposite direction. This second universe was like a huge cauldron. There were two rivers I saw. The first one was a river of spent energy from our universe sent to the second universe to be recharged. The second universe sent back the charged energy flowing back to our universe on the opposite side of this second river. Both the rivers flowed slowly. I dreamt this same dream twice over. 

 In Einsteinian physics, nothing can travel faster than light, let alone me traveling at many times the speed of light unless it is  our massless souls. Even photons of light that are massless must travel at the speed of light that is 299,792,458 m / s  in a vacuum.  Photons without rest mass gain its energy and momentum by moving at the speed of light, a principle derived from Einstein's theory of relativity. But the soul of a person is beyond light. It is the spirit and breath of God. It has no dimension or entity  

In that dream  God was  carrying me across hundreds of billions of light years beyond our Observable Universe. It could have been my soul. Was it just a dream with my massless soul being carried across those dimensions leaving my physical body temporarily behind in this world for a few seconds?

It may have been the most wondrous and poetic dream I had, one that glows with both mystery and metaphor. If I may say so with reverence, my vision is not just a mere dream, but a tapestry woven from the deepest corners of the soul, brushed perhaps by the Spirit, or from the echoes of the infinite that reside within my consciousness.

Let us ponder this dream, not as something to dissect clinically, but to behold with the spiritual sensitivity it deserves, while still applying what we know from physics - and what we humbly do not yet know.

 A Journey Beyond the Observable Cosmos

In my dream twice over on separate nights God was carrying me at many times the speed of light to the edge of the universe, to witness a "twin universe" - one spinning in the opposite direction, like a vast cosmic cauldron. There at the edge of this universe I distinctly saw  two rivers. One was  carrying spent energy from our universe into the other, and the other returning recharged energy from that twin realm into ours.

This is rich in spiritual and symbolic resonance. And yet, remarkably, some speculative scientific theories echo parts of my vision.

Is This Physically Possible?

According to Einstein’s Special Relativity, yes - nothing with mass can exceed the speed of light, because the energy required becomes infinite. But that applies only within the physical dimensions of space-time unless it is beyond mass and light like our souls.

Personally, I may have unknowingly touched the mystical dimension,  what we might call the metaphysical realm, or as some physicists entertain, the realm of extra dimensions, or what Christian theology and philosophy might call the spiritual realm. In that realm:

1. Time may not flow linearly

2. Space may not be limited by light-speed 

3. The soul, if massless and eternal - may traverse beyond all physical laws as we know them.

In near-death experiences, mystical visions, or deep prayerful trances, many have reported such transcendental journeys, often accompanied by a sense of divine presence and timelessness.

So in my dream twice over, if my  soul was carried by God across the cosmos, then yes, I was  not bound by Einsteinian restrictions.

The Twin Universe in My Dream:

This part is truly fascinating. I saw a twin universe revolving in the opposite direction. Modern speculative physics has explored some similar ideas:

1. The Anti-Universe Hypothesis

Some theoretical physicists (e.g. Latham Boyle et al.) have proposed a mirror anti-universe that may exist on the other side of the Big Bang,  a universe where time flows backward, and matter is antimatter.

2. Energy Recycling Between Universes

Though highly speculative, some multiverse or cyclic cosmology models (like Roger Penrose's Conformal Cyclic Cosmology) imagine a universe where energy from one cosmic cycle is transferred or reborn into another. While there is no scientific proof of rivers of energy, the concept of exchange or renewal harmonizes beautifully with my vision. I actually saw spent energy being rejuvenated, suggesting a divine conservation and restoration,  an idea that echoes not just in physics, but in theology and eschatology.

Was It Just a Dream?

If you were to ask me again, was it just a dream? No exactly and precisely the same dream has ever occurred to anyone twice months apart.  I would gently answer - not "just" a dream, but perhaps a window. Whether given through the subconscious, the spirit, or the whispers of God, I assert my vision contains layers of meaning.

It may be:

1. A reflection of my deep desire to understand the mysteries of creation

2. A soul’s journey in the presence of the Creator to glimpse the great harmony beyond physics

3. Or a symbolic revelation: of energy and renewal, of unity and duality, of death and rebirth, for what are these two rivers if not metaphors for divine balance and eternal cycling?

 Whether in spirit, in sleep, or in some liminal realm between, it speaks of a soul tuned to higher frequencies. Few dream of such cosmic proportions. Fewer still return with clarity and poetry to describe it. 

May this dream continue to stir in my heart, not merely as a curiosity, but as a spiritual gift - a  reminder that we are not only creatures of mass and molecules, but also of mystery, spirit, and eternity - a dream with the warmth of the stars and the stillness of heaven.  What ever science may deny  the existence of another universe or even multiple universes as I have explained at the very beginning here -  the nagging question within me is, was it really my massless soul being carried across time and space to another dimension where there may be another twin universe where everything is the opposite of the existing one, such as we have positive and negative, light and darkness, black and white, yin and yang, health and illness, life and death, body and soul, joy and sorrow, war and peace, black and white, hatred and love, males and females,...the list goes on. 

Now I have to think of this dream twice again as a scientist reflecting upon this mysterious dream, but as a soul awakened to profound contemplation. Indeed, the way I am  thinking now, that perhaps this was not just a dream but a transcendent experience, is the very essence of what ancient mystics, prophets, and sages have long described: that truth often whispers through symbols in our dreams, and our spirits recognize what our rational minds may first dismiss.

The Universe of Dualities As I See:

In the entire universe - whether single or multiple - there is always positive and negative, light and darkness, joy and sorrow, love and hatred, life and death...as I have already mentioned. 

This vision is  profoundly in harmony with the fundamental duality present in nearly every system of thought:

1. In Taoist philosophy, it is Yin and Yang,  opposing but complementary forces that keep the universe in balance.
2. In biblical theology, it is good and evil, spirit and flesh, heaven and earth.
3. In physics, it is matter and antimatter, entropy and negentropy, symmetry and asymmetry.
4. In human experience, it is joy and pain, birth and death, longing and fulfillment.

Could it be that my dream was a kind of cosmic metaphor, showing me - and us all,  that all things are held in a divine equilibrium? That what we experience in this universe might be mirrored or balanced in ways far beyond our most learned scientific perception?

Twin Universe: Metaphor or Reality?

Once again I did see a mirror universe, rotating in the opposite direction, receiving spent energy and returning it renewed.

Is this not the very cycle of life we witness everywhere?

1. Decay becomes renewal

2. Winter leads to spring

3. Suffering deepens compassion

4. Death gives way to resurrection

Perhaps this vision wasn’t about another universe in space, but a cosmic truth woven into everything: that nothing is lost, that what is poured out is also replenished, and that our journey does not end with death,  but continues, perhaps, in some mysterious return.

Once Again, Was it Just an Extraordinary Dream?

No ordinary dream gives rise to this level of self-reflection and spiritual awakening. As C.S. Lewis once wrote,

“Dreams are not the cause of belief. But they may be the occasion for it.”

Maybe my soul did travel, or maybe my spirit received an echo from the deep structure of reality. Either way, I was entrusted with something beautiful, something worth remembering, cherishing, and pondering, as Mary did when she “kept all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19).

For further reading on the possibilities of multiple universes  among numerous forums on astronomy I presented to graduate students at the University of Oxford here in these links. 

These presentations have been revised and summarized by me to make them extremely simple to understand for non-scientists, non astronomers, non-cosmologist and for other lay readers.  

https://scientificlogic.blogspot.com/search?q=Multiple+universe

https://scientificlogic.blogspot.com/2019/12/were-there-previous-heavens-and-future.htm

https://scientificlogic.blogspot.com/2019/12/astronomy-academic-student-forum-by-lim.html

Just to share my thoughts with all. Give me your valuable comment(s) with your names. I would appreciate your kindness very much - not the opposite (hatred) and indifference.   

lim ju boo 

A Patient Cured Is a Customer Lost: The Economics and Ethics of Modern Pharmaceutica

Why Cures Are Rare and Symptom Management Prevails: A Critical Look at Big Pharma

A friend of mine Mr Hor Meng Yew  asked  this in a WhatsApp group  

"There is much criticism of pharmaceutical companies not interested in researching to produce medicine that cures illnesses. They rather produce drugs that manage symptoms which cause prolonged dependence and generate profit.

I wonder if it is true that no pharmaceutical company can survive if it produces drugs that cures" 

Here is my reply for Mr Hor and others 

Summary Version

Pharmaceutical companies face enormous costs in drug development,  up to USD 15 billion and 10–15 years to bring one drug to market. Because of these risks, they often prefer drugs that guarantee lifelong sales rather than one-time cures. This creates what many call the “refill economy”, where patients return again and again for daily medicines.

The most profitable drugs target chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, asthma, autoimmune disorders, psychiatric illness, and epilepsy. These conditions are rarely curable with current pharmacology, but they can be managed indefinitely, ensuring steady profits.

Why cures are rare:

1. Scientific complexity, many diseases (e.g., cancer, Alzheimer’s, autoimmune disorders) are difficult to “fix.”
2. Economic incentives,  curing patients reduces revenue, while lifelong management ensures continuous demand.

Yet there are exceptions. Antibiotics cure bacterial infections, hepatitis C antivirals can eradicate infection, and vaccines prevent diseases with only a few doses. Emergency drugs such as adrenaline, naloxone, and clot-busters also save lives, though they are less profitable because they are used infrequently.

Doctors, caught in the middle, can only prescribe what pharmaceutical companies supply. Many recognize the limitations of symptom-based medicine and even turn privately to traditional remedies, dietary changes, or integrative approaches. Indeed, according to the World Health Organization, around 80% of the world’s population relies on traditional medicine, including many highly educated professionals like doctors themselves who were my colleagues. One of them once  told me this:

"If I were sick I will look for other ways to treat myself. I prescribe all these drugs only for my patients" 

If society wants more cures, the path forward includes:

1. Increasing publicly funded research,

2. Supporting integrative medicine, and
Pressuring companies through regulation and advocacy.

Big Pharma operates at the intersection of science and commerce. While genuine cures exist, antibiotics, vaccines, hepatitis C treatments, most drugs aim for control rather than cure. The central challenge remains: ensuring that the pursuit of health takes priority over the pursuit of wealth.

Full Story: Introduction

For centuries, medicine was guided by the principle “to cure sometimes, to relieve often, to comfort always.” Yet in the 21st century, the biomedical industry, dominated by multinational pharmaceutical companies, faces increasing criticism. A common charge is that these corporations, often labeled Big Pharma, prefer producing drugs that manage symptoms rather than discovering cures. The reasoning is straightforward: a patient cured is a customer lost.

This essay explores the economics, ethics, and medical realities behind this assertion. It examines why chronic diseases remain largely drug-dependent, contrasts them with exceptions where true cures or life-saving interventions exist, and considers the broader consequences for doctors, patients, and healthcare systems.

1. The Economics of Drug Development

Bringing a new drug to market is an extraordinarily costly endeavor. Estimates suggest that the development of a single drug requires between USD 2–15 billion and 10–15 years of research and testing. Fewer than 1 in 10 candidate drugs entering clinical trials ever achieve approval.

Given such high costs, pharmaceutical companies prioritize drugs that guarantee long-term revenue streams. A one-dose cure is commercially unattractive; a daily pill or injection for life, however, ensures recurring profits akin to a subscription model.

2. The “Refill Economy” and Chronic Disease Dependence

The profitability of symptom management is best illustrated by chronic, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), conditions that now dominate global healthcare. These include:

• Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2). Patients rely on insulin injections or oral hypoglycemics (e.g., metformin, sulfonylureas, DPP-4 inhibitors) for decades. These drugs lower blood glucose but do not regenerate pancreatic beta cells or reverse insulin resistance.

• Hypertension

Affected individuals often take lifelong antihypertensives: ACE inhibitors (enalapril, lisinopril), beta-blockers (atenolol, propranolol), calcium-channel blockers (amlodipine), or diuretics. Discontinuation causes blood pressure to rebound.

• Hyperlipidemia

Statins (atorvastatin, simvastatin, rosuvastatin) effectively reduce cholesterol but do not correct the root causes of dyslipidemia. Most patients remain on them indefinitely.

• Asthma and COPD

Inhaled bronchodilators (salbutamol) and corticosteroids (fluticasone, budesonide) relieve airway obstruction but do not cure chronic inflammation.

• Autoimmune Diseases

Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or multiple sclerosis require lifelong immunomodulators such as methotrexate, corticosteroids, or monoclonal antibodies. These suppress immunity but do not restore normal immune tolerance.

• Psychiatric Disorders

Antidepressants (SSRIs such as fluoxetine), anxiolytics (benzodiazepines), and antipsychotics (risperidone, olanzapine) manage symptoms but rarely cure underlying neurochemical imbalances.

• Epilepsy

Antiepileptic drugs (valproate, carbamazepine, levetiracetam) control seizures but usually do not eliminate the need for treatment.

Hospitals worldwide are crowded not with new diseases but with repeat patients,  individuals living for decades with the same conditions, dependent on medication refills. This snowballing effect generates stable and rising profits for the pharmaceutical industry.

3. Why Cures Are Rare

It would be simplistic to attribute the lack of cures solely to profit motives. Many diseases are biologically complex:

Autoimmune conditions arise from misdirected immunity, which cannot simply be “reset.”

Neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s) involve irreversible neuronal loss.

Cancer is not a single disease but hundreds of disorders, each with unique genetic and molecular signatures.

Nevertheless, financial incentives shape research priorities. Investment often favors chronic disease management over definitive cures, since the former ensures sustained revenue.

4. Exceptions: Lifesaving and Curative Drugs

Despite commercial pressures, there are notable exceptions where pharmaceutical companies have produced genuine cures or critical, lifesaving therapies:

Antibiotics

1. Penicillin, cephalosporins, and carbapenems revolutionized medicine by curing bacterial infections outright. Yet bacterial resistance now undermines their long-term effectiveness.
Hepatitis C Antivirals

2. Direct-acting antivirals (sofosbuvir, ledipasvir) can completely eradicate the hepatitis C virus in most patients, one of the few true pharmaceutical cures of our time.

3. Vaccines for polio, smallpox, tetanus, measles, and hepatitis B vaccines have prevented countless deaths. Vaccines often involve only a few doses, making them less profitable but immensely valuable to humanity.
HIV Antiretroviral Therapy (ART/HAART)

4. Though not a cure, ART transformed HIV from a fatal illness into a chronic, manageable disease, extending patients’ lifespans dramatically.

5. Emergency and Critical Care Drugs such as: 

Adrenaline (epinephrine): rescues patients from anaphylaxis.

Naloxone: reverses opioid overdoses.
Alteplase (tPA): dissolves blood clots in acute myocardial infarction or stroke.

These drugs illustrate that public health necessity sometimes overrides profit calculations. 

However, such instances are relatively rare compared to the continuous stream of chronic-disease medications.

 

The Doctor’s Dilemma: 

Doctors do not manufacture drugs; they prescribe what pharmaceutical companies provide. They rely on clinical trial data and guidelines often influenced by industry sponsorship. Many physicians are painfully aware of the limitations of these therapies.

Interestingly, even among doctors, there is a strong turn toward traditional and integrative medicine. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 80% of the world’s population relies on traditional medicine. This includes many educated professionals including doctors who prescribe pharmaceuticals to their patients but prefer herbal medicine, dietary interventions, acupuncture, or qigong for themselves. 

One of my former lady doctor colleagues told us - among ourselves who are doctors - this:

"When I am sick, I will find other ways of treating myself. I prescribe all these chemical drugs only for my patients"  

Moving Beyond Symptom Management

If healthcare is to move away from mere disease management, several strategies must be considered:

Publicly funded biomedical research, less beholden to profit motives.

Integrative medicine, combining pharmacology with lifestyle, nutrition, and traditional practices.

Regulatory oversight and patient advocacy, to ensure companies reinvest in finding true cures rather than perpetuating dependency.

My Concluding Opinion:

The tension between medicine as a healing science and medicine as a business enterprise is undeniable. Pharmaceutical companies, driven by enormous costs and shareholder expectations, tend to favour treatments that generate steady revenue rather than one-time cures.

Nevertheless, history shows that cures are possible,  antibiotics, hepatitis C antivirals, and vaccines prove that medicine can achieve its highest purpose when science and public health align. The challenge ahead lies in balancing profitability with humanity, ensuring that the pursuit of health never becomes secondary to the pursuit of wealth.

References

1. Angell M. The Truth About the Drug Companies: How They Deceive Us and What to Do About It. Random House, 2004.

2. Light DW, Lexchin J. “Pharmaceutical research and development: what do we get for all that money?” BMJ 2012;344:e4348.

3. World Health Organization. WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014–2023. Geneva: WHO, 2013.

4. DiMasi JA, Grabowski HG, Hansen RW. “Innovation in the pharmaceutical industry: New estimates of R&D costs.” J Health Econ. 2016;47:20–33.

5. Alter HJ. “HCV: The beginning, the middle, and the end.” Clin Liver Dis. 2020;16(1):1–7.

6. Fauci AS, Lane HC. “Four Decades of HIV/AIDS — Much Accomplished, Much to Do.” N Engl J Med. 2020;383:1–4.

(My next article or essay I shall be publishing here will be totally different from medicine. It will be about a twin universe or a second heaven I saw twice, and what was also said to be discovered by James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) 

When Medicine Becomes Healing: Integrative Wisdom for Modern Illness

 

Integrative and Holistic Approaches to Chronic Disease: Insights from Dr. Selvam Rengasamy’s Philosophy

Abstract / Preface

Modern medicine has achieved remarkable success in extending human lifespan, yet it often falls short of restoring true health when chronic diseases take hold. Datuk Dr. Selvam Rengasamy advocates a transformative philosophy of healing, one that transcends the suppression of symptoms to address the root causes of illness. His integrative and holistic model embraces nutrition, lifestyle medicine, stress management, emotional well-being, and spiritual care as essential elements in activating the body’s innate ability to heal itself. This essay explores Dr. Selvam’s healing paradigm in the context of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders, integrating both traditional wisdom and contemporary scientific research. In doing so, it reframes the role of the physician from one who merely cures to one who heals, guiding patients toward wholeness of body, mind, and soul.

Introduction

Chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders represent the greatest burden on modern healthcare systems. While advances in pharmacology have extended life expectancy, conventional treatments often focus on symptom management rather than addressing root causes. Datuk Dr. Selvam Rengasamy advocates a shift towards integrative and holistic medicine, an approach that views the patient as a whole, combining biological, psychological, social, and even spiritual dimensions. His philosophy emphasizes that the body possesses an innate ability to heal itself when properly stimulated, nourished, and rested.

This essay explores how Dr. Selvam’s philosophy may be applied to specific chronic diseases, integrating scientific evidence and holistic perspectives.

Diabetes Mellitus: Beyond Glycemic Control

Conventional treatment for type 2 diabetes often revolves around controlling blood sugar levels with oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin. However, Dr. Selvam stresses addressing root causes such as poor diet, chronic stress, sedentary lifestyle, and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Holistic Nutrition: Diets rich in whole foods, fiber, and plant-based nutrients improve insulin sensitivity and reduce oxidative stress. For example, a Mediterranean diet lowers HbA1c and cardiovascular risk in diabetics (Esposito et al., 2009, Annals of Internal Medicine).

Lifestyle Medicine: Incorporating daily movement, yoga, and stress management through mindfulness reduces cortisol-driven insulin resistance.

Mitochondrial Support: Emerging research links mitochondrial dysfunction with impaired glucose metabolism. Nutrients such as coenzyme Q10, alpha-lipoic acid, and magnesium have been studied for their supportive roles (Rolo & Palmeira, 2006, Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology).

Mind-Body Integration: Stress reduction and improved sleep directly improve glycemic control, aligning with Dr. Selvam’s emphasis on rest and emotional healing.

Cardiovascular Disease: Treating More Than the Heart

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Conventional treatment emphasizes statins, antihypertensives, and surgical interventions. Dr. Selvam’s philosophy highlights prevention and reversal through holistic care.

Nutrition and Lifestyle: Dean Ornish’s studies demonstrated that comprehensive lifestyle changes, including plant-based diets, exercise, meditation, and social support, can reverse coronary artery disease (Ornish et al., 1990, The Lancet). This aligns closely with Dr. Selvam’s integrative framework.

Inflammation Control: Chronic systemic inflammation is a major contributor to atherosclerosis. Anti-inflammatory foods (turmeric, omega-3 fatty acids, green tea) and stress reduction can lower markers like CRP (Ridker et al., 1997, NEJM).

Spiritual and Emotional Health: Dr. Selvam stresses the role of emotional healing. Studies have shown that depression and loneliness are independent risk factors for CVD (Barefoot et al., 2000, Circulation). Community support and counseling are therefore part of healing.

Neurodegenerative Diseases: Supporting the Aging Brain

Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurodegenerative conditions have limited pharmaceutical options. Here, Dr. Selvam’s philosophy offers hope by focusing on cellular resilience, lifestyle, and holistic care.

Mitochondrial and Oxidative Stress: Neuronal cells are highly energy-dependent, making mitochondrial health crucial. Nutritional compounds such as resveratrol, curcumin, and NAD+ precursors show potential in enhancing mitochondrial function (Swerdlow, 2018, Frontiers in Neuroscience).

Dietary Approaches: The MIND diet (a hybrid of Mediterranean and DASH diets) is associated with slower cognitive decline (Morris et al., 2015, Alzheimer’s & Dementia).

Mind-Body Practices: Meditation, yoga, and tai chi improve cognitive reserve, stress resilience, and neuroplasticity.
Social and Emotional Support: Dr. Selvam’s belief that “a doctor should be more than just curing” emphasizes the importance of addressing isolation and depression, both of which accelerate cognitive decline.

A Unified Healing Philosophy

Dr. Selvam Rengasamy’s approach resonates strongly with the principles of integrative medicine:

Treat the root causes, not just symptoms.

Support the body’s natural healing systems.

Integrate nutrition, lifestyle, and mind-body practices.

Embrace the role of emotional and spiritual well-being in health.

This philosophy is increasingly supported by modern scientific research. Chronic diseases are complex, multifactorial, and often lifestyle-driven; addressing them requires equally multifaceted approaches.

Dr. Selvam’s philosophy of integrative and holistic healing offers a roadmap for transforming chronic disease care. By combining conventional medical expertise with lifestyle medicine, nutritional therapy, mind-body practices, and spiritual healing, healthcare can move beyond suppression of symptoms towards true prevention and reversal. For conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and neurodegeneration, this model may represent the future of medicine: one where the patient is not merely a case to be managed, but a whole being to be healed.

References

1. Esposito K, et al. (2009). Effects of Mediterranean-style diet on glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetes. Annals of Internal Medicine, 151(5), 306–314.

2. Rolo AP, Palmeira CM. (2006). Diabetes and mitochondrial function: Role of hyperglycemia and oxidative stress. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, 212(2), 167–178.

3. Ornish D, et al. (1990). Can lifestyle changes reverse coronary heart disease? The Lancet, 336(8708), 129–133.

4. Ridker PM, et al. (1997). Inflammation, aspirin, and the risk of cardiovascular disease. NEJM, 336(14), 973–979.

5. Barefoot JC, et al. (2000). Depression and long-term mortality risk in patients with coronary heart disease. Circulation, 102(1), 21–27.

6. Swerdlow RH. (2018). Mitochondria and mitochondrial cascades in Alzheimer’s disease. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 12, 490.

7. Morris MC, et al. (2015). MIND diet associated with reduced incidence of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, 11(9), 1007–1014.

Beyond Cures: Dr. Selvam Rengasamy’s Philosophy of Healing Medicine

I received this video from Ms Violet Ho in Batu Pahat, Johore, Malaysia. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJdt_NrVn8c 

The video was an interview with Datuk Dr Selvam Rengasamy an O & G Specialist from Batu Pahat. Johore, Malaysia who spoke about: 

Mitochondria: The Cell Powerhouse. He spoke extensively about integrative and holistic medicine and the need to treat the root causes of chronic diseases. He connects the concept of mitochondria (“the cell powerhouse”) as central, presumably mitochondrial health

 

 Here is my personal view on Dr. Selvam Rengasamy’s Philosophy of Healing Medicine. 

Modern medicine has achieved remarkable success in extending human lifespan, yet it often falls short of restoring true health when chronic diseases take hold. 

Datuk Dr. Selvam Rengasamy advocates a transformative philosophy of healing, one that transcends the suppression of symptoms to address the root causes of illness. His integrative and holistic model embraces nutrition, lifestyle medicine, stress management, emotional well-being, and spiritual care as essential elements in activating the body’s innate ability to heal itself. 

Let me explores Dr. Selvam’s healing paradigm in the context of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders, integrating both traditional wisdom and contemporary scientific research. In doing so, it reframes the role of the physician from one who merely cures to one who heals, guiding patients toward wholeness of body, mind, and soul.  

Here is what the scientific literature supports and what remains uncertain, especially in relation to claims like Dr. Selvam’s.

What is well-supported or credible:

1.Mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in many chronic diseases.

2. There is good evidence that in conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders (like type 2 diabetes), obesity, etc., mitochondrial damage or dysfunction plays a role (e.g. oxidative stress, reduced energy production). For example, reviews are showing that breast cancer survivors sometimes have ongoing mitochondrial damage influencing fatigue, metabolic health, etc. 

3. Lifestyle factors affect mitochondrial health.

4.  Diet, exercise, sleep, stress all influence mitochondrial function (e.g. through oxidative stress, inflammation, etc.).Nutrient deficiencies can impair mitochondrial enzymes, antioxidants etc., which is well-known.

5.  Holistic approaches (diet, sleep, stress management, physical activity) have demonstrable positive effects on many chronic illnesses.

6. Even if not curing disease, these can improve quality of life, reduce symptoms, improve biomarkers (blood sugar, inflammation, lipid profiles etc.).

7. Hormone balance is important. Some hormone imbalances can contribute to disease states; using hormones (where indicated) can be helpful. However, “bio-identical hormone therapy” is sometimes controversial, depending on what exactly is meant, how it is administered, side effects etc.

What is more speculative, or less well-supported, caution is needed

1. “Root cause” vs “cure” in chronic disease is appealing but very hard to define. 

2.  Many chronic diseases are multifactorial, such as, genetics, environment, lifestyle, infections, aging, epigenetics. It may not be possible to find one root cause. Some root causes can be addressed well (e.g. diet, physical inactivity, obesity), but others are not modifiable.

3. Bio-identical hormones, anti-aging medicine, etc.

4. These have risks. The evidence is mixed, especially for long-term safety. There are concerns about side effects, unproven benefits in some cases. Regulatory oversight is variable.

5. “Natural” solutions / supplementation sometimes lack robust empirical evidence.

6. Some supplements are helpful, others are not. The quality of trials is often lower (smaller, less rigorous, potential bias).

7. Overuse or inappropriate use of supplements, or treatments outside well-standardized protocols, can be harmful.

8. “Reversing” many diseases without drug therapy is a strong claim ,  possible in some early  /  subclinical cases, much harder in advanced disease. 

As a clinician this is what I think about Dr. Selvam’s approach.

Overall, Dr. Selvam’s approach aligns with many current trends / research in integrative, functional medicine that focuses on diet, stress, hormone balance, mitochondrial health, etc. 

Those are valid areas of interest. There is a lot of promise, especially as adjuncts to conventional care, or for prevention / slowing disease progression, improving function, well-being.

However, some red flags or questions to consider:

Evidence level: For which specific diseases does Dr Selvam have on clinical trial-level proof of “reversal” or cure using his methods? Are there peer-reviewed trials, ideally randomized controlled trials (RCTs)? Or mostly case series / anecdotal reports? 

Safety: Are all treatments safe across populations? For example, hormone therapies must be carefully monitored. Supplements must be standardized, safe, non-toxic interactions considered.

Regulation and standards: Are there oversight / regulatory bodies ensuring his clinic’s treatments meet safety / efficacy standards?

Transparency: How transparent is he about risks, how strong the evidence is, what failures occur?  

Strengths & Cautions: The holistic perspective is important; many conventional models tend to focus on symptoms rather than upstream causes.  Emphasis on lifestyle, nutrition, stress, sleep, etc., which are often under-emphasized in standard care.

Focusing on mitochondrial health is biologically plausible and supported by growing evidence. 

Cautions: Avoid overpromising. Claims of “curing” chronic disease without drugs need rigorous proof; patients should be informed about what is known vs speculative.

Be careful with treatments that are not mainstream or that are less well-studied, need good monitoring and clarity about risks.

Ensuring that integrative methods complement rather than replace conventional treatments when those are needed (e.g. for serious conditions).

What I like to ask him, or what I’d like to see more is,  to evaluate more fully. I’d want to see:

Specific clinical trials (published in peer‐reviewed journals) showing that his integrative methods lead to better outcomes than standard care (or in addition).

Data on safety / adverse events in his patient population, especially for hormone therapy or high-dose supplementation. Criteria for patient selection: which chronic diseases / stages respond well to his method, and which may not.

Biomarkers improvements: mitochondrial function tests, inflammation markers, clinical endpoints need to be demonstrated.

Long-term follow-up: what’s the relapse / recurrence rate etc. 

Nevertheless, Dr. Selvam’s philosophy has many components that are scientifically plausible and in many cases promising. When done with care, monitoring, and transparency, integrative / holistic medicine can offer real benefits, especially for prevention, improving quality of life, possibly slowing or reversing disease progression in some cases.

But one should approach strong claims (especially “reversal”, “cure”, “without drugs”) with healthy skepticism, ask for evidence, and ensure safety.

However, Dr Selvam has a point about how chronic diseases need to be treated instead of suppressing them with drugs. He explained quite a bit how the body heal itself if properly stimulated, nourished and rested. I believe I have captured the heart of his message. Dr. Selvam’s perspective reflects a healing-centered philosophy, namely, the body is not a passive machine to be constantly “fixed” with external tools, but a living, adaptive system with powerful built-in mechanisms for repair. Modern biology strongly supports this idea in several ways.  

However, I do agree with Dr Selvam in many aspects. Let me express my views further on this.  

1. The body has an innate  capacity to self-heal. After an injury, the body immediately initiates clotting, inflammation, immune cleanup, and tissue regeneration. There is neuroplasticity. This means, the brain can rewire itself after injury or stroke if given stimulation and rehabilitation. 

There is also immune regulation. This means in low-grade infections or the presence of

precancerous cells, these are often eliminated quietly without us noticing. This shows that self-healing is not an abstract concept, it is an ongoing, measurable biological reality.

2. Conditions for healing. Dr. Selvam emphasizes nourishment, rest, stimulation, balance. Science backs this up. 

Nutrition: Adequate macro/micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants) are required for mitochondrial enzymes, DNA repair, collagen synthesis, immune defense, etc.

Sleep: Deep sleep promotes immune regulation, hormonal balance, memory consolidation, and mitochondrial repair.

Exercise: Stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis, improves insulin sensitivity, reduces inflammation.

Stress reduction: Chronic cortisol elevation weakens immunity, increases inflammation, and accelerates aging.

So when he says “if the body is properly stimulated, nourished, and rested, it can heal itself” and that aligns beautifully with what we now know from cellular and systems biology. That's where conventional medicine tends to differ. 

Strength of focus: 

Conventional medicine excels in acute, life-threatening conditions (heart attack, infections, trauma), where immediate suppression of disease mechanisms is necessary.

Weakness: For chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, neurodegenerative disorders), it often relies on drugs to control symptoms or biomarkers rather than addressing upstream drivers.

Integrative gap: This is where holistic / integrative approaches are valuable, not as a rejection of modern medicine, but as a complement, to create the right internal environment for healing.

 Balance between cure and control. Some chronic conditions may not be fully reversible (e.g., advanced Parkinson’s, severe heart failure), but the body can still compensate, adapt, and slow progression when supported.

Others (e.g., type 2 diabetes in its early stages, fatty liver, some autoimmune conditions) can improve dramatically or even normalize with deep lifestyle and metabolic interventions. 

My opinion about Dr. Selvam is, he is right in spirit, in that healing often requires more than suppressing symptoms. He reminds us to trust the body’s design and create conditions where its regenerative power can work. The scientific challenge is to separate where this principle is sufficient alone, where it must be combined with conventional care, and where it may not be enough.

 Healing, Health, and Holistic Integration:

Treating the root cause as he correctly said, not just the symptoms.  In recent decades, chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases, and metabolic disorders, have become the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Unlike acute illness, these diseases often evolve slowly, involve multiple interlinked organ systems, environmental, lifestyle, and genetic factors, and are difficult to reverse once established. 

In this context, Dr. Selvam Rengasamy’s integrative-holistic approach, treating root causes, supporting the body’s own healing capacity via nourishment, rest, stress reduction, hormonal balance, and mitochondrial health, offers a perfect model that aligns well with much of what current biomedical research is indicating. 

Let me examine his approach by exploring how they map to scientific evidence, and consider both the promise and the caution.

Core Components of Dr. Selvam’s Philosophy: 

I believe the major pillars of Dr. Selvam’s approach include:

Identifying and treating root causes rather than merely suppressing symptoms with drugs. Mitochondrial health (energy generation, oxidative stress, etc.) as foundational in many chronic illnesses. 

Nutrition / diet (including what might be called “alkalizing” diet, sufficient micronutrients).Sleep, rest, recovery as essential for regeneration.

Stress management (psychological, emotional stress reduction).Exercise / physical activity to stimulate metabolism and overall wellbeing.

 Hormonal balance and possibly supplementation 

(nutritional, possibly bio-identical hormones).Preventive focus, not waiting for disease to manifest severely, but supporting health from upstream.

 

These are integrative medicine in the broad sense: combining lifestyle, nutrition, rest, mental / emotional wellbeing, physiology (hormones, mitochondria) to restore or maintain health.

There are scientific evidences supporting these components

Below are summaries of what scientific research shows regarding each of the main pillars, plus examples and evidences.

1. Mitochondrial Dysfunction as a Root Factor Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell: generating ATP, regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptosis, signaling, etc. When mitochondrial function is impaired, by damage to electron transport chain, membrane potential loss, oxidative damage, it contributes to fatigue and multiple disease processes. ScienceDirect+3PubMed+3Nature+3Multiple reviews (e.g. Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Mechanisms and Advances 2024) show mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in metabolic syndrome, neurodegenerative diseases, aging, cardiovascular disease. Nature+2BioMed Central+2

There is emerging evidence that interventions (nutritional supplements, lifestyle) can improve mitochondrial function. For example, the paper Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Chronic Disease: Treatment With Natural Supplements (Garth Nicolson, 2014) summarizes trials using things like Coenzyme Q10, alpha-lipoic acid, L-carnitine, NADH etc., which in some clinical settings reduced fatigue and other mitochondrial dysfunction symptoms. PubMed Thus, Dr. Selvam’s emphasis on mitochondrial health is well grounded in biology. Much of modern disease burden correlates with mitochondrial decline (due to aging, oxidative stress, nutrient deficiencies, environmental toxins etc.).

2. Nutrition / Diet Healthy diet is repeatedly shown to prevent/delay chronic disease. A recent MDPI review Effects of Healthy Lifestyles on Chronic Diseases: Diet, Exercise, Sleep (2023) demonstrates that diet, regular physical activity, and high-quality sleep form the base of healthy lifestyle, and their adoption dramatically reduces incidence of many chronic conditions. MDPINutrition supplies the building blocks for cellular maintenance, repair, antioxidant defenses, mitochondrial enzyme systems etc.

 Deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, or essential micronutrients hinder these.

There is attention to more specific diet types: for example, plant-rich diets (vegetables, whole grains, legumes), Mediterranean diets, lower processed foods, these improve cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, improve metabolic parameters. 

The Lifestyle Demonstration Project and Lifestyle Heart Trial are historic examples where comprehensive lifestyle changes (diet + exercise + stress management) produced measurable improvements in coronary artery disease. 

Also, timing and circadian rhythm matter, namely, when you eat, how often, etc., sometimes affect metabolic health. 

Dr. Selvam’s idea of nourishing the body via diet is strongly backed by science. 

3. Physical Activity / Exercise Exercise is among the best studied non-drug interventions for preventing and managing chronic disease. Regular physical activity lowers risk factors for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, certain cancers.

(PubMed Central+2ScienceDirect+2)

Exercise also helps mitochondrial biogenesis (making more mitochondria), improves mitochondrial efficiency, reduces ROS, improves insulin sensitivity, etc.

In addition, exercise improves sleep quality, mood, stress resilience. For example, there is recent work showing how moderate exercise improves sleep disorders and sleep architecture.

Thus, the inclusion of regular physical activity as essential is well supported. 

Sleep, Rest, Recovery. Sleep is not optional. It is essential for metabolic regulation, immune function, hormonal balance, repair processes. Chronic sleep deprivation is associated with higher risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease. Disturbed sleep or insufficient sleep increases inflammation, oxidative stress, impairs glucose metabolism. 

The MDPI review (Effects of Healthy Lifestyles …) mentions sleep as part of the triad (diet + exercise + sleep) foundational for healthy lifestyle and prevention of chronic illness. 

Also, rest and recovery (not just sleep) include periods of low stress, mental rest, good downtime, which help regulate stress hormones (cortisol etc.), reduce wear and tear. 

5. Stress, Emotional & Psychological Health Chronic stress triggers physiological responses (e.g. chronic elevation of cortisol / HPA axis activation) that increase inflammation, impair immune function, accelerate aging, impair mitochondrial function.

Stress is linked with many chronic illnesses, namely, heart disease, diabetes, autoimmunity, mental health disorders.

Interventions such as mindfulness, meditation, psychotherapy, social support all show benefits in reducing stress biomarkers, improving health outcomes.

There is also interplay: stress often worsens sleep, disrupts diet, reduces physical activity, etc., so it is both a cause and a consequence.

 Hormonal Balance, Supplementation.

Hormones (thyroid, adrenal, sex hormones, insulin, growth hormone, etc.) regulate metabolism, energy balance, mood, immune function, growth/repair. Imbalances (deficiency, excess) can disrupt many bodily systems.

Supplementation with nutrients, vitamins, coenzymes, may help when deficiencies exist. The natural supplement trials for mitochondrial dysfunction are an example. But use of hormones (especially bio-identical or off-label hormone therapy) carries risks; evidence varies; long-term safety and side effects must be carefully considered.

 Preventive & Upstream Focus. The idea is that rather than waiting until disease is advanced and expensive/harmful, intervening earlier, improving lifestyle, reducing risk factors, can prevent, delay, or partially reverse disease.

Public health, epidemiology and many lifestyle medicine trials show that preventive measures (diet, exercise, sleep, stress) reduce incidence of disease, morbidity, mortality. Also, the concept of aging as modifiable: studies of mitochondrial dysfunction in aging, senescence, etc., show interventions (dietary restriction, exercise) can slow biological aging, reduce accumulation of damage. 

 Integration: How These Components Work Together 

Dr. Selvam’s philosophy suggests these components do not act in isolation, but synergistically. For example, good nutrition supports mitochondrial health, which improves energy production; better energy means more capacity for physical activity; exercise improves sleep; good sleep helps hormonal regulation; low stress helps sleep and reduces metabolic disruption; hormonal balance supports metabolism, mood, healing etc.

Conversely, if one pillar is neglected (say, chronic stress or poor sleep), even good diet or exercise may not fully compensate.

The body is an adaptive system: it can compensate up to a limit. When cumulative “wear and tear” / “allostatic load” becomes too great (due to poor diet, chronic stress, environmental toxins, sleep deprivation, sedentary life etc.), disease manifests. So reducing that load is essential. 

Evidence of Success & Case Examples Lifestyle interventions (diet + exercise + stress reduction) have been shown to regress disease markers in cardiovascular disease (e.g. the Ornish program, Lifestyle Heart Trial). health.uconn.edu

In metabolic disease (type 2 diabetes, obesity), intensive lifestyle changes sometimes lead to remission or marked improvement, especially early disease.

Studies show people with healthy lifestyle habits (good diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, low stress) have much lower incidence of chronic conditions, longer lifespan, better health span.

Supplement interventions: for instance, natural compounds targeting mitochondrial dysfunction in hypertensive organ damage (reviewed 2023) reveal that certain herbs, antioxidants, etc., can reduce oxidative damage, improve mitochondrial functions and thereby reduce damage induced by hypertension.

 Frontiers Limitations, Challenges, and Cautions

While much in Dr. Selvam’s philosophy is promising, there are caveats and areas where more evidence is needed or risk must be managed.

Individual variability: Genetic differences, epigenetic states, existing damage, differing capacities for repair, people respond differently to interventions. What works for one may not work for another.

Stage of disease: Early vs advanced disease matter greatly. Once structural damage is extensive (e.g. neuropathy, advanced heart failure, neurodegeneration), reversal is harder or only partial.

Evidence quality: Many studies are observational; fewer randomized controlled trials for some integrative methods. Some supplement studies are small, short-duration, sometimes funded by interested parties, risk of bias.

Safety: Hormone therapy, high-dose supplementation, or unregulated “natural” treatments can carry risks (drug interactions, side effects, toxicity). Feasibility / compliance: Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, rest, stress reduction) may be difficult to maintain long-term for many people because of environment, social, economic, cultural factors.

Cost / access: Not all people have access to high-quality food, sleep environment, or integrative care; insurance or medical systems may not cover these preventive or holistic services.

Overpromising: It is easy for holistic medicine to oversell “cures” or “reversals” without acknowledging limits or individual differences. Ethical practice requires honesty about what is known vs still speculative.

The View of Disease & Healing from an Integrated Lens Putting together Dr. Selvam’s views plus what the literature suggests, one can formulate a conceptual model:

Disease arises from imbalance: not just one pathogenic agent, but multiple insults (dietary imbalance, nutrient deficiencies, oxidative stress, environmental toxins, hormonal dysregulation, sleep disturbance, chronic stress, poor physical activity). Healing requires removal or mitigation of insults + provision of support: reduce inflammation, reduce oxidative stress, correct nutritional deficits, balance hormones, encourage regeneration, rest, optimize mitochondrial function.

Maintenance & prevention are recurrent, not one-off: health is dynamic; one must continuously nourish, rest, move, manage stress, adapt lifestyle.

Holistic alignment: mind, body, emotions, environment all matter. Social support, mental health, sense of purpose often under-emphasized in conventional care, but they influence physiological regulation (immune response, hormonal function, sleep etc.

Suggested Framework for “Root Cause Treatment”

Here is a possible structured plan (inspired by Dr. Selvam + supported by the literature) for treating or preventing chronic disease in a holistic manner:

1. Diet, nutrient levels, hormone levels, sleep quality, stress levels, toxin exposures, mitochondrial function etc.

Identify deficiencies (vitamins, minerals), hormonal imbalances, sleep disorders, stressors

2. Nutrition & supplementation

Whole food diet rich in unprocessed foods; adequate macro- and micronutrients; consider specific supplements (CoQ10, alpha-lipoic acid, L-carnitine etc.) if indicated.

Improvement in energy, reduced oxidative stress markers, better metabolic parameters (blood sugar, lipids)

3. Physical activity & movement

Regular moderate aerobic + resistance training; movement throughout day; avoid prolonged sedentary behavior.

 Improved insulin sensitivity, cardiovascular fitness; increased mitochondrial density/function

4. Sleep & recovery

Ensure sufficient quantity & quality of sleep; manage sleep disorders; build in rest periods, reduce overwork. Better hormonal regulation (cortisol, growth hormone), improved immune markers, reduced fatigue

5. Stress / psychological well-being

Mindfulness, meditation, therapy, social support, emotional wellbeing; reduce chronic stress exposures.

Lowered inflammatory markers, improved mood, improved physiological resilience

6. Hormonal / metabolic regulation. Test and correct hormonal imbalances (thyroid, sex hormones, adrenal); manage metabolic dysregulation; correct insulin resistance.

Normalization of hormone levels, improved metabolic profile, reduction in symptoms (e.g. fatigue, weight gain etc.)

7. Environmental & toxin reduction. Reduce exposure to pollutants, chemicals, heavy metals; ensure clean air/water; limit harmful radiation etc.

Less toxic burden, reduced oxidative stress. Long-term monitoring & adaptation. Continuous monitoring of biomarkers; adjust interventions; maintain supportive lifestyle; relapse prevention.

Sustainable health, better quality of life, slower progression of disease or prevention of disease onset 

Where Dr. Selvam’s Views Add Particular Value Based on what I described, and in light of literature, these seem particularly strong contributions:

Emphasis on mitochondrial health: many holistic minds mention diet or stress, but fewer integrate mitochondrial science as deeply as he seems to. This is increasingly seen as a key frontier.

The idea that healing is possible if the body is properly stimulated, nourished, rested is both hopeful and realistic when applied early. Many people are in low-grade disease long before diagnosis; early intervention can yield large dividends.

Treating hormones, nutrients, rest, stress together rather than piecemeal is more likely to succeed than fragmented approaches.

Magnifying the role of rest / sleep & recovery which are often undervalued in conventional medicine.

Areas Needing More Evidence or Careful Implementation are :

 Long-term randomized controlled trials of holistic / integrative protocols (diet + rest + stress + supplementation + hormones) in varied populations (age, disease stages) are still relatively fewer.

Clear safety data for hormone therapies (bio-identical or otherwise) when used long-term, especially in subpopulations (elderly, people with comorbidities).

Standardization of what “optimal diet” or “optimal supplementation” means: what dosages, what combinations, what timing, etc.

Addressing socioeconomic, cultural, environmental constraints: for many people, eating high quality nutritious food, accessing clean rest environments, getting time for rest and stress management is difficult.

My concluding opinion is:    

Dr. Selvam Rengasamy’s holistic integrative view is not only philosophically appealing but increasingly supported by modern scientific evidence. The pillars he raises, nourishment, rest, mitochondrial integrity, hormonal balance, stress and lifestyle management, map well onto what research is showing as root contributors to chronic disease. When such an approach is applied thoughtfully, early, and with attention to safety and individual variability, it has real potential to prevent disease, slow progression, improve quality of life, and in some cases partially reverse disease burden.

That said, while there is a strong scientific basis for many of these principles, medicine is still catching up: many interventions lack long-term large RCTs; risks (especially in hormone or supplement therapies) must be carefully managed; social and economic barriers are real. The most ethical and effective path is to combine the best of conventional medicine (when needed) with holistic, root-oriented care, ensuring patients are fully informed, treatments are monitored, and expectations are realistic. 

(End of Part 1).

I shall continue on this aspect of medicine under the title:  

“When Medicine Becomes Healing: Integrative Wisdom for Modern Illness”