theandria This is a wonderful documentary that not only reveals the differences between the western and eastern medicines, but the mentality, spirit and wisdom rooted in ancients sciences versus the modern, instant gratifying, mechanistic paradigm. Being myself a nurse for more than decade with European and North American experiences, this movie helped me to realize, how barbaric the western medical science can be. Both sides are represented in the movie and the explanations and reasonings are accurate and relevant. I'm actually surprised to see some of the practices revealed in such an open and detailed way. Of course, Ayurveda is not a secret science, but I had the feeling that I'm being initiated into something sacred and very precious. This movie is highly recommended for everyone interested in alternative medicines, devotees of the Indian culture and spirituality and for those who are looking for greater Truth in life.

jogcr It was pleasure to watch this film. I applaud the makers of this film for bringing out this wealth of knowledge; making people aware of this ancient science. Such simple film-making and yet so impacting.It is worthwhile to note that many secrets of Ayurveda and Siddha Yoga are a part of traditional family wealth, hence there are not as many practitioners with the profound knowledge as the Swami in the film.Calling these practitioners as quack or charlatans is like being steeped in ignorance from this ancient art of living. Make a thorough study of how well aware the ancient people were about the body and its mechanisms at the deepest levels...unless that is done, well... everybody has the right to be ignorant and bound in their concepts and post comments as they wish. !! One should understand these true Ayurvedic doctors (in the film) are those who come from a spiritual foundation and hence their knowledge and practice is based on service to humanity and not building mansions out of the returns (which itself is based on donations in most cases). Real masters of Ayurveda are rare and the ignorance of many about it is abundant (especially those feeling their flavor of science is the only right one) but that does not make this beautiful science any less. In fact it is most open to modern medicine (which is precisely noted in the film). CT scan, PET, MRI are wonderful tools in modern medicine as well as its great surgical techniques. Ayurveda is open to blend these with its innate repository of the most profound knowledge of the human levels of existence (which includes the body). Would anyone say modern medicine is as open to embrace any dimension of Ayurveda !? Remember, Ayurveda is not just medicine ..it is the art of healthy existence... it needs good marketing...for what ?? for the benefit of humanity !

lutheranchick This documentary is at its best when it is simply showing the ayurvedic healers' offices and treatment preparation. There is no denying the grinding poverty in India and desperation of even their wealthier clients. However, as an argument for ayurvedic medicine in general, this film fails miserably. Although Indian clients mention having seen "aleopathic" doctors, those doctors are not interviewed, and we have to take the vague statements of their patients at face value-- "the doctor said there was no cure," "the doctor said it was cancer" etc. Well, "no cure" doesn't mean "no treatment," and what type of cancer exactly does the patient have? The film is at its most feeble when showing ayurvedic practice in America. There it is reduced, apparently, to the stunning suggestion that having a high powered Wall Street job can make your stomach hurt.

sophie_hll Being a fan of this unique Indian filmmaker, I could not ignore Ayurveda. I watched it twice in theaters and later at home on DVD. One of the most inspiring and thought provoking work. When the world was hit with recent Tsunami waves this film predicted it. How we are being taken away and further away from nature.I am struck by its simplicity, we travel, meet people, they talk, they do their things and we watch. No added narration or no attempt to make an 'auteur' work. It is this simplicity and soothing sensation makes us feel good. When I stepped out in the streets of New York, I said wow? what have we become? do not miss it.