Patrick L. Ryan JAMA. 1991;266(13):1770. doi:10.1001/jama.1991.03470130045016
To the Editor. —The article regarding Maharishi Ayur-Veda1 does not belong in JAMA.To print a journal article that is read by thousands of medical doctors promoting hocus-pocus medicine is unconscionable. The German government has issued public warnings concerning aspects of Maharishi Ayur-Veda.2 I am frightened that JAMA would print, and thus give credibility to magic, astrology, rituals, and potions for the prevention and cure of disease.The article has factual errors and, by omission, paints a false picture of a rather unscrupulous organization. Most references cited are generated by the Transcendental Meditation (TM) "movement." Professional critiques of TM research state that "the scientific research is without objectivity, and at times, simply untrue," and it is "deliberately contrived to mislead the public." Thus, the approach is: if you don't believe us, ask us.Drs Chopra and Sharma are followers of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The authors are "converts"3
