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Monsoon Medicine
A Diary of a Canadian Medicine Woman & Tales of a Bengali Doctor
Dr. Denise Tarasuk & Dr. Sunirmal Sarkar
Copyright © 2012 Dr. Denise Tarasuk
The material in this book is intended for educational purposes only. The material is not for specific treatment nor recommended without prior consult with a physician or Naturopathic doctor.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior consent of the publisher.
The Publisher makes no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this book and specifically disclaim any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Neither the publisher nor author shall be liable for any loss of profit or any commercial damages.
2012-09-25
Dedication
This book is dedicated to Mrs. Bithika Sarkar. She has passed down her words of wisdom to me and made a difference in my life.
Traditional Irish Blessings
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
May God be with you and bless you;
May you see your children’s children.
May you be poor in misfortune,
Rich in blessings,
May you know nothing but happiness,
From this day forward.
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home,
And may the hand of a friend always be near.
May green be the grass you walk on,
May blue be the skies above you,
May pure be the joys that surround you,
May true be the hearts that love you.
Introduction
My adventure with Monsoon Medicine: A Diary of a Canadian Medicine Woman and Tales of a Bengali Doctor starts with an anxiety-filled arrival at the Kolkata (Calcutta) Dum Dum Airport. Due to the serious consequences of the recent H1N1 flu pandemic scare, I fear I am destined for the quarantine ward at the local city hospital in the very first moments of my arrival in India. The question is, “Will I ever get through this grueling waiting line, health screening process, and get to see the Bengali family I have longed to visit?”
My experience since arrival has inspired me to keep a diary filled with my emotions, whether up or down, interesting medical cases that prove to be on the cutting edge, and the daily flow of seeing vast amounts of patients in the lush tropical Jungle Village of Thakurnagar, West Bengal, located near India’s Bangladesh border. At times I see patients with Dr. Sunirmal Sarkar, a world famous homeopathic medical doctor. Surprisingly, at times, Dr. Sarkar’s elderly mother, Bithika, steps in as my translator, as is the case in The Man Who Was Injured After Being Stepped on by a Cow.
Every day proves to be a new adventure. I write at all hours of the day and night, with or without electricity, whether in pouring monsoon rains or sunshine, and always with hopes of a good cup of chai! The colorful and enticingly fragrant spices of India provoke my thoughts as I write keynotes that give the most important clues, left by the Grand Masters, to solve the homeopathic case of the day.
“Tips of the Day” should prove to be a homeopathic dream come true that tells all the most important clues that a homeopathic doctor has always wished for. “Words of Wisdom from Dr. Sarkar” are provided, with many secrets from a Grand Master of Homeopathy that loves to teach and does it well! His homeopathic knowledge proves to be impressive and will keep any serious homeopath on the edge of their seat.
In 1999 I made a promise to Dr. Sarkar’s father, a retired homeopath. I promised to write the “Words of Wisdom” and record the homeopathic teachings from Dr. Sarkar. Bithika reminds me, “Homeopathy and new medicines must be preserved for the future generations.” Therefore, it is my solemn duty to leave a trace in medical history, but with a twist. My diary tells all.
In my diary, I have recorded my thoughts and experiences during each day’s work at the Jungle Clinic, or Dr. Sarkar’s “chamber” as he calls it. Every hour in the Jungle Clinic is filled with amazing circumstances and bizarre happenings that include a cast of a thousand characters.
I still ask myself, where do all these patients come from?
From the Pen of Dr. Denise
Acknowledgements
Dr. Sarkar, a professor of Materia Medica and a fellow from the World Health Organization (WHO), asked me to study, write, and see patients with him in India. The rest has been an adventure that has lasted from one monsoon season to the next. I thank him for the inspiration and encouragement while writing the stories that have filled these pages.
I would like to give a special thank you to my editor, Carolyn Ziemendorf. Her creative thoughts have helped and encouraged me many a day! I always picture her smiling when she reads my stories. Her words of wisdom have made all the difference and inspired me.
After a friend inspired me to read my stories from Monsoon Medicine: A Diary of a Canadian Medicine Woman and Tales of a Bengali Doctor during a writers group run by Esther Gordon, a miracle unfolded. As I read The Case of the Weeping Eczema, I couldn’t help but notice that everyone was shocked, horrified, and dumbfounded by the end of the story. Esther turned to me slowly, looked at me straight in the eye, and stated, ”That is a best seller!” I went around in a dreamlike state for weeks. Her suggestions and advice were brilliant and she could foresee, with a pure heart and mind, the vision of my whole book. Her comments come but once in a lifetime and I will hold onto each word.
I would like to give a special thanks to Dr. A. U. Ramakrishnan, Honorary Homeopathic Physician to the President of India. His teachings have influenced and inspired me. His kindness and words of confidence will not be forgotten.
A big thank you to Kalpana, Dr. Sarkar’s wife and my dearest friend. Her kindness is beyond description. Her hard work behind the scenes have made this book possible. Her dedication to her husband, Dr. Sarkar, makes it possible for him to see the vast amount of patients in the Jungle Clinic.
