Cecil Adams answered several questions about the effectiveness or otherwise of some unconventional medical treatments, but unless he’s a physician, he was unqualified to write that column (The Straight Dope, 3/10). If he is, the initials “M.D.” should follow his name. This seems improbable in view of some of his statements. For example, he said that “ayurvedic medicine grew out of transcendental meditation (remember the Maharishi?).” This is utter nonsense. The Indian system of ayurvedic medicine, whether effective or not, is at least 2,000 years old.

Kensington, Md.