Final answer:
Saanvi can argue for the benefits of Ayurveda by citing scientific studies on Ayurvedic herbs, advocating the principle of medical pluralism and ethnomedicine, and comparing it to historical shifts in medical practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
To counter her classmates' dismissal of Ayurveda, Saanvi could present the fact that scientific studies have recognized various Ayurvedic practices and herbal medicines for their health benefits. Ayurveda, which has been practiced in India for thousands of years, employs natural herbs and substances that have been studied for their medicinal properties.
For example, turmeric, a common ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine, contains curcumin, which has been shown in multiple studies to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Additionally, the principle of medical pluralism suggests that integrating traditional practices like Ayurveda with biomedicine may lead to more holistic and effective health care.
With the rise of medical anthropological perspectives, there's an increasing appreciation for ethnomedicine, recognizing that alternative medical systems can offer valid and beneficial approaches to healing alongside Western medicine.
Lastly, by citing historical cases like the former broad acceptance of bloodletting in Western medicine, which was later disproved, Saanvi could argue that medical practices evolve with time and that effective treatments can originate from various cultural backgrounds, including Ayurveda.