India, April 17 -- 'If you operate on me, I'm sure I will get 100 per cent better,' said Percy, a middle-aged, mid-sized, mild-mannered gentleman. He was single and lived with his mother, a status that is quite common and widely comfortable among Parsis. 'My back is on fire,' he exclaimed animatedly, as he pulled out a cargo of blood tests and MRIs done every single year and religiously organized in colour-coded folders.

'Your lab values are fine. The images look perfect. Your spine looks better than mine!' I said candidly after a detailed examination.

'I've tried yoga, physiotherapy, medications, injections, acupressure and acupuncture, cupping and even black magic,' he continued. I was curious to find out what the last one entailed bu...