AYURVEDASRAMAM

Dr. Desikacharulu and Dr. D. Jayashree (in charge of consultation and treatment at the hundred year old Ayurveda pharmacy - Ayurvedasramam) share with us their ideas on Ayurveda and its status today.

Respiratory diseases are more common here. Top executives acknowledge that our stress management therapy has helped them. Many from the SPIC group and the Shipping Corporation visit us. We are proud to admit that a case of Fibromylagia (acute lower back pain), which has no cure in allopathy, was treated here. This woman had come from Denver.

Usually it is spread out. Rainy and winter seasons are the most hectic for us.

It is usually at this time (August-October) that most of the vayu (air) related imbalances surface. Most common complaints are rheumatic pains, back pain and spondylitis.

Awareness started abroad and slowly percolated here. For the past five years, awareness among the public has increased. Especially in the last two years, it has jumped by leaps and bounds. Earlier, only referred and diagnosed patients were more in number. Today, for many patients, Ayurveda is the first option. Patients also understand that Ayurveda offers more immunity to disease in the long run and chances of recurrence is almost nil in many cases. The media has helped create awareness among the public.

Doctors abroad are totally reconciled today with the limitations of allopathy. Here in Chennai also, there is a change. Most allopathic doctors themselves prefer Ayurveda today. Hostility has lessened, as the doctors are aware of the limitations of anti-biotics and steroids. As far as surgery is concerned, allopathy is still better. They are better equipped than any other form of traditional healing.

Abroad people are more enthusiastic. Independent organisations are coming together here in India. Research on integrative medicine is very good. Most of the traditional systems of medicine have evolved a platform for exchange of ideas. But allopathy has distanced itself from all these.

We regret to say that Tamilnadu is still to have its own government-run Ayurvedic hospital. Siddha is always given preference by the government. Ayurveda is given a step-motherly treatment here. Even the tax and excise on Ayurvedic products is discriminatory. Since Chennai has a floating population of foreigners, government loses tourism revenue as well. But there is still some good news. The private sector has taken the lead in setting up educational and research centres for Ayurveda.

Ayurveda also talks a lot on genes. Genes are covered under the vata (air). Genetic determinism cannot in anyway take away this ancient practice. The Sukradhatu concept has a lot to do with genes, genetic counselling and extensively suggests ways for getting a healthy child.

Address: Ayurvedasramam, # 70, G.N. Chetty Road,Chennai - 600 017.
Phone: 828 1381, 821 4193

Click here for a profile of D.Gopalacharulu - founder of Aryuvedasramam.

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