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Herbal way to health

A new Panchakarma centre was recently opened on M.G. Road in Pondicherry

PHOTO: T. Singaravelou

FEEL REJUVENATED A treatment session in progress at the new Panchakarma centre

How wonderful it would be if we were able to just click the refresh button of our body to rejuvenate it! That may be possible in computers at the click of a mouse, but in the human body, the process is long and difficult. However, the science of Ayurveda has made it possible to refresh the system faster.

Pankajakasthuri, one of the leading brands in Ayurvedic medicines, has recently opened a Panchakarma rejuvenation centre in Pondicherry on Muthumariamman Koil Street near the M. G. Road intersection. The centre offers treatment for asthma, diabetes, hypertension, sleeplessness, obesity, skin diseases, arthritis and sinus.

Credible alternative

In an e-mail interview, J. Hareendran Nair, managing director, Pankajakasthuri Herbals India Ltd., said, "There is a resurgence of Ayurveda and an increasing number of people are adopting it. Our objective is to develop Ayurveda as a credible alternative to modern medicine. There is a general belief in India that Ayurveda is good only for treating geriatric diseases, while the fact is that Ayurveda has effective and safe treatment regimens for common diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. We hope that these cost effective treatments would benefit the common man in the years to come".

The centre has a qualified Ayurvedic physician, Dr. Sukumar, who offers free consultation and diagnosis based on which he prescribes medicines that are Pankajakasthuri's own preparations. "The centre is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. for treatment and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for consultation. Panchakarma is a traditional method of detoxification. Some of the other treatments given at the centre include Udhvarthanam, Njavarakizhi, Pizhichil, Thakaradhara, Thailadhara and Ksheeradhara," said Dr. Sukumar.

Asked why experienced physicians are required at Panchakarma centres, Dr. Hareendran said, "Physicians are an essential part of a good Panchakarma centre. There are some Panchakarma treatments that are contra indicated in certain ailments. So unless a patient is examined thoroughly by a physician and the treatment regimen arrived at, it could do more harm than good."

Not all Ayurveda treatments use oil as a medium, some like Udhvarthanam use medicated powder and in Njavarakizhi medicated rice cooked in milk is used. Udhvarthanam is popular as it is known to induce perspiration, reduce obesity, diminish body odour, improve complexion and ensure better flexibility of joints. Njavarakizhi has been found effective in treating degenerative changes of the musculo-skeletal structure and has been found to enhance strength, vitality and complexion. Pizhichil helps treat degenerative diseases of the nerves, including paralysis. For more details about the centre, contact 0413 2224617 /18.

DEEPA H. RAMAKRISHNAN

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