Diagnosis and treatment at Kerala Ayurvedic Treatment Center
“Prior to consultation with the in–house doctor, patients have to first fill up detailed case sheets. After proper diagnosis , the doctor prescribes oral medication and treatment”, states Jyoti Arya, manager of the Treatment Center’s Baner branch. Consultation fees are onetime. People who are healthy can opt for a rejuvenation package or general body massage. The Kerala Ayurvedic treatment is also available at discount rates for a whole family.

Treatment, medication, diet varies depending upon the disease and if the illness demands the patient must be prepared to change his dietary habits and lifestyle. The treatment may differ from person to person, adds Arya. “Each body has its own unique qualities. If there are two people suffering from arthritis, the treatment prescribed is according to not only the condition but also the patient’s constitution. So the type of oils used or medications can be different in both cases”, explains Dr. Warrier. The full duration of treatment for illnesses like arthritis depends on the chronicity of ailment, patient’s response to treatment and can last from three days to even 28 days. Apart from oral medications of powders, tablets and oils, external treatment may also be prescribed. Massage or external treatment at the center is given by well qualified masseurs.

In the treatment chamber
Within the treatment chamber, room temperature is maintained strictly. The central point in the massage room is the patti– an elevated wooden bed made out of a 20–50 year old tree, generally a neem tree (the older the wood better the effect of treatment). Carpenters in Kerala make the patti and the art of making the wooden bed is handed down from father to son. In all the external treatments oils are used, but the method of executing the treatment differs. The treatment can be generalized i.e. full body or localized, informs Arya. There are a range of 150–160 varieties of oils which are used in combination with herbs, medicated powders, rice or buttermilk. Combinations and quantity of oils and other ingredients to be used is decided by the doctor. Before application the oils are warmed at bearable temperature (varying from patient to patient).

During the length of treatment, as much oil as is needed is absorbed through the skin. “Like allopathic drugs, the skin absorbs whatever is needed and the rest is thrown away”, explains Dr. Warrier. The duration of treatment varies from patient–to–patient and may take a maximum of 35 to 40 minutes per sitting.

Taking precaution
The patient is not allowed to sleep during and till two hours after treatment. During sleep, metabolic activity slows down, feeling of heaviness sets in which may lead to it taking longer for the effects of treatment setting in. “So if the patient feels drowsy or if his/her eyes start to water the treatment may be stopped”, states Dr. Warrier. There are side effects, he says . Metallic prescriptions like bhasmas have side effects. If not given in a proper way these prescriptions can increase the disease.

Coming down to statistics
“People often come here demanding 100 per cent cure for their ailments, states Dr. Warrier. “There is no 100 per cent cure. What is lost is lost but with the help of Ayurvedic treatment further degeneration can be prevented”, he informs. Like when a child has polio, the oils will strengthen his muscles but cannot remove his condition, he explains. Physical deformities like bow legs can be corrected to a certain extent by correcting the low calcium content due to which the condition occurs.

Dr. Warrier maintains 85 per cent success rate in treating chronic illnesses. As far as skin problems are concerned, Dr. Warrier maintains that 25–30 per cent of problems are cured properly.