Ayurvedic treatment for a host of ailments

Certain health problems such as aches, infertility, insomnia and early ageing involve long-term medication. This in turn may have debilitating side effects. Thanks to Ayurveda, these ailments can be treated with medicines derived from nature and used in combination with traditional physiotherapy techniques.

As Ayurveda is free of harmful side effects and provides a solution for many illnesses. In world where ailments caused by a sedentary lifestyle are growing, there is renewed interest in this alternative medicine system.

Several treatment centres have been set up in the UAE, including the recently-opened Al Falah Natural Treatment Centre (FNTC) in Abu Dhabi. Claiming to be the first of its kind in the city, FNTC has been treating patients for ailments ranging from physical to mental disorders.

The word Ayurveda is derived from Sanskrit words life and knowledge. It takes a holistic approach to the body, mind, spirit and environment. It aims to eliminate toxic materials from the body and strengthen its resistance. Amongst others, it is believed to heal rheumatism, arthritis, skin diseases, urinary disorders and asthma.

The essence of Ayurveda is the understanding of one's constitution, which helps one to lead the lifestyle most beneficial for it. It optimises health and creative potential. According to Dr Suresh Babu, director, FNTC, most of the patients approach the centre with problems usually seen in the region – diabetes, blood pressure, obesity and stress. The first step for the doctors at FNTC is to determine the patient's constitution of the patient.

In Ayurveda it is said that the patient is diagnosed first, not the disease, since the same disease might manifest itself differently in people due to varying constitutions. Medicines and treatment may also differ between patients suffering the same illness.

The goal of treatment is to restore the natural balance of the three primary life forces: Vatha, Pitha and Kapha, an imbalance among which results in ill health or disease.

Two types of Ayurvedic treatments are offered at the FNTC: tonification, to correct inadequacies in the body, and reduction therapy, which has two parts, pacification and purification.

Pacification is done through herbs, fasting, exercise, sunbathing and exposure to wind. Purification aims to eliminate the disease. The power of Ayurvedic elimination therapy, it is said, is its system for guiding the toxins to sites for elimination. For instance, Pizhichil is a treatment to increase blood circulation and nourish the muscles and nervous system in which metabolic waste is finally expelled through the skin.

At the FNTC, most of the treatments are external, using modern physiotherapy techniques, food supplements, warm herbal oils, massages with medicated oils, steam baths, acupressure, acupuncture, meditation, exercise and changes in lifestyle. The emphasis is on diet.

Treatments last from a few days to weeks, depending on the intensity of the problem. The centre has rejuvenation therapies, prevention packages, general health care, special face packs, hair care and foot care.

FNTC is expanding its premises and the enthusiastic team of doctors and therapists there hope to grow into a fully-fledged centre with a hospital.