Soukya - International Holistic Center in Bangalore
26.06.2015 |
"The West can learn from the East"
(HRH Prince of Wales)
The East is already learning from the West
(Hahnemann and Priesnitz have long been established in India)
Report by Klaus-Rupprecht Wasmuht, HP of his visit in April 2015 at Dr. Mathai`s International Health Centre, Bengaluru, India
This paper describes impressions of an encounter with medicinal applications of different cultures and traditions in terms of mutual recognition and use of integrative medicine, including complementary therapies.
The unique SOUKYA model demonstrates how traditional medicine – not only in the East – in connection with science and modern medicine of the West recognizes the patient in the practical application at the center of the healing process. This alignment of integrative medicine is pioneering a future health care, where the individual is addressed and treated with a holistic perspective and not as an object of a particular disease. The patient`s confidence in the competence of the doctors – who see not treatment and cure of disease as a prerogative, but health maintenance and disease prevention as priority – will be strengthened in the desirable extent.
The Sanskrit word Soukhyam means well-being in terms of a harmonious state of body, mind and soul.
SOUKYA, as a model of a holistic health centre presents itself at several levels of social strata. The luxurious and exclusive SOUKYA in Whitefield outside Bengaluru, the Sahaya HOLISTIC INTEGRATED HOSPITAL in Bengaluru and last not least the SOUKYA Charity Foundation, which operates several charitable homeopathic hospitals, medical care centers and support units.
The patient can choose depending on his or her own financial means between the luxurious expensive SOUKYA, the affordable Sahaya or other sites of average standard and modest outlets with receiving the same quality of medicinal treatment.
Thanks to the inspiration of Hariharan Mudaliar, head of Arya Ayurveda Agency (www.aryaayur.com) an expedition team came together with the intention to make a reconnaissance trip to Bengaluru, India, to visit the unique holistic health centre SOUKYA and presenting the findings in Germany.
The team accepted thankfully an invitation of the founder of SOUKYA, Dr. Issac Mathai MD, Chairman, Managing Director and Medical Director. During their stay, the team was able to enjoy an exceptionally generous hospitality and able to gain an impressive insight into the operation of this holistic health centre.
In addition to numerous honors and appreciations for special merits in the field of medical treatment SOUKYA recently received from Condé Nast (London) the award
"Most Spiritual Spa in the World"
Founders of SOUKYA
Dr. Issac Mathai, M.D. (Hom), M.R.C.H. (London)
and his wife Suja Issac M.Sc., M.Phil. (Foods & Nutrition)
Dr. Issac Mathai is not only qualified doctor of homeopathy, but a world-traveled cosmopolitan. He studied in China pulse diagnosis and acupuncture, learned the Mind-Body Program at Harvard University and started a practice in London, where he also taught yoga and meditation.
His wife Suja is an expert in nutrition and concludes at present her Ph.D. in Nutrition.
Mr. Mudaliar advises patients regarding authentic ayurvedic treatments in India, where he maintains best personal contact with renowned chief physicians and a number of excellent hospitals.In the capacity of a cure companion, communicating in his native mother tongue, in English and German, Mr. Mudaliar performs his services such as completion of all necessary formal requirements i.e. flight booking and reservation, getting a visa, organization of hospital stay, where he is on standby to support patient`s needs.
The "Expedition Team"
seated from left to right Hariharan Mudaliar, head of Arya Aryuveda Agency, Natasha Höhn, co-managing director Ayurveda Portal, Klaus-Rupprecht Wasmuht, HP, Ayurveda and Naturopathy Practice Lübeck
Standing from left to right:
Andreas Laible, photojournalist, Lutz Wendler, reporter Hamburger Abendblatt
(Photos in this report were kindly provided mainly by Andreas Waible)
Entrance to SOUKYA Holistic Centre
Flowering trees, a driveway, skirted by a hedge and green trees and a fountain welcome visitors and provide upon arrival a first impressive insight into a spacious facility carefully blended in nature. SOUKYA is on a thirty acres of landscaped area about sixty minutes drive east from the Bengaluru Airport.
The holistic health centre SOUKYA - in its local and global significance
The uniqueness of this holistic health center is the combination of Homeopathy, Ayurveda, Naturopathy and Allopathy as integrative medicine under one roof. Complementary therapies such as yoga, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, speech therapy and nutritional counseling provide for a particular patient orientated medical treatment program. During the high season from October to February are up to thirty patients cared for in the month. Approximately half of the patients come from outside India. Meanwhile, there is a patient's network of more than ten thousand people extending to more than seventy countries.
Bengaluru, the capital of the state of Karnataka, with more than nine million inhabitants is the third largest city of India next to Mumbai and Delhi. Civilian and military aviation industry and aerospace industry, and one of the most important centers of information technology in the country are located here and offer a high level of employment.
Here, the East and the West meet in the field of advanced technology, modern economy and tradition.
According to media reports (TIMES SPECIAL) Bengaluru could be the hub of a combination of traditional and modern systems for doctors from around the world ensuring a quantum leap in integrated medicine.
To outsiders, it may seem as fantasy or wishful thinking, but facts of the recent past point in this direction.
Promoter of this initiative is, for example, HRH Prince Charles, who favors close cooperation with the SOUKYA Foundation by the support of the Royal College for integrated medicine in London founded by him. The objective is clinical training of European and Western doctors in Bengaluru in Ayurveda, in homeopathy and traditional forms of medicine in order to incorporate them into their practices for the benefit of patients.
Prince Charles regards integration of medicines of the West and of the East as the future of modern health care. In his speech at the World Health Assembly in Geneva, he said some time ago "I believe, modern medicine needs to take into account an integrated and holistic approach. Just as some long-term diseases are curable, we need to radically think about our goals in improving the lifestyles of those who suffer from chronic diseases. This is the dimension where orthodox practice can learn from of complementary medicine.
The West can learn from the East. "
At this point it should be noted that homeopathy was made known in India around 1830 by the Transylvanian physician Johann Martin Honigberger and is by now firmly established and recognized in public health in India.
Even from America and from its own country, this vision of integrative medicine of a holistic health centre gets support from the very top. This became apparent, when Premier Minister Narendra Modi had invited President Obama as an honorary guest to Delhi on 26th January this year to celebrate the 66th anniversary of the day on which the Constitution of India came into force. These celebrations were also attended by numerous prestigious guests from business, culture and politics, including Dr. Issac Mathai as a member of a recently launched Committee for holistic health by Prime Minister Modi.
Shortly after Dr. Issac Mathai was invited by President Obama to Washington for an exchange of professional issues at a working lunch with members of Congress. Here he learned among other things that already more than twenty five leading universities in the US, including Harvard, have established courses for integrated medicine
"Yoga is very popular in the US. They are highly interested in complementary medicine. Integrated medicine is the right way forward " His interlocutors in Washington showed great interest in SOUKYA`s model of in integrative medicine, in the activities of SOUKYA Foundation and in the rural model of holistic medicine, which is located in Hoskote Taluk in the outskirts of Bengaluru.
A more detailed description of these devices is carried out further below.
SOUKYA – unique in its design and management
Because of the numerous parks of Bengaluru this metropolis is also known as the "Garden City". The spacious and open park character of SOUKYA is thus not necessarily a contrast in the environment, but rather a harmonious extension.
The building complexes are architecturally designed at ground level and erected in a reasonable distance from each other using local and handmade materials. The ground-level structures of the buildings contribute to connect the human body with the magnetic force of the Earth.
The entire property is protected by a fence and guarded by professional security guards twenty four hours a day. A two and a quarter kilometer long walking path and jogging track encircles the entire plot and runs along the inside of the surrounding fences.
The naming of the buildings already indicates its purpose, such as:
Swagath (welcome reception, management) Sampoorna (wholeness, doctors consulting room), Shanti (peace, yoga and conference hall) Shala (healing abode, therapy center) Sadya (feast, restaurant) and Sadan (home accommodation).
The administration building Swagath hosts the lobby, offices, pharmacy, telecom business center and a gift shop. The mirror-image opposite erected Sampoorna building houses the doctors' offices and a library.
The yoga and meditation hall Shanti is a circular open building without central support with a large conical roof and a handmade black oxide ground, supposed to absorb negative energy The hall is also used for cultural activities and events.
Mallika Sarabhai, one of the most famous dancers in Bharatanatyam, a performance of the oldest classical Indian dance, whose contents have emerged from Hindu mythology, appears here occasionally. Mallika believes that arts have the strongest impact in achieving political, social or personal change.
Here is also the SOUKYA DAY is annually celebrated, which takes place at the weekend, nearest to 18th February. This year was the celebration on 21 February.
Doctors, therapists and other staff and their families and present patients celebrate this day with theater performances, musical performances and other entertainments.
Access to yoga and conference hall "Shanti"
Access to the yoga and meditation hall is via large flat stones across a pond with fountain and lotus flowers. The circulating flowing water calms already the mind of the guests as they enter the hall, preparing on meditation soon after.
Every morning at 9 clock a short morning service is held, where available staff and interested patients participate. Christians, Hindus and a Muslim therapist standing together in unity, Dr. Issac Mathai appears regularly when he is dispensable.
Striking is the friendly, courteous and professional manner of the staff as they present themselves i.e. therapists, the staff at reception, domestic workers, gardeners and teachers or the service in the restaurant. From each of their gestures speaks a sovereign and elegant serenity and mutual respect.
Short morning prayer in the yoga hall “Shanti”
The therapy centre Shala is divided into separate areas of therapy for the treatment of male and female patients. The earthy red color of the walls absorb the sun's energy in the building. In the middle of the complex are parlor, spacious changing facilities, showers and toilets. Each side has massage rooms for various types of massages, ayurvedic treatments and facilities.
Individual treatment rooms are set up for specific hydrotherapy such as: all-round and horizontal jet showers, baths, deluxe underwater massage, colonic irrigation, whirlpool tubs and special back, hip, arm and foot baths. The rooms have plenty of natural light and good ventilation for maximum comfort. There is also an outdoor area for mud treatments and for a traditionally furnished detached Turkish bath.
The hydrotherapy applied here reveals clearly the "signature" of the water doctor Vincenz Priessnitz
Various types of treatment
Naturopathic
The treatments are based on the healing properties of the five great elements of nature. There is no application of internal medicine in this natural healing system.
"Medicines do not cure anything, they only control or suppress symptoms. Western medical models tend to ignore the cause of the disease, because their focus is elsewhere "(Dr. Issac Mathai in: Holistic Healing - A Doctor's Guide to Rediscovering health and happiness, naturally, 2014, p.84, ISBN 978 -935029-093-4)And further (P.68):
"To achieve real deep healing, the client has to create a shift in consciousness at the thought and emotional level and rebuild the perception of the self” (Swastha). Only then could the client return to the self, to a state of balance in body-mind-spirit.
Treatments according to the five major elements of nature
Earth – mud baths, mud packs.
Water – Hydrotherapy methods in the form of baths, jets, showers, body wraps,
Compresses, Diving.
Air – breathing exercises, hiking, outdoor swimming pools.
Fire – sunbathing, thermal baths, magnetized water, color-charged oils
Ether – Fasting therapy.
Other applications of naturopathy are: Therapies such as reflexology, acupressure, acupuncture and auriculotherapy (ear acupuncture), food and nutrition counseling, magnetic therapy, physical therapy and chromotherapy.
This multidisciplinary approach utilizes the healing power of natural resources such as food, herbs, earth, water, air, sun and magnet for self-healing of the body.
Mud wraps
Frequent applications of mud helps in improving the complexion of the skin by eliminating appearing at various skin diseases stains and patches. Mud baths are also generally recommended for all skin conditions, including psoriasis, leucoderma, urticaria and other allergic skin diseases.
Water therapy support cleansing and detoxification of the body.
Below is an overview of different applications:
arm and foot bath, hip baths, spine / anti-stress bath, steam Bath
ayurvedic herbal steam treatment, moisture packs, compresses colon-hydrotherapy
Ms. Meena Suresh, heaqd of medicinal herbs production
and the production of medically enriched oils
Explanation of ayurvedic treatments, as Pancha Karma (detoxification) are omitted in this report. The detoxification procedure and description of other various ayurvedic treatments can be followed up in the report "Visit to the doctor for Healthy in Derisanamcope, Tamilnadu" published in www.ayurveda-portal.de
Other treatments, carried out in SOUKYA which can not be explained in detail in this report – are briefly mentioned in the following:
reflexology, acupressure, Chinese acupuncture, auriculotherapy, nutrition and dietetics,
various types of massages, energy balance massage, Swedish massage, fomentation massage,
dry massage, aroma oil massage, magnetic field therapy
Use of Yoga as particularly significant treatment
Light exercises in the yoga hall “Shanti”
Yoga is particularly important in the present circumstances with respect of preventing and healing of civilization diseases. Yoga is especially helpful in the treatment of the so-called psychosomatic diseases, due to stress and subsequently deterioration of the mind.
A yoga teacher should be familiar with Ayurveda and vice versa an ayurvedic doctor should have received a full training in yoga, in order to integrate the cleansing and healing effects of yoga in the ayurvedic treatments. The qualified yoga teacher Dr. Manjurath in SOUKYA is also doctor of naturopathy.
Aspects of yoga, which are mainly used in therapy, are asanas, pranayama, meditation, kriyas and relaxation techniques. Thereby improving suppleness and flexibility of muscles and joints and deeper effect on the tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, lymph vessels and nerves.
The improved co-ordination of mind and body movements contributes to an appreciation of the finer movements and improved sharpness of the senses and helps to foster a more conscious and positive attitude towards life. Breathing exercises and meditation improve breathing in general, the respiratory rate, heart rate, memory, concentration, intelligence and help in regulating digestion.
Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) consists of twelve posture sequences that completely fulfill the purpose of yoga. The sequence of these positions acts on each muscle group and joints, stretches and strengthens thereby the whole body. Specific breathing is essential in the execution of the training sequence, the patterns and movement take place in a perfect rhythm as in a dance sequence.
Breathing exercises, there are a number of asanas, which are designed to improve the breath. Every movement is closely associated with inhalation and exhalation to expand and to relax the lung and to improve lung capacity.
Kriyas are cleaning techniques in yoga, especially for the nose, the sinuses, the eyes, the digestive system and the excretory organs by simple means.
Kriyas also help to strengthen the nerves, to sharpen the memory to support the glandular activity.
Various methods include:
Jalaneti. (Nasal irrigation with salt water)
Sutraneti (a thread is drawn through the nose and mouth to clean nose and throat)
Vamanadhouthi (stomach wash)
Sankhaprakshalana (colonic irrigation, "complete cleaning of the screw")
Meditation is a continuous concentration of the mind on an object, sound or thought. This is the state in which the person forgets their physicality and their energy to achieve a blissful state focused on the object of meditation.
In SOUKYA different meditation techniques are practiced, for example:
Sahaya Transformation Meditation
Starting is the realization that stress with negative thoughts exert harmful effects on the body so that diseases of the cardia, respiratory, locomotor, etc. arise.
Each positive stimulation for the mind causes a positive change in the body and in the whole self and can thus reverse the negativity.
"We are what our thoughts have made from us; so pay attention to your thoughts. Words are secondary. Thoughts live, they travel far "(Swami Vivekananda)
Chakra Meditation is another exercised form of meditation in SOUKYA to counteract energy-wasting such as frustration, anger, stress and anger in everyday life and replenish the seven main chakras and the aura energetically through meditation with a kind of cleansing act.
Om Meditation, here one can contemplate in the meditation on positive energies of the primordial sound from which the universe has evolved. This builds on positivity in ourselves and our surroundings.
Breathing Meditation is a simple process of focusing entirely on the breath with the intention to feel the effects of breathing in the subtlety and in the changes in the organism
Relaxation "If you can not find peace in yourself, you are looking for it in vain elsewhere"
(Francois de la Rochefoucauld)
The practitioner uses various techniques, such as deep relaxation techniques and instant Shavasana focusing on body and breathing to achieve a freshness and lightness in body and mind. A brief comment on Shavasana ("Dead body") is given hereinafter: this calm pose is of all yogic physical exercises physically the least demanding, but is hardest to master, because it's purpose is to let go the whole strain of mind and body.
Yoga Nidra, the "yogic sleep" (non-consciousness) does not contain any physical exercise, but is a deep relaxation that can be practiced by anyone. Yoga Nidra reaches beyond the usual relaxation exercises, is rather a way to realization of the self, the body, can be experienced as a unity of soul and spirit and leads to awareness transcendent experiences. The deep relaxation reduces not only stress and nervousness, but also lifts forces lying in the unconscious into consciousness.
Finally some comments are made on the remaining buildings, which have not described yet.
The dining room "Sadya" with adjoining terrace
The spacious dining area overlooking the gardens of SOUKYA allows especially in the evening a beautiful sight when the lights illuminate the walkways.
The large and modern kitchen on the back provides smooth supply of the dining area. Meals are served in an open area connected with nature. The entire centre is a tobacco and alcohol-free zone.
Dining room with open views of the gardens
Sattvic dishes are prepared according to the concept of a healthy lifestyle in Indian philosophy Sattvic food consists of fresh, energy rich substances, which are nutritious, create positive vibrations in the body and contribute to a pure, peaceful mind.
The daily specials are assigned to specialties of different regions and described in a menu card. For example the recipe on 12 April 2015 provides the introductory note "The cuisine of Kerala is with all its richness of history and culture of the country. The main spices used are cardamom, ginger, cumin and coriander. "
Chef Harish demonstrates the ayurvedic cuisine
Then the menu of the day is : Spinach Soup (spinach soup) ---------------------------- Kosambari Salad (Vegetable Salad) ----- ------------------ ---- Muringakka Sambar (drumstick in lentils sauce with Indian spices)
Mooru Curry (White pumpkin in yogurt-based sauce)
Payarru Thoran (sautéed long beans, garnished with grated coconut)
Avial (mixed vegetables cooked in a light coconut sauce) Beetroot phulka (Indian bread) Puzhungalari (Red Rice) -------------------------- Ada Pradaman (rice flakes cooked and stewed in milk and jaggery)
The accommodation "Sadan"
Deluxe living room and bedroom villa with a private garden
Twenty five guest rooms, some luxury rooms, two suites with private gardens and outdoor showers, a presidential suite with a kitchen and a room for staff offer most comfortable accommodation.
There is a separate dressing area with space for luggage. The large bathrooms are equipped with separate bath and shower areas.
The deluxe rooms have private gardens and outdoor decks for sunbathing or yoga.
Powerful pneumatic pumps ensure sufficient water pressure for the shower. Hot water is ensured to a large extent by the SOUKYA own solar system. Rainwater – especially during the monsoon season – is collected and fed into a pond for further use. In addition, the use of energy-saving devices, the organic composting and the use of natural and handmade materials suggest strong environmental awareness.
Organic vegetable gardening, orchards and healing herbs
The whole area is planted with flowers, flowering shrubs and trees which attract many colorful varieties of butterflies and birds. Signs plugged into the ground indicate names of various shrubs and trees, which can be seen along the trail. Bouganville, mango, lychee, cumin, ginger, gooseberry, passion fruit, coriander, yasmin and further varieties of flowering herbs, shrubs and trees spread soothing scents.
Organic vegetable gardens and orchards offer the kitchen daily fresh crops.
SOUKYA - biological crop
Up to one hundred different vegetables are grown throughout the year on a 2 acre tract, such as corn, chard, beets, carrots, zucchini, eggplant, tomato, bitter gourd.
The responsible gardener, Mr. Nagaray,
presents full of satisfaction some products of organic farming
In addition to horticultural use some animals are kept. The milk of cows will be – medically enriched – used therapeutically for special sirodhara (a special forehead oil drip).Ghee (clarified butter) is also produced for therapeutic reason from the milk.
The special feature of this processing is that each batch ghee comes from the milk levy of a specific cow. Ghee is also applied for example in the detoxification therapy of panchakarma in SOUKYA.
A number of geese and goats are kept as "living lawn mowers", the milk of the goats is also used for medicinal purposes.
The effect of medicinal herbs, explained the outline of the human body
Chief Physician Dr. Dulari explains in the herbal garden
therapeutic effects of specific medicinal herbs
On a special area of medicinal herbal garden, the outline of the human body is represented by superimposed stones in a length of about twenty meters. Various herbs are planted there and assigned to limbs and other body parts, identified by name on signs.
Where the head can be seen in the outline on the floor grow Ixora cocinea (eyes) and Enolus alsinoides (brain). A sign slightly below shows Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek). In India and Tibet the infusion of fenugreek is used as a cough suppressant and for cleaning the airways.
A well-known medicinal plant is Vajravalli (Cissus quadrangularis) due to its broad spectrum of therapeutic properties. This herb is supposed to have antibacterial, antifungal, analgesic, antihemorroidal activities and is effective as an anti-oxidizing agent. A paste made from the fresh stem, applied externally, is widely used in traditional Indian medicine for healing of bone fractures, hence the English name "bone setter".
Of the numerous medicinal plants, growing in this demonstration area should also the Indian snakeroot Rauvolfia serpentina be mentioned. The roots of this plant have been used for centuries in Indian medicine. The medicinally active ingredients are about sixty different alkaloids with the two main representatives of reserpine and rescinnamine. The alcaloid composition has laxative, sedative, hypotensive, antispasmodic and antidepressant effects.
"Open Day" and leisure activities
View from the restaurant on the open portal right in center
An open door, decorated with flowers and green foliage on the central lawn symbolizes openness for all medical systems, an open heart, an open mind and a boundless soul.
Next to the restaurant is the entertainment area with a pool table, table tennis and a carom board (Carrom "Finger Billiard"), solitaire and chess. There is also an outdoor badminton court.
The popular Finger Billiard
Right next to the play area has a shower, a footpath leads to the elegant swimming pool acupressure. The curved shape of the swimming pool has been designed so that is partly shaded by trees across the pool in the afternoon.
For maximum safety, the swimming pool has been designed to a single depth of approximately 1 ½ meters.
Music pleasures on the eve of our departure
The Laya Surabi Quartet, from left to right: R. Ramesh (Mridhanga), Karthik (Morching) Madhusudan (violin) and Subonna (Kanjira)
On the eve of our departure we enjoyed the Laya Surabi musical quartet with his performances of Carnatic music. This classical music – attributed to South Indian origin – is characterized by a very original style with lots of melodic and rhythmic variations.
The musicians present at the level of a classical chamber music ensemble, among others fascinating and exceptional vocal art, which they vary sensitively accompanied with musical imagination and expressiveness on their instruments.
The Mridhanga is a double cone drum. Morching is a tromp consisting of a metal ring in the shape of a horseshoe with two parallel forks. These provide a framework for a metal tongue in the middle, which is made to vibrate.
The Kanjira is a small drum to the accompaniment of classical music of South India. The tension of hides, loosely glued to the wooden frame allows delightful modulations of the pitch.
Interview with Dr. Issac Mathai on further activities of SOUKYA
Dr. Mathai explained during a farewell discussion the philosophy behind already implemented models of holistic medicine combining various healing methods as integrative medicine under one roof.
Unlike the luxurious SOUKYA holistic health centre, that is more or less affordable only for privileged strata of society, these clinics, or foundations of integrative medicine are used by all strata of the population and partly used by the underprivileged free of charge.
Final discussion with Dr. Issac Mathai
Of the numerous institutions and hospitals, the rural model of holistic medicine in Hoskote Taluk that Soukya Charity Foundation and the Sahaya HOLISTIC INTEGRATED HOSPITAL PVT.LTD Examples which highlighted here.
Rural Model holistic medicine in Hoskote Taluk
The focus of the activities of this clinic is the holistic preventive approach to health, the early promotion and improvement of health. Focus is also on hygiene, better hygienic conditions, toiletries, water supply, women and children's health, lifestyle changes to avoid malnutrition.
Seven villages with more than a thousand households and inhabitants of around seven thousand people are served by this model.
An organic farm with herb garden is available in the resort to the public with the benefits of medicinal plants and their applications to familiarize yourself and so to realize the importance of organic farming. The women in the area are guided in growing medicinal plants. For their encouragement they get a buy-back guarantee to ensure their economic independence.
Soukya Charity Foundation
The Foundation was made available to the public in 1999 and operates charitable homeopathic hospitals and medical care centres, who carry out also some free treatments
at forty five different sites and villages around the city of Bangalore for about forty thousand people. Dr. Mathai Holistic Clinic has treated various diseases by over eighty five thousand patients since 1999.
The Dr. Mathai Holistic Homeopathy Clinic “Christel House” is conducted according to international standards as a school for slum children and provides medical service at the same time for more than a thousand children.
Some examples of social work are mentioned in the following:
- A significant amount of money, collected in Dr. Issac Mathai patients network has been handed over to the Malayalam Manorama Housing Project for the reconstruction of tsunami affected areas.
- Supply of drinking water was maintained with water tankers to affected areas until they were able to recover their groundwater systems.
- Cholera preventive homeopathic medicines have been delivered in four affected cities for 1fifteen thousand people.
Sahaya HOLISTIC INTEGRATED HOSPITAL PVT.LTD.
This clinic with 23 beds is located in the heart of Bengaluru with an emphasis on holistic healing through Ayurveda.
Sahaya is as much as possible aligned with authentic traditional medicine, put on a scientific basis and made available to all sectors of society.
Holistic treatment through the integration of various systems such as homeopathy, ayurveda, naturopathy and yoga under one roof is ensured by:
- qualified and experienced doctors from various systems of medicine.
- quality and authenticity of the treatment
- integrity of the supply of services
- affordable cost of treatment
- subsidized treatment for the underprivileged
- prevention, early intervention and treatment of disease.
- health promotion with natural medicine with no side effects
- development of an increased awareness of health issues as a precondition for adoption
a healthy lifestyle
Concluding remarks
The visiting week was an unusual event for the entire expedition team, where also various treatments like ayurvedic massages, reflexology, acupressure and yoga could be experienced at first hand.
The health centre founded by Dr. Issac Mathai is not only a health centre, but also an exemplary model for holistic healthy living. SOUKYA operates with focus on the patient and not with focus on technology. Main concern is directed on disease prevention, early detection of disease and health promotion.
In grateful memory we look back and hope at the same time looking into the future to be able togive a number of valuable suggestions to our fellow human beings.
Our thanks also to Mr. Hariharan Mudaliar, head of Arya Ayurveda Agency (www.aryaayur.com), patron of the expedition team, who impressed with his mastery of English, German and his mother tongue to converse with all kinds of people. His
in-depth knowledge as competent cure companion was also impressive as well as standing aside as a friendly observer and supportive person.
Finally I come back here to the heading "The West can learn from the East” and let Dr. Issac Mathai speak out once again:
"My travels made me realize that the harmony in integrated medicine seemed to be lost
on practitioners of Western and traditional medicine across the world. They were so insulated in their specialized medical environments that they were unable to relate to the strengths and benefits of each other´s healing ability. I saw this as a major roadblock in the path of health care. In the future, I hope every medicine system, every member of the medical community first protects the interest of the client, rather than focusing on proving their system of medicine as the best. I hope the meaning of health care changes from disease treatment and cure to maintenance and prevention of disease.
Klaus-Rupprecht Wasmuht, HP
Ayurveda and Naturopathy Practice Lübeck
May 2015