In this small backwater in Kerala, a place not even google earth has yet found, I arrived 5 days ago and am staying for one month. It is a small Naturopathic Hospital, one of few in Kerala, there are not many worldwide, but Kerala with its roots in Ayurvedic medicine (Indian Herbal Medicine) has a marvelous health system based on Natural health, seeing an Ayurvedic doctor or a homeopath is virtually free for the population of Kerala (lucky them), they are called Doctor as are allopathic doctors, and are regarded with as much respect.
As it is a Hospital and not just a retreat centre we have cases of diabetes, varicose veins, renal failure, high blood pressure, fibroids, PCOS, gouty arthritis, and all manner of degenerative diseases. People have come because they want to manage and treat their condition naturally. What they get is the combined attention of Naturopaths, Ayurvedic doctors, and homopaths backed up by a team of assistants, massage therapists and physios. Naturopathic treatment is quite labour intensive, hip baths, spine bath, cold compresses, herbal pastes, oil packs, hot and cold together, ice pack, herbal bandages are only some of the treatments they provide here, they are only time consuming, but also requires a lot of 'faffing'. The appropriate treatment is however very effective at removing toxins from the body and bringing energy to areas that are 'low', increasing blood flow and therefore elimination and oxygenation or soothing and relaxing and slowing other parts as required.
They are known to help preety much any condition from poor circulation and sore muscles all the way up to depression, arthritis, hormone imbalances, and renal problems.
Doctors do their rounds twice a day, at 9am and 9pm to see how the patients are doing.
Yesterday, on our rounds, a gentleman who came to the centre with a severe brain hemmorage on his right side, he was paralysed when he came here 7 days ago at the centre tended to by the doctors given Naturopathic, Ayurvedic, herbal and homeopathic medicine packs, made from herbs, and continual care by his wife at his bedside plus the most nutritious foods, I witnessed the first movement of his right hand and right leg. I have to say that it was up there as one of the best things I have experienced. So great was his effort, egged on by Dr Shimji, his wife and all those around his bedside, he was spurred on to make that first move.
I have a feeling that it is going to be a remarkable month.
Yesterday, on our rounds, a gentleman who came to the centre with a severe brain hemmorage on his right side, he was paralysed when he came here 7 days ago at the centre tended to by the doctors given Naturopathic, Ayurvedic, herbal and homeopathic medicine packs, made from herbs, and continual care by his wife at his bedside plus the most nutritious foods, I witnessed the first movement of his right hand and right leg. I have to say that it was up there as one of the best things I have experienced. So great was his effort, egged on by Dr Shimji, his wife and all those around his bedside, he was spurred on to make that first move.
I have a feeling that it is going to be a remarkable month.
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| Soukhyam Naturopathic Hospital in Bekal |
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| Lunch - I dont think I will starve here! |
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| Breakfast - sometimes cooked, sometimes raw |
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| Food is prepared using a wood fired stove, from fresh local ingredients |
