Harmony of the Mind Body and Spirit

NT Network
Posted on 2008-11-06
If Kerala has established a name for itself in Ayurveda treatments, Goa should not be lagging too far behind. Ayurvedic Centres have indeed come a long way in Goa. From oils and herbs used for rejuvenating the body in massage parlours, today in Ayurvedic centres, treatments for all ailments are taken care of. And with the Ayurvedic college having started in Goa, qualified doctors are also now available to run these centres.
Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word which means the study of prolonged life. Apart from being the traditional healing method of Indians it is as such as old as the Indian civilisation itself. Health in Ayurveda is synonymous with harmony of the mind body and spirit.
The prices for any ayurvedic treatment varies depending upon the disease. From as low as Rs 150 for a herbal juice and medicated oil applied through the nose for headaches or sinusitis, it escalates to as high as Rs 1,000 for a medicated oil flowing over the body in the case of pneumatic diseases.
Basically Ayurvedic treatments are of two types. A relaxing/rejuvenating massage treatment and a medicated treatment. The medicated treatments are further divided into three internal medication, preventive medication such as yoga and meditation, lifestyle changes, and following a diet, and external massages which includes medicated oils poured on the forehead, massages with fresh leaves and herbs, milk massages, powder massages, and oil flow massages among others.
The number of Ayurvedic centres which have sprung up in Goa of late is astonishingly high. However, few are reputed and possess qualified doctors to treat the patients. ANHC or Ayurvedic Natural Health Centre is a centre that was started in Saligao some years ago. With a strong force of doctors, it also has a number of therapists. Besides, being recognised by the Tourism department of Goa, it has tie ups with various resorts in Goa which send their guests needing medical attention to the centre. Rooms are also provided for the patients to rest and recuperate during the treatment period.
Patients in general tend to go to Ayurvedic centres for arthritic or joint pains. However, a number of ailments can be treated at an Ayurvedic centre which are not restricted to just arthritic or joint pains. At Ayurvedic Centres apart from different types of massages, there are also steam baths, beauty care treatments, slimming programmes, relaxation and stress management, body rejuvenation, treatments for gout, skin disorders, hair fall, hypertension, diabetes, and sexual problems .
With the Government of Goa actively pursuing its dream of making Goa a destination for Medical Tourism, the opportunities and potential for these Ayurvedic Centres ought to be at an all time high. – C Silveira