Arya Vaidya Pharmacy, India

16/2/2011-Deccan Chronicle (Coimbatore)
Expats take the traditional route with Ayurveda in Kovai

Ayurveda, the science of healing the body (and soul) with natural ingredients, is gaining popularity in Coimbatore and there has been a slow but steady rise in the demand for Ayurveda clinics, pharmacies and spas.

Speaking about the growing interest in Ayurveda, Dr. Indulal, deputy director (technical) of Arya Vaidya Pharmacy, the first in Coimbatore set up almost 70 years ago, says, The main reason why people prefer Ayurveda is because the healing techniques and medicines used are completely natural and have rarely been known to have any side effects. The wholesome treatment, which involves cleansing the entire system, also makes Ayurveda special.

The natural medicines and methods adopted by this branch of medicine also attract a lot of foreigners who come to the city specifically for Ayurvedic treatment.  Almost 25 percent of our patients are foreigners, so the boom in the Ayurveda industry will Help promote medical tourism to a great extent, adds Dr Indulal.

Dutch patient Theo Schuurman who‚ in the city for the fourth time just for treatment, says that he has been greatly helped by Ayurveda.  I have experienced positive results every time I have come here. It also the simple lifestyle tips given here which help in a big way. In the West, the hospital experience is completely different. Here not only the doctors, but even the support staff and even caretakers make you fell at home and the atmosphere is spirited and filled with positive vibes. This makes the Ayurveda experience a very enriching one.

While traditional Ayurvedic treatment includes natural oils and medicines, a lot of novel methods such as spa treatments are also being offered in the city. Chairman and MD of Dhathri, Dr. Sajikumar, who hails from a family of Ayurveda doctors practicing for over 300 years, says, with a lot of ayurvedic clinics, pharmacies and spas coming up, it is obvious that more and more people in the city are taking to ayurveda. That is why psychiatrists, yoga teachers, spa masseurs and doctors are being bought in to provide a total solution for patients.