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Author: Ketan Tanna
Publication: The Times of India
Date: January 14, 2007
In an age where modern medicine is stretching the limits of hope, it is astonishing that an ancient Ayurvedic centre in a small humid town in north Kerala, treated nearly two million patients from India and other countries just last year alone. Kottakkal, a town that goes to sleep around television prime time, is about 25 kms from Kozhikode. One reason it even exists on maps is the presence of Arya Vaidya Sala (AVS), a remarkable Ayurveda spa and hospital established over one hundred years ago. For some treatments here, bookings must be made a year in advance.
It is a place where red sirens come in search of green herbs. Morarji Desai, V V Giri and Jayaprakash Narayan once used to get healed here. Vyjayanthimala Ball, Kuldeep Nayyar and scientist M S Swaminathan are among the famous and the influential who still do. About 10 years ago, former Sri Lankan prime minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike arrived in Thiruvananthapuram, unable to walk due to arthritis. She was in such a state that she could not travel to Kottakkal. The doctors of AVS travelled to the capital to take care of her. "In a matter of days she was back on her feet," says Dr P K Warrier, chief physician of AVS who has been at the helm of the trust since 1954.
The fame of AVS has spawned hundreds of clones who carry the name Kottakkal somewhere in their names to reap the benefits of association. The venerated ancient institute has over 500 classical formulations of Indian medicine. Its various special herbal oil massages and treatments attract many from across the globe. The institute has four hospitals, three in Kerala and one in New Delhi By the end of this year, there will be another one - in Kolkata. It also has 20 branches across India and a network of 1,200 dealers. Considering its indefatigable pull, its turnover of Rs 120 crores in 2005-'06, appears modest but that's because AVS has consciously refrained from exploiting its fame. "Every other day, we receive enquiries from well-known entities like the Hinduja group and the TTK group. Most of them want to float joint ventures," says A R Shankarnarayanan, general manager.
"But we are not here to make money."
Ayurveda is not recognised in many countries. The Western World demands validation of the ingredients Ayurvedic medicines use and proof of clinical trials. But the Ayurvedic system, that does not treat an individual in isolation and believes that everybody requires a unique cure, does not fit into the medium of Western scrutiny The AVS is working with the Indian government on ways to make the ancient medicine acceptable to the West.
Despite the fact that Ayurveda is not formally endorsed by the West, hundreds of Europeans and Americans flock to the institute. Like Gisele Elizabeth, a 65-year-old German who is on her third visit. The retired auctioneer has major arthritis problem, which, to an extent, has been cured. Since her treatment at the institute, she has managed to climb a 5,000 - metre mountain in Nepal last year.
"I was very clear that I would not want allopathic medicines to enter my system and make a mess of it. It took one or two visits to AVS to get my system right. I am feeling great now," says Gisele, who persuaded two friends to come with her. The Kerala Ayurveda treatment uses liquid Kashayas (medicines,) derived from herbs. Three thousand litres of milk, oil, honey, ghee and even 3 kgs of gold are used every month to make medicines.
There is a constant attempt to use authentic herbs but their prices are at times exorbitant. For example, Ativitayam, a rare herb, costs Rs 3,000 per kg. Increasing demand for plants and rampant destruction of forests have constricted the supply and driven up prices. Also, some herbs have become nearly extinct. The Centre for Medicinal Plants Research, set up in 2003 with a generous grant by the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, is trying to culture rare plants and end one of the most serious crises Ayurveda has ever faced - vanishing herbs.
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