Archive for the ‘General News’ category

Ayurveda Palms & ISIC tie up to provide effective treatment to patients with Spinal and Orthopaedic ailments

June 20th, 2009

In a unique initiative in the field of spinal injury treatment, two completely different forms of medicine practitioners have joined hands for the benefit of the general public. Ayurveda Palms and Indian Spinal Injuries Centre (ISIC), which have been using two different practices of Ayurveda & Allopathy respectively, have tied up to offer a new and effective way of treatment for spinal and orthopaedic ailments.

The treatment in the simplified form would mean patients undergoing advanced spinal and orthopaedic surgeries as they normally do at the ISIC hospital, followed by a range of natural and external therapy using natural ingredients and strict dietary measures of Ayurveda Palms for speeding up the rehabilitation and recovery process. In other words, Ayurveda Palms which uses the methodology of applying herbal pastes and yogic therapies, would help the patient recover faster with the help of the ayurvedic therapies that are economically more feasible and can be as effective as allopathic medicines. This technique is found to be more useful to the patients who prefer nature based solutions to their spinal ailments. It can also be useful in patients who are not fit to undergo a surgery.

“With its (Ayurvedic treatment) proven results in all kinds of pain which include pain in the back, neck & knee, arthritic and joint pains, headache, pressure sores and after surgery ailments etc., more and more patients are nowadays opting for this kind of supportive therapy,” says Dr. Chitra Kataria, Head-Department, Rehabilitation, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre.

“At ISIC, we are constantly looking for new ways to improve the treatment. Our experience suggests that while advanced surgeries are essential for treating spinal ailments, the natural form of medicine like ayurveda speeds up the rehabilitation and recovery process. Our association with Ayurveda Palms is an effort to amalgamate Western Science and Indian traditional medicine system, in order to cure the patient,” says Dr. HS Chhabra, Medical Director, Indian Spinal Injuries Center.

The idea behind such a combination is that not all patients would like to undergo the treatment through the allopathic process. As a result of this initiative, the patient could choose between the ayurvedic and allopathic treatment after the surgery according to his/her wishes.

Holistic Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit Inaugurated in Mumbai

June 18th, 2009

A holistic cardiac rehabilitation unit with exclusive cardio-respiratory and other heart care treatment services was inaugurated in Mumbai. The cardiac rehabilitation unit— Apex Beat holistic heart care centre— would offer integrated services of allopathic, physiotherapy and ayurvedic specialties. It aims to rehabilitate every heart that seeks quick pre-operative or post-operative cardiac care.

Recommended by cardiologists around the world as an essential programme for faster recovery and improve the overall physical and mental functioning of heart patients, cardiac rehabilitation is often a customised programme of exercise, diet, education and counseling that aims to prevent the heart condition from worsening, thereby reducing the risk of future heart problems and related complications. The Apex Beat CRU is an initiative in the field of Ayurveda by leading Ayurvedic practitioner Vaidya Sane Ayurved Lab Pvt Ltd, also well-known for some of its copyrighted treatments in heart diseases, joint pains, gynaecological problems etc.

About four years of intense planning has gone into Apex Beat CRU, explained Dr Rohit Sane, Director of Vaidya Sane Ayurved Lab Private Limited. “Over time, with advanced research on fundamental and clinical aspects of heart diseases and their treatments, we developed a new Ayurvedic technology incorporating various levels of customised and monitored exercise plan. The treatment worked hand in hand with panchakarma therapy, diet, meditation and counseling. Thus programmes are tailored to individual needs and health condition and it is arguably the first time that cardiac rehabilitation has been approached so holistically,” said Dr Sane.

» Read more: Holistic Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit Inaugurated in Mumbai

Pukka Herbs’ Fair Trade Project two years on

May 14th, 2009

pukka-herbsIt has been two years since Pukka Herbs laid the foundation stone at Chennamaji High School, the start of Pukka’s ‘Ayur-Phal’ fair trade project in South West India. The school is at the heart of a community in a forest in the Western Ghats that includes farmers who are growing some of Pukka’s finest Ayurvedic herbs. The decision to support the school was one that came easily; there are few things valued more by the community than the future of their children, and by supporting their education and health Pukka hope to show how much the company values the healing herbs they continue to provide us.

The ‘Ayur-Phal’ fair trade project has been both rewarding and challenging, and after two years Pukka are closing the first chapter and taking stock of what the company has been able to achieve and where to go from here. The aim has been to build new classrooms, improve the standard of teaching and introduce environmental education, help the school generate income through growing organic herbs and provide Ayurvedic healthcare to the community. Looking back it can be seen that some of the aims have been achieved; others are partially or yet to be realised.

After laying the first stone in 2007, a solid foundation for six new classrooms was constructed. This was then followed by long-awaited recognition of the school by the government, entitling the school to a regular source of funding to support the teachers’ salaries and general improvements to the school’s infrastructure. This additional support has been a great boost to the school, and especially to the morale of the teachers who had previously been working on a voluntary basis. The only setback has been that the integration of the school into the vast and somewhat baffling bureaucratic system of the local government has held up construction of the school building while a new committee of decision-makers is formed and rather lengthy decisions made. The outcome will determine whether or not Pukka will continue with funding the school buildings or whether the government can take this on itself.

» Read more: Pukka Herbs’ Fair Trade Project two years on

‘Rashtriya Chikitsak Ratan Award – 2009

March 5th, 2009

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Amritapuri: Rashtriya Chikitsak Ratan Award (National Gem of Physicians’ Award) has been conferred upon Kollam based Amrita Ayurveda Hospital’s renowned Ayurveda & Yoga Physician Dr. Nayana Rao for excellence in the field of Ayurveda and Yoga by the Nations Health and Education Development Association, New Delhi during a seminar on ‘Individual Contribution towards Health and Economic Development’ held at Hotel Connaught Place, New Delhi on 16th February,2009.

The seminar was organised by Nations Economic Development & Growth Society. Dr. G.V.G.Krishnamurthy, Former Chief Election Commissioner, while presenting the award to Dr. Nayana Rao, lauded her contribution in raising the image of India abroad by means of her novel and innovative work in the field of Ayurveda and Yoga. In all 28 outstanding individuals from various fields of health, education, business, industry and law were among the recipients of national awards.  The occasion was graced by Shri. Bhagat Singh Koshyari, MP and Former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Ambassador of Mongolia and other diplomats.

Dr. Nayana Rao has introduced and popularized the concept of Ayurveda & Yoga in foreign countries like South Africa, New Zealand and Switzerland in the last decade through Ayurveda Sanctuary, a registered NGO.  Her contribution in the field of Ayurveda and Yoga, particularly in perfecting the techniques of Panchakarma and Therapeutic Yoga, has been recognised at international level.

Dr. Nayana Rao currently serves as Incharge of the International Patient Services at Mata Amritanandamayi Math’s Amrita Ayurveda Hospital in Amritapuri, Kollam district which is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for all kinds of Ayurveda treatments, specially Panchakarma and Therapeutic Yoga.

VLCC launchs two more Day Spas in Delhi & NCR

February 23rd, 2009

New Delhi: VLCC, today announced the opening of two more Day Spas, in Greater Kailash – 1, New Delhi and Galleria, Gurgaon respectively.

The VLCC Day Spa is a luxury offering from the house of VLCC offering spa therapies from around the world as well as hair, skin and nail services. The spas were inaugurated by Mrs. Vandana Luthra, Founder & Mentor, VLCC.

Speaking on the occasion Mrs. Vandana Luthra said, “Apart from spas being an acknowledged solution for relief from the stresses and tensions of everyday living, spa and body therapies are increasingly being used as effective tools in preventive and curative healthcare. At VLCC, we have mastered the art of wellness for the body, mind and soul. With a unique focus on therapies from around the world, including Ayurveda, VLCC Day Spa services represent a skillful synthesis between age-old therapies and modern Spa technology.”

The VLCC Day Spas are staffed by highly skilled and trained professionals from India and overseas and house the latest international equipment. The range of wellness treatments available are de-stressing, detoxification, cleansing, deep relaxation, anti-aging, weight and inch loss, guidance in the area of nutrition and exercise. Providing high-end services drawn right from Ayurveda to a host of body therapies popular across the globe, from anti ageing facials to dermatological solutions, from hair solutions to nail art, pedicures and manicures, VLCC Day Spa offers an array of therapies that address health and beauty needs of an individual.

Kerala works on tourism promotion

February 5th, 2009

Kerala, the God’s own Country is visited by thousands of travelers each year from different regions of the world. This Indian state has various accommodation options including the beach resorts and hotels in Kerala. The beach hotels and ayurvedic resorts are equipped with modern room amenities, recreation facilities, ayurveda and yoga centre and personalized service. As Kerala backwaters and beaches form the main tourism industry of the state, most of the beach and backwater hotels are located near the backwater canals.

Kerala is endowed with various tourist treasures like backwaters, lakes, rivers, beaches, rich ayurveda and yoga culture, ritual art forms and classical dance and music, historical monuments such as temples, forts and churches. The tourism industry of Kerala is booming tremendously and to provide a comfortable stay to the tourists various beach resorts and backwater hotels are run by both
private and government sectors. Kerala Beach resorts and hotels are growing in number to cater the needs of the travelers. The uniqueness of the Kerala beach and backwater hotels is that most of the hotels have their own ayurveda centre.

Kerala beach resorts besides offering various modern room amenities provide some recreation facilities including water sports, house boat cruising, eco camp visit, music and dance concert, ayurveda massage and treatments. While one is visiting Kerala for holidaying, he can stay at a beach or backwater resort in this state. One can have quintessential experience of Kerala foods and culture at these hotels. The resorts of Kerala are well-connected to the main air, road and railways.

The beach hotels of Kerala features a wide variety of cuisine including Keralite flavors, Indian and continental delicacies. The traditional Keralite lip-smacking delicacies are sure to be soothing to the palates. The foodies can taste various mouth-watering dishes here. Besides the restaurants of the Kerala beach resorts serve Indian sea foods of various types.

Kochi, known as the hub of the hotels in Kerala houses various hotels. It has an international airport well-connected to various main tourists’ locations. Besides, Trivandrum, Alleppy, Kumarakoram, Kollam, Kottayam, Kozhikode have also various beach and backwater hotels. While visiting this Indian state, one can explore the treasures of Kerala staying at a hotel. Mainly the hotels of Kerala are known as the beach and backwater hotel due to their location near a sea beach or a backwater. The coastal area of Kerala is known as Western Ghat in Indian geography.

SpaFinder Announces 2009 Top 10 Spa Trends for India

February 4th, 2009

One Of World’s Fastest-Growing Economies Also Boasts Rapidly Growing, Evolving Spa Industry

New York, NY (PRWEB) — India has increasingly been on the world’s (and West’s) radar: from the tragic terror attacks in Mumbai, to the worldwide popularization of ‘Bollywood,’ to the release of the acclaimed, Oscar-contending film Slumdog Millionaire. The picture of modern Indian society emerging from these events and representations is of course complex: While Slumdog Millionaire has been criticized by some for its ’stereotypical’ depiction of Indian working-class poverty, the news footage of the Mumbai attacks revealed a very modern India in the throes of rapid economic development, featuring new super-luxury resort hotels.

sflogo.jpgWith the IMF recently releasing data that India and China represent the two fastest-growing world economies, there’s no debate that the country is developing at a breakneck pace, unleashing new class mobility, and newly evolving markets. One economic sub-sector experiencing significant growth and evolution is the spa industry in India, which, according to SpaFinder Research, represents one of the most interesting global spa economies to watch in 2009–and beyond.

The Indian spa industry currently boasts over 2,300 spas, generating revenue representing approximately USD $384 million annually. Initiatives are underway to train spa personnel to meet the growing demand for these 2300+ spas, and for the hundreds–even thousands–more that are likely to establish themselves in the next five to ten years. While the spa market in India is still a modest sliver of the overall $60-billion-plus core global spa economy, India is poised to attract significantly more western tourists (particularly on the medical/wellness travel front)…as well as continue to develop its own vibrant, indigenous spa market at a heady pace.

According to SpaFinder Research, here are some emerging trends that should play out in the booming Indian spa market in 2009:

Thou Who Seekest a Spa, Will Find One.
With over 700 spas predicted to open doors in the next 2-4 years, there’s no doubt that the spa industry in India is growing fast. CMYK Health Boutique’s Fountain Spa, Cravatex’s Spa Zieta, Floriana Group’s Chandan Sparsh and Franchise India Holding’s Spa Siam are among the several companies with major expansion plans.

Yoga, Ayurveda Represent Serious Business, Now More Than Ever
In 2009, both yoga and ayurveda will continue to be classic examples of global cross-pollination across borders. Yoga, one of the most powerful and profitable wellness modalities in the word, is a lifestyle for millions of people who are increasingly enthusiastic about traveling to the spiritual and cultural source: India. Indian spas will also continue to expand their Ayurvedic menus, for both their passionate overseas clientele who want to experience authentic Ayurvedic therapies–as well as for local enthusiasts, either already familiar with the benefits, or who wish to adopt their own Indian healing traditions for the first time. Also gradually growing on the western consumer’s radar is Ayurvedic medicine, which is often introduced to consumers in other countries via the spa industry. As state tourism departments (particularly in the Kerala region) more aggressively promote and package Ayurveda, look for new legislation mandating scientific methods and quality control, trained therapists, Ayurvedic doctors and license certifications.
» Read more: SpaFinder Announces 2009 Top 10 Spa Trends for India

Arogya Mela in Mumbai from Jan 30 – Feb 2

January 29th, 2009

Mumbai will host its first Arogya Mela ‘AYUSH’ to spread awareness on Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy from January 30. The exhibition will have free medical checkups, live Yoga demonstrations and preparations of the Ayurveda medicines. The central Government funded International Arogya Fair- 2009, after being held in different parts of the country, will be hosted in the city till February 2 at MMRDA Grounds, Bandra-Kurla Complex.

AYUSH: An year of consolidation

December 17th, 2008

Press Information Bureau (GOI): Holistic Healing has almost become a mantra in today’s world given the myriad of health problems that mankind is facing on account of modern stressed out lifestyles. It is being increasingly accepted by the global community, both by patients and medical practitioners that no single system can address all the health needs of modern day society. India as we know has a long and ancient tradition of holistic healing, be it Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani or Yoga. They are not merely symptomatic treatment systems but lay emphasis on the fact that the basic premise of good health is a healthy lifestyle. This makes them ideally placed to provide answers to the health care needs of modern society.

AYUSH has a fairly large infrastructure of about 7 lakh registered practitioners, 3000 hospitals, 21000 dispensaries and over 450 UG/PG teaching colleges with an admission capacity of nearly 30,000 students. In order to take the benefits arising out of these to the people, steps have been taken to mainstream AYUSH in the health care delivery set up of the country. The road map includes posting an AYUSH doctor in every PHC/CHC. Over 4000 doctors have been appointed on contract and AYUSH facilities have been created in 203 district hospitals, 1798 PHCs and 2350 CHCs.

National Campaigns – A unique initiative

What were once the preferred systems of health care for the masses are increasingly getting confined to a small section of western educated urban elite. As part of the strategy to bring back these systems into the mainstream the unique initiative of launching National Campaigns on select AYUSH themes was taken, the themes were developed keeping in mind specific areas of strengths that the different systems of AYUSH have. The broad format of the National Campaigns envisages the launch of the campaigns by a 2 day workshop at the National level followed by workshops at the State level and then at the district and sub-district levels. Thus a cascading effect is envisioned to spread the outcomes of the National Workshops from the Centre upto the district and the panchayat levels. So far four such campaigns have been launched. The first in the series being on Ksharsutra, which is an Ayurvedic para surgical procedure for treatment of Ano-rectal disorders. The technique not only stands duly validated by ICMR, but is being practiced by modern doctors in countries like Japan for over 20 years now. The Second was Homoeopathy for mother and child care. As we all know the health care needs of children and especially pregnant and lactating mothers are very different from the population at large. Homoeopathy being safe, effective, palatable and free from side effects is ideally suited to meet this need. The third Campaign was “Ayurveda for Geriatric Care”. The fact that the global population today is becoming increasingly gray is well documented. The chronic inflammatory and degenerative conditions that the elderly suffer from need special care, but with a health infrastructure already creaking under the burden of a growing population, care of the elderly is not a priority. Given this backdrop, Ayurveda provides the ideal health option with its Rasayana therapy which is a dedicated branch of Ayurveda for the care of the elderly. This was one of the 8 branches of Ayurveda developed millennia ago, and today in 21st century we are looking to it for solutions. The fourth campaign was on Quality Assurance of AYUSH drugs.
» Read more: AYUSH: An year of consolidation

Winter Special Offers from Himani Launched

December 12th, 2008

Hyderabad: This winter, Emami Limited, the Rs 700 crore personal and healthcare major, is offering a slew of attractive schemes for the buyers of Sona Chandi Chyawanprash (SCCP).

A 1 Kg pack of SCCP is now priced at Rs 195, having a discount of Rs 25 per piece, along with a Himani Fast Relief worth Rs 33 distributed free. A 500 gm pack of SCCP now comes at Rs 110 after a discount of Rs 10, with a Rs 20 free sample of Himani Fast Relief.

emami-sonachandi-chywanprash.jpgFor the people on the move, Emami has introduced SCCP Spoon. Available across the country, this spoon, priced at Rs. 3/-, will give an option to the people to have their favourite Chyawanprash anywhere and at any point of time. It’s convenient, hygienic and easily affordable too.

“Though the Chyawanprash market showed a de-growth last year, only Himani Sona Chandi Chyawanprash had a positive growth. With the launch of the One-Time Use Chyawanprash Spoon, we will further consolidate our position in the Rs. 200 Crore Chyawanprash market”, said Mr. Aditya V Agarwal, Director, Emami Limited.

A new attractive packaging has been done by UK based Evolve Creative. Now SCCP is coming in an innovative new packaging with a more modern and trendy look. This is giving the consumers a feel-good factor and ensures more involvement of the youth. Endorsed by SRK, SCCP is one of the fastest growing Chyawanprash in the category.

The country’s first-ever Chyawanprash to be formulated using gold, silver and saffron, Himani Sona Chandi Chyawanprash, represents a major breakthrough in Research & Development in this product category. Gold and silver have traditionally been known to act wonders on the human system but rigorous laboratory tests have established their potency in enhancing the efficacy of Chyawanprash.