|
|
|
Kottakkal: Kerala healers in Chennai
|
 Kerala has its rich presence in Chennai in the form of the Kottakkal Aryavaidya Sala which provides Ayurvedic treatment.
The very name Kottakkal brings to mind the greenery and heritage of 'God's own country'.
Ayurveda, the 'science of life', is a centuries-old Indian treatment. Propounded by sages and considered 'a divine gift', it epitomises man's harmony with nature.
However, Ayurveda suffered decay especially during the 19th century due to alien rule in India. Kottakkal Aryavaidya Sala was one of the pioneering institutions which subsequently brought it out of oblivion.
Kottakkal Aryavaidya Sala was founded in 1902 by 'Vaidyaratnam' P S Varier at Kottakkal in Malappuram district of
Kerala.
All round demand
Though its roots may be grounded in ancient science, it is also firmly rooted in the modern-day world. It has two manufacturing units (in Kerala), equipped with modern machinery and modern technical know-how that churn out the medicines supplied at its various branches.
Need more proof? Check out their website at http://www.aryavaidyasala.com
Kottakkal has branches with qualified physicians at New Delhi, Chennai, Calcutta, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Thiruvananthapuram, Eranakulam, Kozhikode, Kannur, Kottayam, Palakkad, and Tirur.
In addition, a vast network of about 800 authorised agencies are spread all over India and in foreign countries like Malaysia and Singapore.
A huge nursing complex with modern facilities has been built at Kottakkal to provide special Kerala treatments such as 'dhara', 'pizhichil' etc.
Plans for expansion are also off the drawing board and on their way to completion -- for example, a new nursing home at New Delhi is close to being finished.
Kottakal in Chennai
Kottakkal's Chennai branch was established in May 1968. In 1980 it shifted to its own building on Poonamallee High Road.
All the medicines manufactured at Kottakkal are in great demand here. A number of doctors under the guidance of Dr Unnikrishnan provide consultation daily (barring Sundays) from 9:30 to 12:30 and 3 pm to 6 pm.
An average day sees about 130 patients, including several foreigners who come here for consultation. Many allopathic doctors also come here for treatment.
There are 28 authorised agencies of Kottakkal Aryavaidya Sala in Chennai. These agencies appoint their own doctors and stock almost all the medicines available at the main Chennai branch.
Thus, Kottakkal's root is deepening in Chennai's soil. However, one feels the want of an Ayurvedic nursing home here, which can provide vital treatments such as 'dhara', 'pizhichil' and 'navarakizhi' which provide much-needed solace for hassled city-goers.
-Salil Jose
|
