Yoga and Nature Cure Centre at Pareeka near Parkala

Report and Pictures by Dr. Eugene DSouza, Moodubelle
Bellevision Media Network

Moodubelle, 13 August 2010: There are various methods to control and cure various types of diseases and ailments. The different systems of medicine right from allopathic to ayurveda, homeopathy to Chinese system of acupressure and acupuncture have been followed to conquer ailments and improve health. However, there is a unique method of treating different types of aliments and maintaining as well as improving health. This method is known as naturopathy. The Naturopathic medicine is based on the concept of treating the body with Panchamahabhuthas that is Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether which form the basic constituents of the body. These elements are used to revitalize and rejuvenate the body and strengthen the immune system against the disease causing agents present in and around a person.

Naturopathy is an outstanding and unique system of medicine which offers a holistic health through the combination of all drugless therapies like Natural therapies, Yogic therapy, Acupuncture, reflexology, Magneto therapy, Electrotherapy, Physiotherapy, Reiki and Pranic healings. Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade Dharmadhikari of Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala was instrumental in establishing Yoga and Nature Cure Hospital under Shantivana Trust in the year 1987 with the view of spreading the message to the common man that human body has the capacity to provide cure for its own ailments through various drugless therapies. The management also runs other charitable hospitals, colleges, schools.

Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences attached to the same management offers 5 years bachelor course in Naturopathy, Yoga and other alternative system, the first institute to award bachelor degree of its kind. The College is affiliated to the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore. Basic medical subjects, natural therapies, Nutrition and Dietetics, Yoga Philosophy, Acupuncture, Magneto therapy, Naturopathic and modern diagnostic methods are the subjects highlighted in this course. The academic year begins from July every year.

With the view of extending Nature cure treatments to the other areas and to meet the requirements all the common peoples, SDM Medical trust started a well equipped 100 bedded Nature Cure and Yoga Hospital at Pareeka, Manipal in the year 2006. Pareeka is one kilometre from Athradi on the Udupi-Karkala Road. The sprawling nature cure centre is surrounded by greenery and beauty of nature, a quiet place with all facilities and amenities. People belonging to different classes can avail the residential facilities and treatment at this centre. There are independent cottages and Deluxe rooms for those who believe in style and comfort for a higher price and also general wards separately for men and women who cannot afford higher price.

In this sprawling Nature Cure and Yoga Hospital at Pareeka, there are separate arrangements sections for yoga and meditation, various therapies, library, cooking and dining. The campus provides the necessary ambience for morning and evening walk, jogging and meditation.

Depending on the type of ailment, following check up by expert doctors different forms of therapies are prescribed and administered at the centre. These therapies include Hydrotherapy (Jalachikithsa)-which uses water at different temperatures, forms and pressure to alleviate the ailments of the body; Prithvi Chikithsa-a process where pure mud is applied over the body directly or in the form of packs. The cooling, chemical and mechanical properties of mud help to treat problems of skin, joints and metabolic disorders; Akasha Chikithsa (Detoxification Therapy)-which uses the purificatory properties of various fruits, vegetable and herbal juices to clean the body of unwanted and accumulated toxins which are a result of unhealthy life style; Vayu Chikithsa (Air Therapy)-in which treatments like breathing exercises and fresh air baths helps to treat and recharge the respiratory system.

The Hospital environment which is located in the midst of green unpolluted surroundings provides a good scope for toning the respiratory system, Surya/Agni Chikithsa (Heliotherapy) which uses the heating elements in nature namely Sun rays and different colours in the solar spectrum to heat up, soothe, sedate and to purify the human body; Mardana Chikithsa (Massage Therapy) in which body parts are scientifically manipulated to facilitate circulation, flexibility and to strengthen joints and other body structures. It also helps to tone up nervous and muscles through movements like friction, percussion etc.....

Depending on the types of ailments, the patients are given Diet Therapy which is planned according to individual needs, which are supplies from organic farms. A wide variety of freshly prepared fruit juices are made available at the diet counters. Importance is given for treating all type of ailments with specially prescribed Diet. Acupuncture Therapy-a Chinese method of treating disease in which fine needles are inserted at selected meridian points on the body which activates the body’s immune system and removes the blocks in different channels through which energy flows. The other therapies include- Magnetotherapy, Yoga Therapy, Pranayam, Meditation, Physiotherapy and Exercise Therapy, Swimming Therapy and Reiki and Pranic Healing Therapy.

The Nature Cure and Yoga Hospital at Pareeka provides treatment to various ailments such as Bronchial Asthama, Nasal Allergy, Chronic Bronchitis, Diabetes, Thyrotoxicosis, Obesity, High and low blood Pressure and Ischemic heart diseases, Migrane, Tension, Headache, Anxiety Neurosis, Depressive Neurosis, Low back pain Rheumatism, Arthritis, Gastritis and Peptic Ulcer, Chronic Diarrheas and Dysentery, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Psoriasis, Allergic Dermatitis etc.

Besides providing treatment for the above ailments, The Nature Cure and Yoga Hospital at Pareeka also undertakes special package programmes and outdoor activities such as Stress Management programmes, Health Rejuvenation Scheme, Cardiac Counselling, Diet Counselling, Yoga and Nature Cure camps for public, Public health awareness camps, Special package programme for old age, Asthma, Diabetes Mellitus, Obesity, Promotion of Positive health for all age groups, Seminars, workshops and lectures, Research Activity, Psychological Counselling, etc.

The Chief Medical Officer and Medical Superintendent of the SDM Nature Cure and Yoga Hospital at Pareeka is Dr. Mohammed Rafik from Hoode, Kemmannu. He had acquired Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences (BNYS) degree from SDM College of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences, Ujire in 1994. After graduation he joined the Department of Naturopathy and Yoga Therapy at SDM College and Hospital of Ayurveda and Indian Medicines at Udyavara near Udupi where he served for fourteen years as an Assistant Professor. Dr. Rafik has written a number of articles and books on the subject of nature cure and yoga and meditation. His recent publication is a book in Kannada titled “Sthoolakaya Matthu Naisargica Parihara”.

(I sincerely thank William D’Sa (Willie Master) for suggesting that i should write an article on Nature Cure and Yoga Hospital at Pareeka and accompanying me to the centre)