An interview with Dr. V. Sukumaran MBBS, MD (ped) health and mind science consultant

An interview with Dr. V. Sukumaran MBBS, MD (ped)DCH MAMS, IFAMIS FSASMS FCAM, IMPHA, FCCP (USA), FRSH (UK) MIP (AUST), who practices the Indian systems of medicine and is also a holistic health consultant, mind science consultant,

Master Dowser, New Life Reiki Master,

Crystal healer and vaasthu practitioner.

What is the alternative system of medicine and why is it known by that name?

Alternative medicine refers to all the non-allopathic systems of medicine, which are being practised in the country. The term alternative medicine itself is a bit controversial, because around 150 years ago, systems like Ayurveda, and Siddha, were the ones we were practising. With the advent of the Allopathic medicinal system there was shift away from these. This was because Allopathy was primarily based on scientific research and adopted a scientific method of diagnosis. It was also a system, which was mainly geared towards providing quick relief for the patient. Therefore Indian systems of medicine slowly got marginalised and Allopathy came to be the popular form of cure. It slowly became the main system of medicine and all the other systems came to be known as alternative systems. I feel that a better terminology would be a complimentary therapy system as both the forms of medicine can be integrated to cure various illnesses. Yoga and meditation which were not accepted as a therapy is now being recommended by various doctors and even hospitals have consultants and full time specialists to treat the patients.

Can you briefly explain the basis of the various systems?

Ayurveda is based on Vatha, Pitha, Kapa, and a balance has to be maintained between them for good health. Siddha is more or less based on the same principle, but it also tries to balance the taste buds. In Ayurveda, herbs are mainly used for cure and in Siddha heavy metals are primarily used, as the system believes that the balance of minerals is necessary for restoring good health. Unani is a system which is extensively based on the Arabic texts (translated from the original Greek) which has a respectable following in our country. Other systems like the energy system Reiki, Pranic healing, Acupuncture and Acupressure are now becoming very very popular. This system believes that the 'Prana', 'Chi' or vital energy which continuously flows through the body from birth to death is responsible for the vital functions. There are 72,000 energy pathways in the body and when the energy flow is blocked in any one of the pathways, then there is a problem. There will be an excess of energy in one place and a deficiency somewhere else and this results in an illness. The healer with the supply of his own energy tries to remove the block and restore the natural flow of energy in both these kinds of healing systems. Other than these there are many other forms of therapy, namely, osteopathy, geopathy, naturopathy and aromatheraphy. Yoga is a way of life and all these systems of medicine use yoga to cure the patient.

How does the allopathic and the alternative systems of medicine differ in approach?

Allopathic system depends heavily on symptoms, evidence of the disease and scientific in nature, but the alternative systems depend a lot on the experience of the healer. In this fast paced world most of the diseases are stress related and sometimes Allopathy fails to recognise the outside situations and factors influencing the health. In the alternative system all the parameters which can affect a person's health, the lifestyle, diet, personal habits, environment factors, mental, emotional and psychological factors. Therefore these systems have been quite successful in treating chronic illnesses.

Has the method of diagnosis changed in any way?

Now slowly these practitioners are using Allopathic methods for diagnostic purposes. They are sending their patients for blood tests, CT scan, and MRIs and adopting more scientific methods of diagnosis. These systems have become more patient friendly, medication is now available in syrups, and easy to swallow capsules and tablets.

What about side-effects?

In the case of alternative systems there is a negligible number of side effects unlike Allopathy where almost every drug is harmful in one way or the other to the body. Now people are realising this and are switching over Ayurveda and Homeopathy. The focus has shifted from wanting to just cure a disease to leading a fulfilling life.

How does one go about gaining education in this field of medicine?

Originally Ayurveda and other systems of medicines were passed down through the generations, in the gurukul system of teaching. So there were no professional training programs, but now those who are interested can attend a comprehensive 4 year degree course and then go into practice. Reiki, Pranic healing, and yoga, crystal therapy can be learnt through the number of workshops which are being conducted and by studying the texts. The best way to practice would be to integrate both the Allopathic and the alternative systems of medicine for effectively helping the patient. The quacks who exist in this field can be eliminated by educating the people about these systems of medicine.

MALINI SURYANARAYANAN