Ancient medical sciences such as Ayurveda boast of over 3,000 years of history and patronage. However, the needs of modern civilisation have forced practitioners to adapt to the changing requirements and practise age-old traditional holistic healing methods in a contemporary way, instilling faith in the system amongst patients.
Committed to medical diversity
Dr Hafeel Ambaras, CEO and co-founder of Healers Clinic, says the brand is committed to medical pluralism and advocates an integrative approach wherever possible. “Our brand’s primary focus is maintenance of health, which is the core principle of healthcare and comprises two key components – swastya rakshanam (maintenance) and atula sevanam (care).”
As a community-based health facility, The Healers emphasizes the importance of proactive maintenance and regular inspections. These are carried out seasonally, at specific age milestones and at potential risk points throughout the annual life cycle. Our approach combines traditional wisdom with modern standards and tools, applied where necessary.”
Analysing one’s body type using modern tools before commencing treatment with traditional and holistic therapies such as Ayurveda is also a protocol recommended by AyurHeritage Ayurvedic Clinic, says Dr Zita George, the group’s medical director.
“This integration ensures personalized care based on Ayurvedic principles while leveraging advanced diagnostics. Our innovative approach fosters trust and confidence, providing patients with effective, customized treatment solutions that uphold ancient wisdom yet incorporate modern advancements,” she told GN Focus in an exclusive interview.
Aliya Khan, managing director of Keyani Wellness, explains that the brand enjoys offering a range of traditional holistic therapies in their original form, while enhancing and personalising the techniques for each individual who visits their centres.
“Our facilitators and practitioners have a wealth of experience through years of practice and dedication. We strive to take a holistic view of our clients’ needs to maximise their holistic journey in our space. Clients feel confident when they are able to fully understand and absorb the process presented to them and fully benefit from the various blended modalities and therapies on offer.”
Supporting effective communication
For Dr. Sreenath S., Consultant Physician at Ayurmana Ayurveda & Panchakarma Centre, combining the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda with modern diagnostic techniques brings another unique dimension that benefits both doctors and patients. “This approach not only respects the unique constitution of each person as per Ayurveda, but also utilises the precision and clarity that modern diagnostic tools offer,” says Dr. Sreenath.
“This will enable Ayurmanic practitioners to effectively communicate with their patients about their health conditions in a way that is understandable and relevant to the modern society. Furthermore, the integration of modern technology will provide deeper research insights, which may lead to further advancements in both Ayurvedic and conventional medicine.”
Dr Anju Varghese, naturopath and colon hydrotherapist at Dubai Herbal and Treatment Centre, offers a step-by-step guide on how the centre best combines ancient remedies with modern tools. “Traditional and complementary and alternative medicine, delivered by Dubai Herbal and Treatment Centre’s licensed practitioners, incorporates modern medical diagnosis and natural therapies for the wellbeing of patients,” says Dr Varghese.
“When patients visit our center, a comprehensive and holistic treatment protocol is created. Whatever the illness, natural detoxification is the first step in treatment, followed by addressing symptoms and taking necessary preventative measures in the future.”
“It all starts with addressing the patient’s current condition, the root causes of the disease that may be related to lifestyle habits and exploring treatment options in natural and traditional ways. Since the patient is responsible for his or her own health, joint decisions are made in this process that support self-realization and strength. A holistic change in lifestyle habits and emotional state through counseling also improves the patient’s prognosis. Regular follow-up treatment sessions are assigned to guide the patient on a healthy life path. As the patient recovers, they develop the confidence to always adopt a natural treatment plan. They then become pioneering guides among their circle of family and friends, joining them in this eco-friendly marathon to health.”
Ancient alternative medicines and healing practices such as Ayurveda emphasise the importance of food and diet, among other things, as part of the holistic treatment process. But with expatriates from over 100 countries residing in the UAE, meeting their dietary expectations can pose a complex challenge for Ayurvedic practitioners. Or maybe not.
Meeting universal dietary needs
Ayurmana Ayurveda & Panchakarma Centre always strives to incorporate flavours from around the world to suit the dietary needs and treatment goals of its patients, says Dr Musinath, consultant physician at the centre. “In Ayurveda, food is not just about nutrition. It is a holistic approach to achieving and maintaining balance in the body and mind, tailored to an individual’s constitution, health status and environmental factors,” says Dr Musinath.
“Agni, or digestive fire, plays a major role in our overall health and well-being. Correcting agni is the first step in any illness where certain dietary restrictions are always recommended. When considering alternative therapy diets, it can be difficult to incorporate different tastes and flavors into familiar ones, but we strive to incorporate these flavors from around the world in a way that aligns with our patients’ dietary needs and treatment goals. Because of this, our team works closely to customize meals that are more palatable and culturally appropriate for our diverse patient population.”
Patients fly in from all over the world to Dubai Herbal and Treatment Centre (DHTC) for treatment, and the centre tries to take the middle path in terms of nutrition and diet and caters to all cultures and cuisines,” says Dr Varghese. “We have prepared a 14-day juice detox plan designed around naturopathy, a widely recognised alternative medicine system, and have included it on the menu at Eat Well restaurants, which shows how adaptable our brand is.
“In addition, our Eatwell restaurant serves a highly varied menu featuring dishes representing Dubai’s various cultures. DHTC has a treatment protocol designed around cross-referrals, ensuring each patient has the opportunity to experience a range of natural therapies introduced from around the world.”
Predicting growth
As alternative therapies are gaining acceptance around the world, the same is true in the UAE, and practitioners affiliated with the brand in the UAE look forward to playing a dedicated role in spreading the popularity and interest in alternative therapies.
“As people in the UAE become more aware of the benefits of alternative therapies, they are naturally becoming more accepted,” says Dr. Musinas. “The main reason for this trend is the recognition that modern medicine has limitations due to its focus on treating symptoms. We focus on the root causes of illness and support the body’s natural healing mechanisms. People are also more aware of the side effects of medications, especially those with chronic diseases. An integrative approach can make the healthcare system more successful in the current context.”
“Over the past five years, Ayurmana has built a unique name for itself within the Ayurvedic community through loyalty and customer recognition. The effectiveness of our treatments is reflected in the high recovery rates of our patients. Our patients consistently give positive feedback and testimonials about their experience with us and we are always committed to providing exceptional care and support to our patients.”
Dr Varghese of DHTC explains that the centre played a pioneering role in bringing various alternative therapies under one roof and understood the growing demand for natural therapies in improving the local health, contributing to the growing popularity of alternative therapies. “We believe that each health system comes with a vast amount of knowledge and experience built up over centuries. While each system stands alone with its own infrastructure, DHTC walks the middle path and adapts to the growing needs of society. DHTC brings new changes in the health sector and embraces new technologies, yet holds fast to traditional values and concepts.
“Ayurvedic patients being referred to a naturopathic diet is just one example of this integration. Future research and evidence-based approaches have allowed us to find ways to treat patients in a way that combines both traditional and alternative medicine. In 2023, we will also introduce the Care Plus Clinic as an extension to our existing medical form, where patients will be able to receive both traditional treatments incorporating a holistic approach.”
“Patients have experienced the benefits of our concept and have wholeheartedly embraced it.”
