PART III: Why I left a cushy job at one of world’s largest Pharma MNCs to promote NATUROPATHY – Tale of 4 brothers

This is 3rd in the series of 4 articles.

This is perhaps most transforming of the 4 stories. It is also the oldest. More than 3 decades back in late 70’s. A doctor completed his education and returned to his village in Kutch as a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner. Like most Ayurvedic doctors of his times, he started out as a general practitioner. He treated patients from nearby villages using the best knowledge he had. Pain killers, steroids, and other drugs were key tools in his tool box.

Since patients got quick relief and there were no other doctors in the nearby villages, his practice picked up very well. Soon he had good patient flow and was making good money.

One day while he was having lunch, a friend of his jokingly tapped him on his head and he bit his tongue. The cut was deep and severe and it started bleeding profusely. He was taken to a hospital where doctor put stitched on his tongue. Unfortunately the tongue being soft tissue, the stitches didn’t stay. Doctors tried it again with same results. The condition worsened each time and he was given blood transfusion.

As days passed by he became weaker and his condition worsened. Only hope was to meet a bigger doctor in a bigger city, Mumbai. As the family made preparations, he was taken to Bhuj, which had the airport. They got down at another Doctor’s place in Bhuj. This doctor was educated in US and left his flourishing practice there to come back and serve in small town where he felt there was more need for his services. Those were heady days and people were led more by their heart than head. He read a book by Gandhi and that inspired him to come back to his people and serve them. He was equally influenced by Gandhiji’s experiments in Health and medicine. He shunned his western learning and adopted Naturopathy as his key line of treatment.

Many relatives came to meet the patient and some thought it would be their last meeting. The US educated doctor made a suggestion to the patient’s family. Why don’t we try some simple naturopathy treatments before moving the patient to Mumbai. The family agreed and the treatment started. He treated patient by regularly putting drops of cold lemon water on a piece of cotton cloth placed over the cut. The bleeding stopped within a day and the tongue slowly healed. In couple of months, patient was fine and became doctor again. Of course a very different Doctor this time. He chose Naturopathy as his main tool.

He became an intern again under the doctor who healed him. May be at a salary 1/10^th of what he was earning before the incident. He learned at the feet of his guru and went on to become what I call a Rockstar of Naturopathy. He earned fame, ran a very successful practice, went to several countries to help people learn and adopt Naturopathy, went on to set up a beautiful Nature Cure Center and earned what you can call a fan following. People know him as Dr Jay Sanghvi.

About 25 years after the incident, I met him while he was still building his new Nature Cure Center and I was fresh out of IIMA. I was amazed to see how he treated patients for chronic medical conditions using simple Naturopathy treatments. The set up was simple, tools were simple, and environment was very non-clinical. It was a hospital most unlike a hospital. The meeting changed the course of my life. I was fascinated by the idea of setting up several of such hospitals, making it accessible to common people, spreading the beauty of simplicity.

Few years later, I quit my reasonably comfortable job at GSK and set out to make this dream a reality. It gave birth to what is today called Swas Healthcare. I was extremely lucky to have my inspiration as my co-founder. I only wish I could partner more of such doctors who have the understanding, conviction, and most importantly the humility to accept that it is not the doctor but the nature that heals. Be the guide, be the lamp.

To know if we can help you in your medical condition, you can call us on +91-2837-286812 / 286882 or write to us at info@swashealthcare.com

PART II: Why I left a cushy job at one of world’s largest Pharma MNCs to promote NATUROPATHY – Tale of 4 brothers

This is second in the series of 4 articles.

RAVINDRABHAI SANGHVI, the youngest of the 4 brothers had moved to Mumbai few years back and was trying to settle down in this new city. It was year 1993. There was lot of work to be done and perhaps health took a back seat. He had abdominal pain which got missed out amidst work. In 2-3 days time it had become very severe.

He finally went to consult a Doctor, who diagnosed it as severe perforation of appendix. Perhaps appendix had ruptured. Doctor suggested immediate appendectomy though it was risky. He feared that if not operated it could lead to peritonitis which could be fatal. He was using best of the knowledge, which he had acquired during his education as a doctor, to save his patient.  Surgery had to be done in next one hour.

Though Ravindrabhai, who had learnt and practiced Naturopathy was no ordinary patient. The family consulted the elder brother and renowned Naturopath, Dr Jay. He advised to avoid the surgery and wait for him to reach Mumbai. Ravindrabhai thanked the doctor for diagnosis and went back home, climbing four flights of stairs to reach his apartment. In few hours Dr jay was there next to his brother.

Treatment started. Pain was so severe that anything that touched the abdomen aggravated the pain. First 5 days it was just rest, water fasting, and warm pack on abdomen. In 5 days swelling decreased and abdominal cold pack was started. He was fed on lemon water and diluted juices. In another 10 days semi-solid and liquid diet was started.

All this helped body flush out the perforated appendix, and heal the inflammation. Since no food was given, body could concentrate on repairs. In about 6 weeks he was back to work.

Most of the time we underestimate the healing capacity of body and power of rest.  We also overestimate the need to eat even when unwell. If given a chance and appropriate environment, body can heal itself even from very severe conditions.

To know if we can help you in your medical condition, you can call us on +91-2837-286812 / 286882 or write to us at info@swashealthcare.com

PART I: Why I left a cushy job at one of world’s largest Pharma MNCs to promote NATUROPATHY – Tale of 4 brothers

This is first in the series of 4 articles that I intend to write. Hence it is imperative that I start by explaining the motive behind writing the articles.

It is simple – to enable people draw inspiration from these stories and adapt at least some of the principles of Naturopathy to improve their health and life. So here goes the first story.

RAMESHBHAI SANGHVI, the eldest of the 4 brothers has studied and taught all his life. He quit his job as a professor when he thought, he could afford it. Since then he has been working through various means to promote education for underprivileged children in Kutch. He loves books; runs a publication, Aksharbharti, a beautiful book shop in Bhuj, a school for kids, edits lot of books and magazines, and puts his linguistic skills to other good use. However, he has never been physically very active leading a physically sedentary life.

In 2001, post earthquake in Kutch, life became very hectic for him, trying to rebuild his Institutions and at the same time support other NGOs in their relief and rehabilitation work. His being the only grassroot organisation of significance in the area, work load piled up. He maintained a very busy travel schedule which meant travelling at odd times and attending to tasks and meeting across the region. Few months after earthquake, Rameshbhai had a severe heart attack. He was rushed to a nearby hospital and later moved to a larger one in Mumbai. His heart's ejection fraction had come down to 20 (for a healthy individual it is about 60). The doctor said, by-pass surgery is required but it is risky. Coming from a family that believed in natural ways of life, family was averse to surgery.

Family contacted a renowned Cardiologist in Ahmedabad, Dr Ramesh Kapadia. He was leaving for US. He confidently told family that he will be back in 2.5 months and would then start treatment. Oh my God! Can you believe a cardiologist telling a patient who has been advised immediate surgery to wait for 2.5 months? But he knew there was no reason to panic.

Three months later he met Dr Kapadia and started the treatment. Along with some common medication he put Rameshbhai Sanghvi on his Universal Healing program. You would be surprised to know that a highly qualified cardiologist that Dr Kapadia is, his “Universal Healing” program is not made up of array of new age drugs and “state of the art” technology but age old techniques of Shavasan and Meditation. You can get more details on his website http://www.universalhealing.org

Rameshbhai Sanghvi continued his treatment including medication. It has been about 10 years now. His heart’s ejection fraction has improved to 45 from 20. He is hail and hearty and continues incessantly his work in the field of education. He is currently working with Dr Kapadia on a book that combines wisdom from his 8 books written over time into one single volume. We are glad that a crucial part of that work was done at our Ananddham Nature Cure Centre in Kutch. Once in book stores, we hope this book will provide guidance and inspiration to many.

Slowly more and more people are realising the benefits of our traditional healing methods, adapting nature based remedies, and importance of spirituality in improvement of life. Dr Dean Ornish in US has done beautiful work to bring out these benefits to people and present it in a modern scientific way. His research finding says, “Traditional Asian diet is the healthiest diet but unfortunately more and more Asians are living, eating, and dying like Americans”.

To know how you can benefit from our treatments please call on +91-2837-286812 / 286882 or write to info@swashealthcare.com

When nephrologist says, you'll soon need dialysis...

.... he / she may not always be right.

Kidney failure is one of the most dreaded diseases. Even when one knows, it is coming, there is not much that one can do. Mainstream treatment normally means dialysis or transplant. Both are expensive and very taxing on the patient. Not to mention the difficulty of finding right donor in time. Economic cost of Dialysis in India would be about Rs 2-3 lakhs per year.

But there is a way out.

Some of the Naturopaths and traditional medicine practitioners have been working with kidney patients and I have the privilege of working with one of them. I write below what we do so, that more people can know and benefit from it. The note is written in collaboration with Dr Jay Sanghvi who has been treating kidney patients through combination of Naturopathy, Ayurveda, and Yoga for more than 25 years.

We combine various simple and safe treatments to enable patients take care of their kidney.


Over the years various patients have had following benefits:
- Decrease / stabilisation of creatinine levels
- Decrease frequency / Avoid dialysis
- Avoid / postpone surgery
- Symptomatic relief e.g. reduction in vomiting, blood pressure, oedema, loss of appetite, pain etc.

How does Naturopathy work?
- By reducing load on kidney by changing diet pattern
- By allowing time for kidney to rest & repair
- By activating other cleansing organs e.g. Bowel, Liver, and Skin to support kidney

Which Naturopathy treatments are used?
- Kidney pack – It’s a combination of hot and cold packs
- Fomentation – Alternative use of hot and cold towels near the kidney area.
- Hip Bath – Immersing the lower abdomen in tub filled with water.
- Friction Bath
- Reflex and meridian points

How Naturopathy treatments work: Main aim of treatment is to give proper blood supply to kidney.
- treatments to improve functioning of kidney which is weak and malfunctioning.
- treatments to remove impurities sticking to kidney
- treatments to remove infection in chronic infective condition

Herbs for kidney care: Time tested safe herbal medicine
- Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa); Red or Spreading Hogweed – It is a good diuretic and anti-inflamatory.
- Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris); It is a diuretic herb useful in kidney dysfunction, renal stones, and dysuria.
- Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia); Helps in improving immune system

Diet in kidney diseases:
Main aim of dietary plan is to decrease load on kidney by eliminating food that produces lot of by-products which in turn need to be filtered by kidney. The dietary plan also ensures that all the essential nutrients are made available thus allowing cleansing, repairing, and reconstruction. It also works towards restoring the natural balance of the body chemistry.
The diet plan is designed taking into consideration individual’s body constitution, state of disease and general health condition.

Main food items used for kidney care:
- Bottle gourd juice
- Rice & Rice water
- Green gram water
- Banana water
- Vegetables – bottle gourd, pointed gourd (parval), ivy gourd (tindora), ridged luffa (galka), smooth luffa (turiya), papaya, radish, pumpkin.

Normal course of treatment:
- 6 weeks at a Nature Cure Centre directly under supervision of doctor
- 2 to 3 months of treatment to be continued at home
- 3 weeks follow up treatment at Nature Cure Centre
This is general plan but varies as per need and condition of the individual.

Kind of conditions that can be treated through Naturopathy:
- Chronic Renal Failure - If kidney function > 30%
- Chronic Infective condition
- Inflammatory Condition
- Diabetic Nephropathy
- Hydro Nephrosis
- Renal Insufficiency

Ideal cases for treatment through Naturopathy:
- Not yet started dialysis or doing dialysis for less than 3 months
- Haemoglobin level > 10
- Creatinine < 5
- Age < 60 yrs
- No other complications with kidney disease
- Clinically stable and other parameters under control
- One who has faith in Naturopathy & wishes to go for this treatment.

How we deal with current medication & treatments? 
- Normally we continue the medication being taken by the patient before starting treatment
- When symptoms and parameters show improvement, medicine is reduced or replaced with herbal medicines e.g. when blood pressure is controlled, medicine is tapered and / or replaced with Ashwagandha, Gokshur, Punarnava
- Main goal is to reduce the load on kidney which is burdened by chemicals from medicines.

Role of Yoga in Treatment of Kidney:
Asanas are selected to promote blood flow towards kidney e.g. Uttanpadasana. Yogasana which gives gentle twisting, stretching, contracting spine through which natural massage to kidney is experienced and smooth muscles are also involved in the practise (this doesn't happen in exercise), thus decreasing lethargic tendency of kidney & increasing functioning of kidney.

Pranayama and Meditation - Ancient breathing technique called Pranayama and meditation, bring perfect balance between Sympathetic Nervous System and Parasympathetic Nervous System, increase anti-stress hormone, and help to completely get rid of stress e.g. Nadi Suddhi Pranayama (Anuloma- Viloma), Bhramari, meditation etc.

Suddhi Kriya - Through different Suddhi Kriyas like Kapalbhati lot of toxic element is thrown outside through breath. This brings purification in blood as well as purification at cellular level thus decreasing work load on kidney.

Prana (Vital Force for life) - Above mentioned details are medically approved, but something which can only be experienced is Prana, Vital Force. Prana is major factor for health either physical or mental. All above practices brings balance in Prana (Vital Force) at subtler level of our existence where chemical or medicine can't reach, this opens many possible doors when medically we find the disease is un-curable.

For more information contact us at 02837-286812 or write at info@swashealthcare.com

Disclaimer:
This note is designed to help fellow Doctors understand our line of treatment better in order to use it for benefit of their patients. When shared with patients, it is just to serve as information on our line of treatment.
This note is not a substitute for expert medical advice and patients are advised not to use this note for self medication as it may harm the body.
Any medication or treatment should be taken only under guidance of an expert and treatment be started only under supervision of a qualified physician.

A post by Johan Soderberg from Sweden who stayed at Ananddham, Kharoi

06-01-2008 09:09 Annandham Nature cure center, Ahmedabad, India
Hydro Therapy. Magnet Therapy. Su Jok Therapy. Diet Therapy. Potli massage Therapy. Mud Therapy. A constant flow of therapy!

"Sunrise 07.15. Johan-rise 04.30. 1 hour meditation. 1 hour Yoga. Then 'Nassia' drops of cleansing oil in my nose and a face massage, then Eye-cleansing. Breakfast is at 08.00. Welcome to join! Already it feels like I have done alot. And the day has almost just started.

One month has passed at this peaceful place. A month of good healing. And I do feel much better. But not yet fully recovered. 1 month still to go. Then I will be ready to conquer the world again! :)

................

So let me share with you some small stories from my veryday life here at the Naturopathy center.

After one month at a place like this one really start to feel at home. This night, as if I was walking in my own back yard I saw the most amazing sky. The desert with its unpolluted atmosphere reveales thousands and thousands of twinkling stars. And across the deep black dome the Milky Way streches out in its full glory. I even spotted the 'lilla karlavagnen,' up side down!

The winter sun of gujarati is just like our Swedish summer sun. Hot, but still gentle and soothing. Sun bathing is a bliss. Even the tractors around here remind me of home. As their 'tennkulemotor'- engine sounds just like a fishing boat from the west coast. Tom-Tom-TOm-Tom. I will arrive back home just in time to catch one and go for some fishing. But. I forgot. Im a vegetarian. Darn it. I who used to love fishing back in the days. SS Suvi still has my heart.......

SO.. For now.

Thank you all for nice comments and for all the emails! I feel sorry for not having answered you all yet. But it is always nice to wait for something good :)

Did you know by the way that is takes a 7 meter long cloth to make a turban!

Take care all dear friends around the globe!
J

BTW. I added some pics of us having a noodle-evening. And also today I was totally amazed about these wonderful people I meet. Devtosh, a new friend just have me his amazing weddingdress. Prince Johan has arrived!"