Kerala: Traditional healers share their knowledge

Kozhikode: Kerala was once rich in natural healing practices but  eventually we lost all those treatment methods as the traditional healers refused to share them with the public. ‘Thumpayum Karukayum Kudamullappookkalum’ is a collective move  to protect the natural medicines.

A number of traditional medical practitioners gathered at Kozhikode town hall as part of the ‘Nattarivu Nattuvaidya Sangamam,’ jointly organized by Hilife Ayurvedic Multi-speciality Hospital in association with the Nehru Yuva Kendra, the Kerala Grama Panchayat Association  and the National Service Scheme on Monday.

It gave an opportunity to the traditional healers to interact with the public and share the treatment methods and secrets with each other  and the public. Many refreshed their friendship after a long time.  Annamma Devasya, veteran traditional healer  also known as Cheyidyamma, said that it was vital to protect ayurveda and natural healing methods.

“People think that if we reveal the secrets of the medicine which we use, it will not get the desired result, but these are superstitions that surrounded the traditional health practice” she opined.  C. J Thomas of Kozhikode also shares the view. His son Sunny Thomas is  working in ayurvedic medical field. “We have remedy to cure the issues related to varicose vein by using honey bee, which  is effective in back pain also” said Sunny Thomas.

The event was eco-friendly. The tea supplied to the delegates was  organic, the snacks were made using turmeric and gram flour. The leaf of Indian borage (panikoorka)  was also mixed with it to make the stomach clean.“Most of the lifestyle diseases is coming from our food habits;  Ayurveda has remedy for most of the diseases, but unfortunately we have lost many of them,” said K.T. Abdulla Gurukkal, district convener of the programme. Film director Mamukkoya inaugurated the event.