Lifestyle Clinic at GRH treats young girls, women for PCOD, arthritis the most

MADURAI

The Lifestyle Clinic of the Naturopathy and Yoga Department at Government Rajaji Hospital seems to be the last resort for many patients, though, the doctors say it is for anyone willing to lead a healthier life.

With separate therapists for male and female patients, the clinic treats various ailments from fever to cancer, “except acute pain and bleeding conditions,” without prescribing drugs, said District Siddha Medical Officer P. Mariappan.

The clinic functioning under the Indian Medicine and Homeopathy Department offers treatment based on the ‘pancha boothas’ that refers to the five natural elements. “It includes oil massage, acupuncture, steam therapy, therapeutic yoga, mud and wet-sheet packs etc. But the patients are not advised or forced to stop taking other medications,” he clarified.

Removing excess toxins from the body forms a major part of the treatment. It aims at increasing blood circulation and flexibility, easing constipation and boosting immunity, he added.

People with arthritis are the most treated at the clinic, with up to 50 patients being treated per day. “What used to be a condition for people above the age of 60 or 70 years is now prevalent among the younger population, especially among women who are above the age of 30,” said Assistant Medical Officer M. Nagarani Nachiar.

Next on the list is treatment for PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) in girls between the age of 18 and 25. “Thanks to our sedentary lifestyle, the majority of girls are from urban areas who come to us with the issue. We see around 30 such new patients every month,” she said.

Specialised abdominal massage, aroma therapy, hydrotherapy to increase blood flow in reproductive organs and specific yoga asanas are a few among the many treatments offered at the clinic for them.