At one time or other many people will come to realize the limitations of modern (allopathic) medicine. Though it is quite efficient to intervene in emergency situations, the field has a spotty record in a number of areas: asthma, cough, skin problems (ex: psoriasis, pigmentation, keloid), joint pains, and other long-term chronic diseases. Also, in some countries it is inaccessible for many patients due to expense or dearth of qualified professionals. Currently the value of alternate medicinal systems is fully recognized in western countries, though at times a bit grudgingly. I heard the Indian president receives advice from Ayurvedic and other alternate medical experts for his health issues and once I saw a photograph to that effect.
The time tested, millennia-old Ayurveda needs no introduction or testimony; certainly not from this writer. Here I merely want to applaud the efforts of Dr. Elchuri for propagating many time tested medical prescriptions to the Telugu community. His lucid inspiring TV short video clips with complete remedies are very beneficial to many indigent chronically sick patients. Even people outside India get cures from his videos. If I recall correctly, once the learned Kanchi Swami offered a simple valuable advice: “The traditional Indian kitchen is a store house of Ayurvedic ingredients. If we can cure simple ailments with Ayurvedic therapy then we can have prolonged healthy lives.” To this I might add another simple dictum from another renowned Telugu Sadhaka: “Eat only when you feel hungry and drink water only when you are thirsty.” What else is there to health really? When possible go for long walks (like Krishnaji), chop the wood (as my British friend used to do), or indulge in some physical work with hands like gardening. Some people are naturally inclined towards faith or spirituality, lucky for them. Faith comes to the rescue when one faces tremendous hardships. Friends or relatives may or may not come through, may or may not help at the right moment. But faith is like our traditional beloved Indian mother; it keeps no grudges, remembers no offenses.
I give three examples here from Dr. Elchuri’s videos for illustration. 1) For voice and throat problems he prescribed globules of black pepper, jaggery, and ghee. They worked for me to recover fast from a lingering cough and brought back strong smooth voice needed for vocal practices. 2) For nail and cuticle issues (including discoloration, fungus) the doctor suggested an oil extract made with the leaves of ఉమ్మెత్త (Moon flower), జిల్లేడు (Calotropis, Arka). It too yielded good results. 3) For ear ache Dr Elchuri showed how to prepare the oil with garlic. Many grand mothers know this oil’s efficacy. We keep it in a bottle for sudden pain due to sinus blockage, exposure to moisture, or extreme dryness during winters. I can go on giving more examples with cures for stomach ache, heel pain, etc. But the reader can get the point.
The doctor’s videos are obviously in Telugu language and as such they are not readily available to people of other languages. Still some of his remedies have been translated into English and they are on the web. If really someone is desperate to access or use his remedies, then she has to contact a Telugu friend or translator. If one wants to learn Mira’s intoxicating Krishna songs, then one learns Hindi and Rajasthani. Or, if we want to peer into the beauty of Megha Sandesam (Kalidasa) we acquire skills in Sanskrit language. Similarly we have to make the effort and learn new ideas for preserving the body and its vigor.
The time tested, millennia-old Ayurveda needs no introduction or testimony; certainly not from this writer. Here I merely want to applaud the efforts of Dr. Elchuri for propagating many time tested medical prescriptions to the Telugu community. His lucid inspiring TV short video clips with complete remedies are very beneficial to many indigent chronically sick patients. Even people outside India get cures from his videos. If I recall correctly, once the learned Kanchi Swami offered a simple valuable advice: “The traditional Indian kitchen is a store house of Ayurvedic ingredients. If we can cure simple ailments with Ayurvedic therapy then we can have prolonged healthy lives.” To this I might add another simple dictum from another renowned Telugu Sadhaka: “Eat only when you feel hungry and drink water only when you are thirsty.” What else is there to health really? When possible go for long walks (like Krishnaji), chop the wood (as my British friend used to do), or indulge in some physical work with hands like gardening. Some people are naturally inclined towards faith or spirituality, lucky for them. Faith comes to the rescue when one faces tremendous hardships. Friends or relatives may or may not come through, may or may not help at the right moment. But faith is like our traditional beloved Indian mother; it keeps no grudges, remembers no offenses.
I give three examples here from Dr. Elchuri’s videos for illustration. 1) For voice and throat problems he prescribed globules of black pepper, jaggery, and ghee. They worked for me to recover fast from a lingering cough and brought back strong smooth voice needed for vocal practices. 2) For nail and cuticle issues (including discoloration, fungus) the doctor suggested an oil extract made with the leaves of ఉమ్మెత్త (Moon flower), జిల్లేడు (Calotropis, Arka). It too yielded good results. 3) For ear ache Dr Elchuri showed how to prepare the oil with garlic. Many grand mothers know this oil’s efficacy. We keep it in a bottle for sudden pain due to sinus blockage, exposure to moisture, or extreme dryness during winters. I can go on giving more examples with cures for stomach ache, heel pain, etc. But the reader can get the point.
The doctor’s videos are obviously in Telugu language and as such they are not readily available to people of other languages. Still some of his remedies have been translated into English and they are on the web. If really someone is desperate to access or use his remedies, then she has to contact a Telugu friend or translator. If one wants to learn Mira’s intoxicating Krishna songs, then one learns Hindi and Rajasthani. Or, if we want to peer into the beauty of Megha Sandesam (Kalidasa) we acquire skills in Sanskrit language. Similarly we have to make the effort and learn new ideas for preserving the body and its vigor.
