INTERVIEW
Ahstavaidyan E.T Parameswaran Mooss is one of the eminent and rare practitioners presently from the family of Ashtavaidya. He studied in Gurukulasampradaya [a traditional form of learning] and learned from his Grandfather and Asan Rama Warrier. He is now available for consultation in various Ashtavaidyan Thaikkattu Mooss Vaidyaratnam Oushadhasala branches in Kerala.Presently he is working in various capacities such as the Partner of Ashtavaidyan Thaikkattu Mooss Vaidyaratnam Oushadhasala, Ashtavaidyan Thaikkattu Mooss Vaidyaratnam Nursing Home, Executive Director of Ashtavaidyan Thaikkattu Mooss Vaidyaratnam Oushadhasala (P) Ltd, Trustee of Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda Foundation, and Director of Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda Educational Society.
In an interview to Sreeni K.R, Ahstavaidyan E.T Parameswaran Mooss , Executive Director of Ashtavaidyan Thaikkattu Mooss Vaidyaratnam Oushadhasala Spoke at length about the Ayurveda- The Science of life and the revolutionary roles played by the "ASHTAVAIDYAS", who were the disciples of Vaghbhata and enlightened with knowledge of Astangas of Ayurveda from the age of Lord Parasuraama.
Explain Ayurveda and how you preserve a 1000 year old tradition?
Ayurveda, the science of life or termed as a vibrant living system, stands for a total concept of life, which explains the total well-being of the complex combination of spiritual, mental, and physical levels that are constantly reacting against environment. It is originated from God, Time proven, Taught by sages and made it flexible with easily adaptive, simple and natural principles. Ayurveda stresses on Preventive aspects and aggressive on complete cure form the diseases without relapse. The Ayurvedic science is based on Thridosha theory. All the activities happen in a body is totally controlled by these 3 factors called Vata, Pitha, Kapha. The equilibrium of this thridosha leads health. Any imbalance of this state is ill health. Ayurveda is an ancient holistic science having a proper view on preserving of good health. For that Ayurvedic regimen is classified into two. One is SWASTHA VRUTHA and the other is ATHURA VRUTHA. SWASTHA VRUTHA is deals with the regimen for the day-to-day activities. In this regimen there should have a specified plan to maintain the health of Body as well as Mind. But in the case of ATHURA VRUTHA there it explains the management of the diseases with medication and specified diets in the case of food as well as works.
The Ayurveda is considered as very ancient science believed that it has no origin and hence no end. It is also considered that Ayurveda, a medical science, which handled only by the higher cast in all over India especially in Kerala.Then importance was given to Ashtavaidya generation. These generations got the place as Vaidyas of their area by the grace of Lord Parasurama. This is a myth behind the story of invention of Kerala by Lord Parasurama. They preserve the holistic science as Gurukula sampradaaya. This is the strength that we are now seeing the importance of Kerala in the field of Ayurveda.
The ancient vaidyas of this race are given more importance in ‘Yukthi Vyapasraya Chikitsa’ ( One of the limbs of the treatment modalities) and developed some special techniques like Pizhichil, Dhara, various types of Navara Kizhi, Thalam, etc. which are known as Keraleeya Ayurveda Chikilsa and that are given more significant effect on the condition of the patient. Other than this they explained so many clinically proven combinations, which will not get from the ancient treatises like Ashtanga Hrudaya, Charaka samhitha, Susrutha Samhitha etc. Very some of the combinations and properties of medicines are compiled and published as Sahasrayogam, Chikilsa manjari, Hrudayapriyam, Vaidya manorama, Dharaakalpam, Sindhoora manjari, Chikilsakramam, Vaidyatarakam, Prayoga samuchayam, Oushadha guna vijnanam, Oushadha guna Chandrika etc. At that time many famous and powerful Vaidyas practiced with single drug remedies and they done so many wonderful things in the field of curative treatments, even though the disease was considered as noncurable. Other than this, the peoples who following Ayurveda believes that the acharya ‘Indu’, the great disciple of the great acharya ‘Vagbhata’, was written the detailed description on Ashtanga hrudaya named as ‘Sasilekha’ who was a Keralite. Other than these, so many famous transcriptions are sprouted in the soil of Kerala by our ancient acharyas.
Most of the ancient works are connected with Northern parts of India, so that most of the herbs are described as the nature in the foothills of Himalayas. The ancient vaidya charakacharya by the name itself suggests that the physician who traveled extensively and collected the fruitful parts of the wisdom and spreads the effective seeds to the kind of humanity. In the earlier days the invasions by the Mughals, British etc. the science was suppressed by massacre of renowned physicians and destroying of the ancient science texts. Many of the physicians went into hiding and most of the invaluable knowledge was lost and the science of modern medicine began to flourish. In this period the Ayurvedic wisdom was preserved by some of the ayurvedics in Kerala like our race Ashtavaidyas and that was improvised and gradually gets its importance after getting the Independence. By the dedication minds of our ancient ayurvedics credits the Kerala to become an abode of Ayurveda in India.
The family of Thaikkattu Mooss is a legend and also one among the eight families who is engaged in the practice of Ayurveda? Where you got the sidhi?
In Kerala, our Parampara Ashtavaidyas, who were famous for their skills since time immemorial were previously known as Ashtangavaidyas, which means they were proficient in all the eight branches of Ayurveda. In the beginning there were 18 families practicing Ayurveda, which indicates that Ashtavaidyas doesn’t mean just 8 families.
Kerala was divided into 18 districts for convenience to rule in ancient times and it is believed that all these districts had Ashtavaidya families. Each district had a Vaidya family. Gradually the number of Vaidya families decreased. Among them Eledath Thaikkattu, Vaidyamadam, Kuttancheri, Pulamanthol, Vayaskara, Alathiyoor, Thrissur Thaikkattu, Karanthol, Choondal, Parappur, Chirattaman and Velladu were the prominent families. Among them the 8 families that exist now are Eledath Thaikkattu, Vayaskara, Chirattamannu, Thrissur Thaikkattu, Alathiyoor, Kuttancheri, Pulamanthol & Vaidyamadam.
Ayurveda is a living tradition in Kerala. Rather than a medical system, it is a lifestyle of the people regarding diet, regimen to simple health care tips and medications. It was developed by constant observation experimentation and experience. While this basic knowledge flourished among common men the experimentation was going on at a higher level among traditional vaidyas, the caretakers of health of the society. Reading and practicing the Ayurvedic classics, mainly based on Ashtanga Hridaya, the classical treatments were modified and enhanced to suit the common man most effectively, imbibing the essence from the folklore medicine also. This silent revolution in the field of Ayurveda enabled to become the center of attraction especially in Keraleeya Panchakarma Therapies. One of the most important roles in this revolution was played by the "ASHTAVAIDYAS", who were the disciples of Vaghbhata and enlightened with knowledge of Astangas of Ayurveda from the age of Lord Parasuraama.
‘Vaghbhada’ who was a native of ‘Sindhudesh’, migrated to South and reached Kerala. He had lot of disciples there and breathed his last at the then famous Ashtavaidya family Pulamanthol Mooss. The illam (House) Eledathu Thaikkattu mana is situated in Thaikkattussery, near Ollur in Thrissur district belongs to the Ashtavaidya families known as Elamkunnapuzha Kuriyedath and Puranattukara Kurumbepally have dissolved and become one as Eledath Thaikkattu family.
Parameswaran Mooss of the 18th century who had the uncanny ability to predict death much in advance was the most prominent figure from that family, by that he famed as “Marana Thaikkattu”. Then come the historic E.T.Narayanan Mooss. His reputation started spreading far & wide due to his flourished knowledge and the kindness to the poor. In recognition of his reputation the then British Viceroy Lord Reeding conferred on him the title ‘Vaidyaratnam’ in 1924.
E.T. Neelakandhan Mooss son of Vaidyaratnam E.T. Narayanan Mooss my Grand father grew under the patronage of his father & his uncle Divakaran Mooss. His mother was Devaki Antherjanam. After learning under his father and his uncle, he went to Kuttanchery illam for further studies as Kuttanchery Mooss family had deep knowledge in Ayurveda. His studies under his father E.T.Narayanan Mooss and Kuttanchery Aryan Mooss and Mahan Mooss fortified his knowledge to a great extent.
E.T. Neelakandhan Mooss did not confine his activities in the realm of Ayurveda alone. He showed great interest in Sanskrit poetry and drama. Patients from far and wide came to him for his treatment. In 1992 the India Government conferred upon him the title ‘Padmashri’. Durgadevi with embrace Amrutha kalasa and Jalooka (Leech) in her hand is the chosen deity of our family. We are getting the siddhi by a strict and disciplined prayer for one year in front of the deity after attaining some basic knowledge. After this praying only we were entering into the field of practice. My basic study and practice was strictly under the guidance of my Grandfather and Asan Rama Warrier.
What is your mission?
“Health management through Ayurveda”
Kerala was divided into 18 districts for convenience to rule in ancient times and it is believed that all these districts had Ashtavaidya families. Each district had a Vaidya family. Gradually the number of Vaidya families decreased. Among them Eledath Thaikkattu, Vaidyamadam, Kuttancheri, Pulamanthol, Vayaskara, Alathiyoor, Thrissur Thaikkattu, Karanthol, Choondal, Parappur, Chirattaman and Velladu were the prominent families. Among them the 8 families that exist now are Eledath Thaikkattu, Vayaskara, Chirattamannu, Thrissur Thaikkattu, Alathiyoor, Kuttancheri, Pulamanthol & Vaidyamadam.
Ayurveda is a living tradition in Kerala. Rather than a medical system, it is a lifestyle of the people regarding diet, regimen to simple health care tips and medications. It was developed by constant observation experimentation and experience. While this basic knowledge flourished among common men the experimentation was going on at a higher level among traditional vaidyas, the caretakers of health of the society. Reading and practicing the Ayurvedic classics, mainly based on Ashtanga Hridaya, the classical treatments were modified and enhanced to suit the common man most effectively, imbibing the essence from the folklore medicine also. This silent revolution in the field of Ayurveda enabled to become the center of attraction especially in Keraleeya Panchakarma Therapies. One of the most important roles in this revolution was played by the "ASHTAVAIDYAS", who were the disciples of Vaghbhata and enlightened with knowledge of Astangas of Ayurveda from the age of Lord Parasuraama.
‘Vaghbhada’ who was a native of ‘Sindhudesh’, migrated to South and reached Kerala. He had lot of disciples there and breathed his last at the then famous Ashtavaidya family Pulamanthol Mooss. The illam (House) Eledathu Thaikkattu mana is situated in Thaikkattussery, near Ollur in Thrissur district belongs to the Ashtavaidya families known as Elamkunnapuzha Kuriyedath and Puranattukara Kurumbepally have dissolved and become one as Eledath Thaikkattu family.
Parameswaran Mooss of the 18th century who had the uncanny ability to predict death much in advance was the most prominent figure from that family, by that he famed as “Marana Thaikkattu”. Then come the historic E.T.Narayanan Mooss. His reputation started spreading far & wide due to his flourished knowledge and the kindness to the poor. In recognition of his reputation the then British Viceroy Lord Reeding conferred on him the title ‘Vaidyaratnam’ in 1924.
E.T. Neelakandhan Mooss son of Vaidyaratnam E.T. Narayanan Mooss my Grand father grew under the patronage of his father & his uncle Divakaran Mooss. His mother was Devaki Antherjanam. After learning under his father and his uncle, he went to Kuttanchery illam for further studies as Kuttanchery Mooss family had deep knowledge in Ayurveda. His studies under his father E.T.Narayanan Mooss and Kuttanchery Aryan Mooss and Mahan Mooss fortified his knowledge to a great extent.
E.T. Neelakandhan Mooss did not confine his activities in the realm of Ayurveda alone. He showed great interest in Sanskrit poetry and drama. Patients from far and wide came to him for his treatment. In 1992 the India Government conferred upon him the title ‘Padmashri’. Durgadevi with embrace Amrutha kalasa and Jalooka (Leech) in her hand is the chosen deity of our family. We are getting the siddhi by a strict and disciplined prayer for one year in front of the deity after attaining some basic knowledge. After this praying only we were entering into the field of practice. My basic study and practice was strictly under the guidance of my Grandfather and Asan Rama Warrier.
What is your mission?
“Health management through Ayurveda”
In a world looking forward to Ayurveda as a system of holistic cure, Vaidyaratnam was one of the pioneers to recognize the vast potential and adapt to the changing trends, while uncompromisingly sticking to the core traditions of Ayurveda.
Vaidyaratnam Oushadha Sala started unassumingly in 1941 as a fledging pharmacy, but today is one of the leading manufacturers of ayurvedic medicines with a formidable presence all over Kerala as well as in other Indian cities and abroad. The able leadership of Ashtavaidyan E.T Narayanan Mooss my father, son of Ashtavaidyan Padmasri E.T Neelakandhan Mooss, complemented Vaidyaratnam group of institutions to further heights.
What is the difference you find between old and new methods of treatments?
Vaidyaratnam Oushadha Sala started unassumingly in 1941 as a fledging pharmacy, but today is one of the leading manufacturers of ayurvedic medicines with a formidable presence all over Kerala as well as in other Indian cities and abroad. The able leadership of Ashtavaidyan E.T Narayanan Mooss my father, son of Ashtavaidyan Padmasri E.T Neelakandhan Mooss, complemented Vaidyaratnam group of institutions to further heights.
What is the difference you find between old and new methods of treatments?
The advancements in the society has added a lot to the application of Ayurveda and made it more and more useful to the society. A lot of new methods and applications have derived from it which has made the system popular in the modern community. This is a result of a kind of automatic updating of the system happening in all traditional practices.
What are the reasons you find for growing interest in alternative form of medicine, the world over?
Alternative medicine classification is happened due to the higherarche of the modern medicine. When we consider the India, the modern medicine, Aromatherapy, Cheiro therapy etc are the alternative. Each and every medical field having their own positive and negative aspects on curing as well as preventing the diseases.
Some or how the peoples behind the field of Modern medicine forced to consider the effects of the other medical systems and categorized as alternative medicines because lot of side effects are facing due to the chemical reactions in the body and some significant positive effects on these chemical reactions are evidenced when undergo the alternative therapies. Very recently only the ayurveda, the 3000yrs and more old science considered by the modern people as alternative system.
What are the worrying factors for Ayurveda doctors in modern times?
The non availability of genuine raw drugs is going to be a biggest problem in the future. Popularising the cultivation of medicinal plants should be encouraged to meet the demands in the industry on a national scale. Safe cultivation ensures pollution free herbs which make it free from metallic and non metallic toxins.
Vaidyaratnam Herbal Garden:
To avoid the scarcity of the herbs for the production of quality ayurvedic medicines started an herbal garden to cultivate various herbs. It is a centre supported both technically and financially by national medicinal plant board.
The other worrying factor is, lack of awareness about the system of Ayurveda is also which needs immediate attention in the international flora. The current acceptance received world wide and the recognitions from WHO etc., has provided a favorable environment for the propagation of Ayurveda world wide. Large scale propaganda and educational programs on the system is needed to avail the benefits arising out of such recognition. Lack of such information among the needy community will end up in marginalising the system due to under utilization.
The other worrying factor is, lack of awareness about the system of Ayurveda is also which needs immediate attention in the international flora. The current acceptance received world wide and the recognitions from WHO etc., has provided a favorable environment for the propagation of Ayurveda world wide. Large scale propaganda and educational programs on the system is needed to avail the benefits arising out of such recognition. Lack of such information among the needy community will end up in marginalising the system due to under utilization.
Explain the difference between Ayurvedic and Herbal medicine?
Herbal medicine is a broad non specific term used for medicinal use of plants. In many parts of India, Ayurveda utilizes the immense plant resources available for health care. This has made Ayurveda to be identified as an exclusively herbal system of practice. In reality herbal medicine practitioners focus mainly on the pharmacological benefits of the herb. Ayurveda, in contrast is based on strong theoretical foundations which finds herbs also as an important tool to restore health. The former may be applicable in a limited clinical conditions and might be harmful if not carefully selected, combined, processed and on long term indiscriminate use.
Nowadays Choornam or Kashayam etc. are substituted by tablets, capsules or tonics? Is in the process it losses its potentiality?
Nowadays Choornam or Kashayam etc. are substituted by tablets, capsules or tonics? Is in the process it losses its potentiality?
The present days are running with the full backup of the established scientific researches. The people are busier and following sedentary lifestyle and more attached to the organoleptic characters even in the case of Medicine. So the changes in the form of the medicines are essential for their convenient usage. The changes which occurring in the form of the medicine make the convenience for carrying as well as the consumption by a patient which helps to use regularly and that results better even it uses for a little more period also. There are strict Drugs rules and testing is established to make sure that the efficacy of the drugs which are to be analyzed before giving license for marketing.
When the medicines that are manufactured with the aim of selling rather than treating the person. In which way it affects the patients?
As per the drug rules it is necessary that if we wants to market a new medicine if that particular combination is not taken from the recognized classics, we should prove and establish the clinical efficacy and non toxicity of the same by doing preclinical and human trials by getting the approval from a ethical committee. We are manufacturing the medicines in a large scale to provide cost-effective quality medicines for the help of the masters of Ayurveda who always in search of better cure on their prescriptions.
What is your opinion about so-called Ayurveda tourism?
Ayurveda health tourism is a better idea which is promoted by our State and Central Govt., if it is totally under control of the rules and regulations of the Govt. There are so many centers were working without following any ethics in the banner of Tourism. The idea is good for to make the awareness of the wealth of Ayurveda to the world. It is better to have termed as Ayurveda medical Tourism instead of an ordinary Ayurveda tourism.
Where is your research units situated?
When the medicines that are manufactured with the aim of selling rather than treating the person. In which way it affects the patients?
As per the drug rules it is necessary that if we wants to market a new medicine if that particular combination is not taken from the recognized classics, we should prove and establish the clinical efficacy and non toxicity of the same by doing preclinical and human trials by getting the approval from a ethical committee. We are manufacturing the medicines in a large scale to provide cost-effective quality medicines for the help of the masters of Ayurveda who always in search of better cure on their prescriptions.
What is your opinion about so-called Ayurveda tourism?
Ayurveda health tourism is a better idea which is promoted by our State and Central Govt., if it is totally under control of the rules and regulations of the Govt. There are so many centers were working without following any ethics in the banner of Tourism. The idea is good for to make the awareness of the wealth of Ayurveda to the world. It is better to have termed as Ayurveda medical Tourism instead of an ordinary Ayurveda tourism.
Where is your research units situated?
Research and Development Wing:Realising the importance of standardisation of medicines and the modernisation of production, the Oushadha Sala took the significant step of updating the technology of the existing plant and setting up of a R&D lab with modern equipments and amenities is engaged in the constant quality upkeep and standardisation of Ayurvedic medicines as well as the development of new products. The penchant for excellence of R&D lab The Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India, has recognised the lab as In-house R&D unit.
Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda Foundation
Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda research center & charitable hospital, which was inaugurated by then vice president of India, Dr.Sankar Dayal Sharma in 1988, was the first mile stone in the R & D activities of Vaidyaratnam Group of Institutions. The charitable hospital, which provides free treatment for the deserving was functioning to commemorate the Sathabhisheka of Padmasri E.T.Neelakandhan Mooss (My grand father). The research activities in the centre focus on clinical trials and new generation diseases under the guidance of experienced personnel’s in the field. Presently all these activities along with the training of pachakarma technitians, health education, awareness programs, speciality training for physicians etc. are conducted under the banner of Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda Foundation.
What is the aim when you planned to start an Ayurveda medical college and Nursing home?
Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda College:
The tradition was keen in imparting the wisdom of Ayurveda to younger generation, which was in the ancient Gurukula system of education conducted at our house itself. Later, to meet with the mainstream Ayurvedic educational system of the nation, it was converted into an institutionalized system of education. Thus the Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda College was started in 1976, which contributes 40 qualified Ayurvedic doctors every year. There is a 150-bedded college hospital with all amenities at both Thaikkattussery and
The tradition was keen in imparting the wisdom of Ayurveda to younger generation, which was in the ancient Gurukula system of education conducted at our house itself. Later, to meet with the mainstream Ayurvedic educational system of the nation, it was converted into an institutionalized system of education. Thus the Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda College was started in 1976, which contributes 40 qualified Ayurvedic doctors every year. There is a 150-bedded college hospital with all amenities at both Thaikkattussery and
Poochunnippadam.
Vaidyaratnam Nursing Home:
The patient care is often very challenging that many conditions require treatment under close observation of the physician. This has made the birth of Vaidyaratnam Nursing home inevitable. The Nursing home provides a strict and favorable environment for the treatments. Each patient is under the direct supervision of Chief physician Ashtavaidyan E.T.Narayanan Mooss, my father. A team of expert doctors, lead by my self and my brother Ashtavaidyan E.T.Neelakandhan Mooss are closely observing the care given to the patients at the Nursing Home. This has achieved the status of a referral center for doctors practicing in various Vaidyaratnam Oushadhasala outlets all over the country. It is an ISO 9001: 2000 certified nursing home, which offers Panchakarma treatment strictly in accordance with tradition. It has a capacity of 75 beds at present. The patients are not only from India but also from abroad, including a large number of foreigners under going treatment for various acute and chronic diseases. It is also recognized by state government and Central government institutions and private companies for the purpose of reimbursement.
Vaidyaratnam Nursing Home:
The patient care is often very challenging that many conditions require treatment under close observation of the physician. This has made the birth of Vaidyaratnam Nursing home inevitable. The Nursing home provides a strict and favorable environment for the treatments. Each patient is under the direct supervision of Chief physician Ashtavaidyan E.T.Narayanan Mooss, my father. A team of expert doctors, lead by my self and my brother Ashtavaidyan E.T.Neelakandhan Mooss are closely observing the care given to the patients at the Nursing Home. This has achieved the status of a referral center for doctors practicing in various Vaidyaratnam Oushadhasala outlets all over the country. It is an ISO 9001: 2000 certified nursing home, which offers Panchakarma treatment strictly in accordance with tradition. It has a capacity of 75 beds at present. The patients are not only from India but also from abroad, including a large number of foreigners under going treatment for various acute and chronic diseases. It is also recognized by state government and Central government institutions and private companies for the purpose of reimbursement.
No comments:
Post a Comment