Kerala is known for its hundred percent literacy and higher life expectancy standards. Its achievements in these areas are even at par with the standards of the developed nations. Kerala is also a well known destination for tourism, especially in medical tourism. Its traditional holistic treatments like ayurveda, naturopathy, yoga etc. attract a lot of foreigners to this state. These treatment techniques have got proven track record from time immemmorium. Ailments which have no cure in modern allopathy medicine could be cured by this treatment.
I am relishing the pang of hunger. The gurgling sound from down below. Is it an earnest plea for more food? Or is it a subconscious reaction stemming from years of habit – gorging this stomach of mine with anything so that it won't feel “empty”?
Dr Jacob Vadakkanchery, and Ayurvedic healer from the enchanted land of Kerala , India , has a simple answer to my present symptoms: Enjoy the hunger.
It has been five days since I joined this “Nature Cure” health camp for a seven day retreat. I must say that feelings of uncertainty, anticipation and doubt have clouded over me, even on the first day when I stood at the entrance of Ashram Wongsanit in Nakhon Nayok, where the retreat is being held. What does Dr. Jacob mean in his slogan, “Enter as a patient, Leave as your own doctor”? What's so special about depriving oneself of food?
True, Mahatma Gandhi did it. So did the Isan villagers during a protest against the Pak Moon Dam in front of Government House a few years ago. But don't those acts have more to do with sending a political statement to the powers-that –be? What's the difference between fasting and starving yourself?