Ayurveda practitioners in the south India state of Kerala,
where the ancient medical system is widely practiced, have demanded the roll-back
of a “blanket ban” by the state AYUSH department on performing inpatient
therapies requiring physical contact.

The direction was one among the five guidelines issued by the
department as part of relaxation of lockdown restrictions and permitting the admission
and treatment of patients in AYUSH hospitals.

“…All inpatient therapies requiring physical contact may be
avoided,” Dr Sharmila Mary Joseph said in the order issued on June one.

However, the Ayurveda fraternity, while agreeing to strict
precautionary measures against Covid-19, demanded the “ban” on treatments involving
physical contact be eased, especially during the season of rejuvenation
therapies.

“We whole-heartedly support all other safety protocols like
patient screening and social distancing norms. But the guideline on physical contact
is confusing as most of the inpatient therapies include ‘uzichil’, ‘Kizhi, ‘pizhichil’,
massages and the like. The blanket ban should be reconsidered,” said Dr Raju
Thomas, President, Ayurveda Medical Association of India (AMAI).

Also, the monsoon (rainy) season, from June to September, is ideal
for Ayurvedic treatments as the atmosphere remains cool, moist and dust-free.
This opens up the body’s pores, making it receptive to herbal oils and therapy.
 “There will be patients requiring fixed
periodic treatment (every monsoon who will also be affected,” Dr Thomas said.

The ancient medical practitioners, though, said they will implement
all remaining directions in letter and spirit. The same includes:-

–The patients with symptoms such as fever, cough, headache
and respiratory tract infections should be referred to modern medicine hospitals
in accordance with the protocols of Health departments.

–Over-crowding in hospital wards and in hospital premises
should be avoided.

— Social distancing norms and other safety protocols are to
be maintained for prevention of Covid-19. Break the chain campaign and SMS
(Social Distancing, Mask, Sanitiser) campaign are to continue.