Into the lap of nature : Udupi

Urmila Chanam
Contd from previous issue
Reflexology : The reflexology track located ou- tdoors within the premises is a circular walking area with four concentric compartments which give pressure to the feet of those who walk on the different materials laid in the track. Walking through the reflexology track takes about 20 minutes; the first and innermost compartment allows patients to walk over hot and cold water, the second compartment allows patients to walk on rough sand, the third compartment is laid with 2- inch sized marble stones with smooth surface while the outermost and forth compartment is laid with sea sand.
The exercise is meant to provide natural healing based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet, hands and ears and their referral areas within zone related areas, which correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body.
Through application of pressure on those reflexes, the feet being the primary area, reflexology relieves tension, improves circulation and helps promote the natural function of the related areas of the body and heal and repair on its own.
People from different parts of India and other countries come to S.D.M Yoga and Nature Cure Hospital. The format of treatment such as practising yoga together, eating meals in the dining hall, going for walks, lectures and nature cure therapies together, all foster a sense of community and builds friendship for life among patients.
For 70 years old Maithri hailing from Mysore, a trip to S.D.M Hospital every year isn’t related to any ailment but a gift she likes to give herself for the detoxification she enjoys there since the last six years. Two middle-aged women from Bengaluru, Shreya and Urvashi recovered fully from Tinnitus which causes ringing in the ears and Vertigo which causes acute giddiness and imbalance. Many people come for weight loss while others come for more serious ailments related to back pain and spine.
A trip to Udupi can serve to have double bonus for the naturopathy treatment at S.D.M Yoga and Nature Cure Hospital and for the historic significance of the renown Krishna Temple where according to the legends, the statue of Lord Krishna turned around for a devotee, Kanakadasa, offering his prayers from behind the temple because he was barred from entering due to belonging to a low caste.
We are part of nature and by consuming food that is natural and living a life close to nature to how human beings used to live before modernisation, we gain good health by defeating many ailments which are a result of contemporary life style.
Self- healing is the most sustainable healing.
The writer is a print journalist and social entrepreneur working in the area of menstrual health and hygiene management.