Alternative Medicine

Treading Lightly on CPTV’s All Things Connecticut

In my research for the Treading Lightly segments on All Things Connecticut, my final piece featured a Fairfield medical practice that offers Ayurvedic Medicine. This is an ancient form of medicine founded in India. It falls under the umbrella of Naturopathy – an alternative form of medicine that relies on natural remedies and the body’s ability to heal itself (no synthetic drugs here). The Institute of Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Therapies is run by two doctors, who also happen to be married. The Drs. Kaushik have the only practice of its kind in Connecticut and is one of only a dozen nationwide. They say clientele is growing – they’re seeing people who travel from as far away as New Jersey and Maine.

The basic principle of Ayurveda, which means the science of life, is that there are essentially three body types: vata (people who are thin and hyperactive), pita (people who are medium built and energetic), and kapha (people who tend to be overweight and sluggish). These body types dictate the diet and exercise program that works best to restore and maintain optimum health. So there’s an emphasis on nutrition as well as eliminating the toxins that build up in a person’s system – the result of stress. Some of the therapies offered include saunas, enemas, and an ancient oil drip that involves warm oil being poured on the head (this looked like some form of Chinese water torture to me, but the woman undergoing the therapy swears by it).

While I was there, I met two patients who have spent years on maintenance medication and were just fed up with how those synthetic drugs impacted their moods and energy levels. With the acknowledgment of their traditional medical doctors, they embarked on a program to wean themselves off the drugs. Both say they enjoy the natural approach to medicine that the Institute offers.

Let me be perfectly clear here, no one is advocating the denial of Western medicine when there’s an emergency or a required surgery. Ayurvedic Medicine focuses on maintaining a general level of wellness so instead of relying on outside medication, it teaches people non-invasive, non-toxic ways to heal themselves. It also stresses the mind-body connection when it comes to chronic illnesses. And really, who can deny the fact that a positive outlook wields instrinsic healing powers?

In the words of one of the patients at the practice the day I was there, Eastern medicine counts its successes in thousands of years…modern medicine dates back to the 17th Century.
You can watch my story by clicking on the following link: http://www.cptv2.org/allthingsct/treading-lightly/institute-ayurvedic-and-naturopathic-treatments

Christina DeFranco, Environmental Journalist | CT Documentary and Video Producer