(Russian) Journey to Ayurveda

Right -> Dr Gregory with his friend Alexander and the AVN Aroya's Senior Consultant Physician Dr Devidasan Vellodi.

Bowled over by Ayurveda and its valuable principles, Dr Grigoriy, an allopath from Russia, recently visited the Arya Vaidya Nilayam Arogya Ayurvedic Centre, Kochi, to experience the bliss. And he promised that he would come again and again to God’s Own Country…Kudos to authentic practice.

                                 Dr Gregory in Kerala Style....


Real science

With a delightful smile, Dr Grigoriy Gridor’evich, 46, explained the reason behind his passion to Ayurveda. “I got a chance to read a book on Ayurveda written by Dr Deepak Chopra. And I was enlightened. Ayurveda sticks to the basics and it is beneficial for the common man to prevent diseases, in simple way. And the principles, which attracted me more, were - how to take food, when we should sleep, significance of doing exercise etc. In short, how to live a joyful life concept encouraged and motivated me to learn more about this real science.”

Dr Grigoriy had his basic education in Ayurveda from Hyderabad. In that intensive course he studied basic principles of ayurveda, pharmacology, and a few panchakarma therapies like nasyam and vasti.

East meets West…

May be it is hard to believe. Nine years ago, when tourism industry was not active that much, Dr Grigoriy with a mission to promote authentic Ayurveda, added Ayurveda treatment centre in addition to acupuncture, yoga and modern medicine in his East West Clinic at St Petersburg.

The challenge


Dr Grigoriy, however, shares the concern in doing ayurveda practice abroad. “Getting genuine ayurveda medications and oils, has become a tough task. If it is not original, efficacy will be less. What gives confidence is the fact that recently the Russian Government slightly revised the rules and regulations in importing ayurveda medications and hoping it will meet the requirements.”


“I prefer an integrated approach for diagnosis and treatment. In diagnosis, I seek the support of modern medicine along with the tridosha concept in Ayurveda. When it comes to treatment, I advise patients that it is better to opt Ayurveda or Naturopathy as they are safe options for the body,” says Dr Grigoriy.


Immense scope


He adds that in Russia there is a growing interest for alternative medicine such as Ayurveda, Naturopathy and Unani. “There more people are prone to psoriasis, spondylosis, multiple sclerosis, arthritis and other auto immune diseases etc. However, the main villain is stress. All these can be managed and controlled well by alternative medicine system with an integrated approach. For example, Ayurveda therapies with Yoga can bring wonders in managing stress.”


He also cited hike in medical expenses as one of the reasons for choosing Ayurveda and India.


Ayurveda, all the way


Is Dr Grigoriy following Ayurveda principles strictly? Dr Devidasan Vellodi, Senior Consultant Physician at AVN Arogya Ayurvedic Centre, Kochi, has the answer. “We had a visit to our corporate office located at Madurai by train. Since it is a long journey I carried paracetamol tablets to counter headache due to cold. When Dr Grigoriy felt headache, I gave a pill to him. His answer was surprising – I’m following Ayurveda so no need of this pill!.”


In diet, he strictly follows Ayurveda principles particularly what to eat and what not. “Since food is one of the causative factors for diseases, I’m vigilant. But I am not a vegetarian and don’t have the habit of having non-vegetarian more. In a week, I take fish twice and I don’t eat meat.”


AVN experience


It was through Mr Nibin, 25, who was in Russia before, hailing from Perumbavoor, Dr Grigoriy heard about AVN Centre. He came to Kochi on 12th March with his friend, Mr Shianov Alexander for exploring Ayurveda.


Dr Grigoriy said he is overwhelmed by the hospitality and authentic rejuvenation treatment of AVN Centre. “I am thanking to Dr Devidasan and his staff for providing such an experience.”


Since it was his first visit to Kerala he also visited tourist spots Munnar, Kumarakom and Kanyakumari.


Dr Devidasan said that Russian allopath’s visit is an award for genuine Ayurveda. “Dr Grigoriy is very much concerned about Ayurveda and panchakarma practice. Like a student he was observing all the activities and asking doubts.”


Future plans


After his visit to head office of AVN, Dr Grigoriy is planning to have a tie up with this leading Ayurveda institution. “ I will be extremely happy, if I can associate with them.”


He is also planning to bring patients for treatments to ‘Swasthyam’-AVN Madurai Hospital and Arogya Ayurvedic Centre, Kochi on a regular basis. Besides, he is seeking the possibilities for bringing Russians for ayurveda therapy training programme.


And the goal in front of this Russian allopath is to organise a Kathakali programme and provide Kerala food at his treatment centre.


Before boarding the plane to Russia on March 27, Dr Grigoriy assured - will be in Kerala next year.


Yes, he has started the (Ayurveda) journey…