Kerala to use Ayurvedic sports medicine

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 12 (ANI): Kerala Government is exploring the potential of the traditional Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda, and associated indigenous healing systems, as sports medicine.

A special wing called Sports Ayurveda has been formed by the Department of Indian Systems of Medicines and Homoeopathy, a unit of the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare.

The Sports Ayurveda wing has been formed to treat the ailments of athletes.

With the Commonwealth Games and National Games approaching, the Sports Ayurveda wing is all geared up to face and heal sports-related injuries.

"Yes, we are hopeful in sports medicines in Ayurveda to help (with) health issues of sportsmen. More people accept quick relief, but in Ayurveda all medicines are relief. People want quick relief, we can change the medicines in faster action," said Lathika Jacob, Director, Indian Systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy, Kerala.

The department is committed to using Ayurveda to manage the health issues of sportspersons, as well as prevention, diagnosis and rehabilitation of sports injuries.

"There are so many medicines in Ayurvedic (system) and medicines mean drugs of plant origin and animal origin drugs. In Ayurvedic (medicine), pharmacopoeia, which increases strength, endurance, flexibility etc. can be used in sports medicines," said Dr. V. K. Ajithkumar, Coordinator, Sports Ayurveda.

The Sports Ayurveda wing envisages the management of day-to-day health issues of sportspersons, the treatment of sports injuries, fitness of the body, health food, and boosting the body's power. (ANI)