FRLHT organized a National Seminar on “The Contribution of Indian Philosophical Systems to Ayurveda”, during 6-7th of October 2007 at IISc, Bangalore. The Seminar was supported by the Indian Council of Philosophical Research, New Delhi, while the Himalaya Drug Company, Bangalore and Arya Vaidya Pharmacy, Coimbatore were the co-sponsors. The Seminar aimed to provide better premises for improving the understanding of the theoretical foundations of Ayurveda. The proceedings of the Seminar will be published during 2008-09.

FRLHT organized Re-Orientation Training Programs (ROTP) on:The relevance of Indian philosophical systems to Ayurveda for the Ayurvedic teachers. Two courses were run with the support of the Department of AYUSH, Govt of India, (11-16th February, 2008 and 21-26th March 2008). Teaching Faculty from the different Ayurvedic Colleges participated in these workshops. Scholars well versed in Ayurveda and the various shastras/ darshanas served as the Ressource persons. The workshop's sessions of each day were structured around a select philosophical system.

Kshema-kutoohalam is an ancient work on Dietetics, well-being and Food technology.  FRLHT took up the translation and publication of this manuscript. The English translation will also include:

The publication will be brought out during 2008-09.

During the year, FRLHT and the Indian Institute of History of Medicine, Hyderabad, jointly proposed to undertake a project titled "An Electronic Encyclopedia of Ayurveda". The project will progress during 2008-09.

The healthcare scenario in India and across the globe is witnessing a dramatic transformation. That's what is evident from the health seeking behavior studies, carried out in affluent western societies. These studies reveal that as high as 40% of the population seeks medical support from some complementary system of healthcare. Societies appear to be shifting towards accepting a pluralistic healthcare regime. Medical pluralism is evolving as the future of medicine.

Ayurveda is more of a health promotive science than a curative science. It emphasizes upon many ways to achieve and maintain a healthy life that is physically, emotionally and socially productive. It does so by some very simple therapies and internal medication, alongside a suitable diet and life style. It also provides specific instructions pertaining to yoga techniques suitable to one. It also offers some effective preventive packages for certain diseases with high prevalence in this modern world.

FRLHT, in its attempt to addressing the ever increasing healthcare needs based on the traditional medicine, has established a 20-bed hospital (Amruth Ayurveda Nursing Home-AANH). With an In-Patient turnover of 20 per month, an Out Patient turnover of 150 per month and an occupancy rate of 60%, AANH has created a niche for itself.

During the year, 2007-08, three specialty consultants were identified, whose services would be regularized during the year 2008-09. These were: a) Preventive cardiology, b) Nephrology and c) Ophthalmology.

The Nursing Home has adopted a basic documentation format which has combined modern and Ayurvedic parameters. During the year, documentation formats for the twelve specialty areas, were attempted. These formats would be comprehensive and include relevant modern diagnostic protocols to scientifically document all cases managed by the modern and Ayurvedic parameters.

During the year, the Nursing Home expanded its scope by adding a department on Bhaishajya Kalpana, (Bhaishajya Kalpana is the traditional pharmacy that prepares IP medicines, treatment accessories like Kizhi, Kashayams, Dhanyamla, and milk preparations).

The AANH conducted Orientation training for the Doctors and Therapists on Thai massage, during February 2008. Thai massage is a dynamic form of energizing and relaxing massage traditionally practised in the Buddhist temples at Thailand. Master Boontham Kitniyom and Master Theerdech, from Thailand conducted the sessions.  Thai massage is a part of the AANH treatment package now.

As was done in the previous years, AANH regularly conducted free medical consultation camps on all the 1st Saturdays at the Lions Club, Yelahanka, Bangalore and on all the 3rd Saturdays at Peoples Trust, Rajankunte, Bangalore. Weekly free consultations were given at the CRPF Hospital, Yelahanka, Bangalore on all Fridays. The following table shows the flow of patients in these camps.

• Out-patient consultation in Ayurveda
• 20 bed in-patient services
• Pancha karma services
• Herbal Beauty therapy
• Pharmacy and medicine preparation unit
• Thai Ayurveda massage
• Integral Yoga Therapy for individual and society at large.

Future Plans:

A 100-bed research cum training hospital with fully equipped modern diagnostic facilities in the twelve identified focal areas.