All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. And in Bangalore, the Jacks are falling sick too. Blame it on the growing romance with computers, the youth 'acquires' a lot of lifestyle diseases in between their logins and logoffs. Neck pain, backache, eye strain - almost every muscle cries out for cure after the sedentary-yet-strenuous hours in the office.
Now, the work-weary crowd, especially the IT fraternity, can look forward to some 'traditional' solace from a trusted name in Kerala. The Panchakarma Treatment Centre of Ashtavaidyan Thaikkattu Mooss Vaidyaratnam Oushadhashala has commenced operations from Koramangala, Ist Block, and is offering a wide range of Ayurvedic remedies.
"A lot of people from Bangalore used to come down to our centre in Thaikkattussery, Kerala. They don't have to travel that far now," says Dr S K Bhat.
The centre is focusing on lifestyle diseases and it is mostly IT employees who troop in for treatment. "Without deviating from ashtavaidya traditions, we offer authentic treatment for diabetes, spinal problems, piles, obesity, respiratory problems, mental illness etc., and also for ailments connected with extensive use of computer such as backache, neck pain, loss of concentration and sleep disorders," he says.
The centre has trained staff from Kerala, and Dr Neelakanthan Mooss - the renowned member from the Vaidyaratnam family, visits the clinic every month. As of now, there is no inpatient facility and such cases are being referred to Kerala. "But there is no compromise on quality," Dr Bhat promises.
The treatments offered in Bangalore include: Abhyanga (whole body massage using herbal oil which improves eyesight and rejuvenates the body), Udwartana (dry massage using herbal powders which reduces cholesterol, strengthens muscles and slims the body), Kizhi (massage  with herbal powders/leaves/grains made into a bundle which cures body aches), Pizhichil  (which lubricates joints and provides relief from muscular pain), Navarakizhi (massage with small linen bags filled with medicinal rice which strengthens the nervous system), Shirodhara (oil therapy on forehead and scalp that improves memory and corrects neurological malfunctions), and Thakradhara (where medicated buttermilk assumes a curative role in headache, insomnia, depression, psoriasis etc).
Most of these treatments are offered in packages of 2-15 days where the patient spends 1-2 hours at the clinic every day. "The office-going public can drop in on way to office and make use of these packages. We have rejuvenation package (7 days), obesity package (15 days), stress management package (2 days) and facial package (5 days). And all these are competitively priced," says Dr Bhat.
So say ciao to aches and creaks. Let the art of Ayurvedic living take over. For the tried and tested solutions contact, Vaidyaratnam Treatment Centre, 1st Block, Jakkasandra Extn. Koramangala, Bangalore -34. Phone: 080 41507333 (email: care@vaidyaratnamblr.com)

Ayurveda advises particular regimens to be followed in each season known as 'Ritucharya'.
Summer (Greeshmaritu in Ayurveda) is the last season of 'adanakala' where the loss of energy from the earth is the most. Being a part of the cosmos the depletion of vital energy affects the human being in the same manner and leads to severe loss of strength. Since the sunrays become powerful and destructive day after day, there will be  excessive evaporation and progressive deterioration of qualities like moist, soft, smooth, slimy and cold which in turn causes more dryness, roughness and heat in the body. In order to protect the individual from the above impact of summer, Ayurveda advises specific foods and lifestyle.
Foods which are sweet, easy to digest, nutritious and cold. Preparations of corn flour and arrowroot with sugar are good to have in this season. Milk is very cool and strengthening. Fruits like grapes, watermelon, ripe mango, banana, jackfruit, pomegranate are to be eaten. Tender coconut water, buttermilk and sweet lassi are some of the ideal drinks for the season.
Different types of dairy products are advisable. Water boiled with a combination of herbs-Mustha (Cyperus rotendus), Sandal wood, Coleus, Parpataka, Useera (Vetiveria zizanoides)- is an ideal drink for the summer. Water boiled with bark of pathimukha, roots of useera, coriander seeds etc and kept in earthen vessels is also good. Intake of ghee should be more. Take bath in cold water. Wear fine, thin, light cotton apparel. Spend the day in a cold atmosphere. Growing indoor plants and maintaining water fountains are helpful to sustain an ideal temperature. Sleep in spacious rooms with more ventilation. Summer is the only season when daytime sleep is permitted. Application of sandal paste and rose water is good.                                                            

Dr K Jayarajan is the Chief Medical Officer, Ayurvedagram Heritage Wellness Centre, Whitefield  and can be contacted at 9845071990 or E-mail: doctor@ayurvedagram.com