Ranchi: There is a growing interest in alternative healing practices with city residents increasingly turning to holistic and preventive approaches to health and well-being. From Ayurveda and naturopathy to Reiki, acupuncture and magnetotherapy, several wellness centres in the city are reporting a steady rise in people seeking non-invasive therapies to manage lifestyle diseases, stress and chronic health conditions.Practitioners said that earlier most patients who approached them were elderly people suffering from long-term ailments. However, the demographic has gradually shifted in recent years, with more young professionals and families exploring natural healing options.Prem Kurup, a ‘panchakarma’ specialist at Kerala Ayurvedshala Panchkarma Centre, said that ayurvedic therapies are increasingly sought for lifestyle-related ailments.Kurup said that panchkarma therapies aim to address the root cause of illness rather than only the symptoms. “Conditions such as anxiety, arthritis, fatty liver and hormonal disorders can be managed through detox therapies, medicines and lifestyle changes. It is a time-taking process but can help improve overall health,” he said.Kurup’s youngest patient is an eight-year-old boy suffering with autism. “After a few sessions of ‘shirodhara’ coupled with a few more therapies, the boy is now calmer and more focused,” he said.Sadhna Rana of Rana Magnetotherapy Centre said many patients approach them after struggling with chronic conditions. “People come for issues like cervical pain, slip disc, kidney problems and infertility. These therapies are non-invasive and focus on restoring balance in the body,” she said.Sagareeka Verma, life coach and Reiki grandmaster, said the therapy focuses on emotional and mental healing alongside physical wellness. “Reiki is a Japanese healing therapy that channels life-force energy to balance the body and remove blockages. Many people come for stress, hormonal issues and emotional healing. Anyone above the age of seven can learn and practice Reiki,” she said.Talking about the reasons behind the increase in popularity of alternative treatments, Verma said, “Now everything is available online. As more people see success stories of alternative medicines, the want to try it more.”Several residents who have tried such therapies said they have experienced positive changes.“I had constant anxiety and sleep problems because of work stress. After attending regular meditation and Reiki sessions for a few months, I feel much calmer and more focused,” said Neha Sinha, a working professional.Another resident, Ritu Kumari, said she turned to alternative therapy after struggling with migraines for years. “I had been taking medicines for a long time, but after trying yoga and naturopathy therapies, especially shirodhara, the frequency of my headaches has reduced,” she said.Medical experts, however, cautioned that while such therapies can complement modern medicine, patients should consult qualified practitioners and continue necessary medical treatment when required.
