Indigenous medicine in sports in for a good run

KOCHI: Application of indigenous medicine in spo rts is getting wide acceptance, going by the number of regional centres of Sports Ayurveda Research Cell coming up in the state. This is despite the shortage of manpower and facilities.  “A regional centre was opened in Thrissur recently and the Kottayam centre is in its preliminary stage,” Indian System of Medicine (ISM) Director Dr Anitha Jacob said. The next centre is likely to come up in Alappuzha, said sources. To explore the potential of indigenous sport medicine the cell was set up under the joint aegis of the Department of ISM and Ayurveda Medical Education, first in Kannur and Ernakulam and later in Thiruvananthapuram in 2009-10. The ISM’s plans to set up regional centres in all other districts is hit by roadblocks - dearth of facilities, resources and manpower, sources said. ‘Improvement in Performance’ “The performance of the nearly 1,000 students in sports schools in district and state meets is improving, with many winning gold, silver and bronze,” chief coordinator Dr V K Ajith Kumar said. More facilities and staff are required at all centres. In some places, we visit schools often, he said. “We give medicines for injuries and for increasing speed, endurance, flexibility. Those who are injured severely are treated in the respective district hospital. We have got encouraging results from students in sports hostel in Government HSS, Panampilly Nagar, G V Raja Sports School, SAI, Mar Athanasious school and college, Kothamangalam, in Thodupuzha, Asamanoor and Tripunithura,” Ajith Kumar  said. His words were attested by Ernakulam District Sports Council President Zakkir Hussain.  “The medicines have helped boost performance of sport hostel inmates in Panampilly Nagar. They don’t get enough massage due to the shortage of masseurs,” he said. “The package can give long-term benefits but students want speedy recovery. The cell is very cooperative but we have to go the hospital for treatment. Moreover, we do not know the formula they are using. Some proof of the research is required,” said Babu B I who coaches students at Mar Athanasious.“Papers are getting ready but we need more feedback and work is progressing,” said Dr Ajith.