Almost a quarter century old, the Jesuit-run Alterative Therapy Centre of Dumka Raiganj Province at Kalidanga in Birbhum district, West Bengal, Eastern India, has its aim to promote the health of the poor and marginalised from near and far.
Manned by Jesuit doctors Fr. M. J. Peter (Founder)and Fr. Christopher Dungdung, Homeo doctor Adindranath Mondal, Physiotherapist Dr. Syad Jahangir Kabir, and a dedicated team of male and female technicians, the Centre offers affordable service to all those who knock at its door.
The therapies include the following: Magneto-therapy, Physiotherapy, Wax therapy, Reflexology, Homeopathy and Unani.
Fr. Dr. Peter explains in the following article the nuances of Alternative Medicine.
Fr. Dr. M. J. Peter S.J.
Alternative Medicine: The term “Alternative Medicine” encompasses a wide range of medical practices and systems from cultures around the world. It comprises any form of medicine or healing that does not fall into conventional medical practice.
Conventional medicine or standard system of treatment is a system in which health professionals holding an M.D. (Medical Doctor) or D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathy) degrees treat symptoms and diseases using drugs, radiation, or surgery. It is also practiced by other health professionals, such as nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants, and therapists.
Alternative medicine or therapy uses “natural,” “holistic” or “home remedies” instead of standard medical treatment. There are several varieties of treatments. Some of them are breathing, and body movements to help relax the body and mind. They include meditation to quiet the mind and lessen stressful thoughts and feelings. Biofeedback uses special machines are used so that the patient learns how to control certain body functions that are normally out of one’s awareness (such as heart rate and blood pressure). Hypnosis is a trance-like state in which a person becomes more aware and focused on certain feelings, thoughts, images, sensations or behaviours. A person may feel calmer and more open to suggestion in order to aid in healing. Yoga is an ancient system of practices used to balance the mind and body through stretches and poses, meditation, and controlled breathing. It is a good healing remedy. Tai chi is another form of gentle exercise and meditation that uses slow sets of body movements and controlled breathing. Some of the other treatments are acupuncture, acupressure, reflexology, ayurveda, homeopathy, naturopathy, etc. Art, dance, and even music are also used as alternative ways of healing. Naturopathy is a system that includes a mixture of traditional and alternative approaches to medicine.
The stress is on natural and non-invasive ingredients and techniques, such as herbs, exercise therapy, dietary changes, massage, etc.
Alternative therapies are affordable, cost effective and with less side effects. There are claims that certain complementary therapies can boost immune system.
For further information you may contact at following address: Fr. Dr. M. J. Peter, Mob. WhatsApp: 9933562986
Fr. Dr. Christopher Dungdung, Mob. WhatsApp 8670829796