Personal Critique

On my trip to India, I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Noor Fathima. This wonderful doctor is an Ayurveda practitioner. She has her own clinic in Mysore healing the world one patient at a time. I originally met Dr. Fathima on my trip to JSS Ayurveda college and hospital. Ayurveda, which translates to ‘The Science of Life’ in Sanskrit, is known to be the oldest healing science. This technique revolves around the idea of holistic healing. According to Ayurveda, one must focus on all aspects of health including mind, body, and soul. Getting to know oneself in all circumstances familiarizes the being of their ‘own pattern’. This could be compared to one’s fingerprint. Just as every fingerprint is unique to every human being, so is physical, mental, and emotional characteristics. Often internal, or external factors may deter one from a balanced state. It is important to note that stressors, diet, emotional state, relationships, trauma, and even the weather all contribute to one’s energy composition. 

 

Ayurveda follows by three main principles: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. According to the Ayurvedic Institute, “Vata is the energy of movement; Pitta is the energy of digestion or metabolism and Kapha, the energy of lubrication and structure.” All beings are composed of the three main energy principles; however, one is usually more notable than others. This relates back to the balance of the body, mind, and soul. In contrast to western medicine, Ayurvedic medicine focuses on all the energies of the body in a state of balance. Although western techniques such as drugs and surgery have saved countless number of lives, there are disadvantages. When consumed, drugs often weaken the body because of their toxins. When it comes to the holistic approach, assessing all the elements of the human body can create a clear path for the body’s natural defense system to activate. 

 

When visiting an Ayurvedic practitioner, they will evaluate various components. During my visit, I was asked several questions. Dr. Fathima had me fill out a survey of questions and it was determined that I was primarily Pitta but also Kapha. In assessing survey results, she also asked me if I had any other health concerns. I proceeded to tell her I have mild dandruff and lower back pain issues. Dr. Fathima also asked about my diet and daily tasks. She advised to drink more water and to incorporate more exercise into my day. Additionally, she prescribed natural oils and shampoo for my hair. I realized that hair care is essential to my daily routine of self-care.

 

Apart from my consultation, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Fathima about mental health and the use of Ayurvedic medicine. According to Dr. Fathima “The positive point of Ayurveda is having a combination of drugs; it will be available in a single form. If I want to make my own combination, it will be easy for me to make the combination. It is not like that in the case of modern [medicinal care]”. She emphasized that Ayurvedic medicine is customed to the patients’ needs. In contrast to Western medicine, drugs are often generalized in a single dose to treat anyone who fits the descriptions of symptoms. 

 

In reference to patients with mental disabilities, Dr. Fathima does not treat these patients; however, she explained the procedure. “The patient will see a specialist and go through a panchakarma therapy it works wonders in those conditions. It is not just internal medicine but also the use of external procedures. In one of my patients, we used milk to smoothen their brain.” Panchakarma is a cleansing treatment personalized to the patient. This treatment requires close observation and different cleansing methods. 

 

What has been your worst-case scenario?

“I had one patient with IBS and severe weight loss. She would have constipation sometimes and was worried about the social stigma around her condition and started isolating herself. She removed herself from social gatherings and would avoid it at all costs.” Dr. Fathima explained that not only was the patient struggling with physical symptoms but was now depressed and anti-social. She emphasized the importance of analyzing external factors as well. Apart from assessing the patient, it is important to note their relationships, work environment and even home environment. These factors can affect and come into play of the patient may be reacting to their condition. 

 

What’s the youngest patient you’ve ever had?

“I had a patient with autism. He was very hyper. I remember he had a speech impediment. He was four years old.”

 

How do you treat a patient with depression?

“I take note of the history of the patient and get an idea of what is exactly is the reason for the depression. I’ve had multiple suicidal cases and it always comes down to the root of the cause. I had one young girl consume her father’s anti-hypertensive medicine. She was not communicating or opening up to me or anyone, we struggled a lot. The patient had already decided she wanted to end her life. In cases like this, you must gain trust from the patient. You must take their hand in your hand and get to know their heart. You must reassure them and talk to them; tell them everything is going to be ok.”

 

Dr. Fathima emphasized that words are a powerful tool in treating patients. “You can never imagine how much power your words have”. She explained that aura and energy are core factors that play a key role in any interaction. 

 

Dr. Fathima also shared with me that she is a life coach. On her weekends, she often finds herself meeting with clients who seek life advice. She dedicates her life to spreading spiritual awareness and guiding those in need. Her gracefulness and advice leave a lasting impression on anyone she encounters. Her persistence towards mind, body, and soul sheds light on the importance of keeping oneself balanced in all aspects. After meeting with someone as inspirational as Dr. Fathima, I left my consultation enlightened and refreshed.

 

Thank you, Dr. Fathima.