हिंदी ब्लॉग 
Namaste, Dr. Lulla! Please tell us about your educational background and professional qualifications.
Namaste, I am a consultant physician at the Arya Vaidya Pharmacy (CBE), Chennai branch. After completing B.A.M.S from Chennai, I finished my post graduation for M.D. (Ayurveda) in Kaya Chikitsa from S.D.M. College of Ayurveda, Udupi, which is one the best institutions in the country. My guru Dr. Acharya was pivotal in expanding my mind and improving my understanding of the science. My thirst for knowledge was relentless and i went on to work under senior physicians at the world renowned Arya Vaidya Pharmacy, which is based in Coimbatore. Currently i am also studying PH.D. In Ayurveda and my area of research is Gridhrasi/ Sciatica. I consider myself very fortunate to have learned and trained under some of the most prominent Ayurveda experts across India and still consider myself a student of this great science.
Why did you choose Ayurvedic practices?
I always have looked up to Padma Shri Krishna Kumarji, the M.D of the AVP Group and i still remember the first time i heard him speak about Ayurveda. He is primarily the reason i took up Ayurveda as a profession. As a teenager i knew that i wanted to become a doctor as i love to help people. My parents were ardent believers of Ayurveda and took Ayurvedic medicines when i was young. So taking up Ayurveda was the first thing that came to my mind when i chose my course.
What is your experience when it comes to treating patients? Do they trust the treatment?
We have a very high success rate as we know our limitations and strengths. Since we mainly deal with the management of chronic lifestyle diseases and degenerative diseases. Most of my patients are referred by their friends or relatives, so when they visit they almost have trust. Some patients have doubts and do not have belief as they are unaware of Ayurveda science, so i educate my patients about their diseases and about the course of treatment that would be adopted, with patients – education is the key to gain trust.
Any challenge that you face as a practitioner?
Fortunately i haven’t faced many challenges in my day to day practice.
Any out of ordinary situation that you have faced while treating a patient?
Each and every case is unique and challenging in its own way. I try to understand the mindset of my patient and make sure the patient is in his/her comfort zone.
Dr. Lulla, how effective is traditional medicine as a cure?
Some people still associate Ayurveda with rejuvenation and relaxation instead of a module as a treatment option as Ayurveda is marketed as a preventive therapy by the wellness industry. But the truth is that Ayurveda can successfully treat most of the chronic diseases & lifestyle disorders . We at the Arya Vaidya Pharmacy see a wide range of neurological diseases and rheumatological diseases. The commonly seen diseases we treat are lower back ache , neck pain , knee pain , asthma, recurrent allergies , skin diseases, diabetes, acidity, and obesity. These conditions can not only be treated with Ayurveda, but we have the edge that we can also prevent their recurrence besides providing a cure.
What do you think of Ayurveda’s future and its role in integrated medicine?
Ayurveda is the future as this is the era of chronic lifestyle diseases. Around 61 percent of all deaths in India are due to lifestyle or non-communicable diseases and this is why Ayurveda has a huge role to play.
I believe that no single system of medicine alone can solve all of society’s medical needs, thus the future is integrative medicine. Ayurveda and the modern medical system are both completely opposite and both have their merits and demerits. So respecting each other’s science and working together is the key.
Integrating Ayurveda with yoga, functional medicine and other allied sciences helps the patients the most. At orange ray, Chennai we have such a holistic clinic where patient can get consultation from various physicians under one roof. Integrating Ayurveda with yoga and functional medicine, the patient gets a faster relief.
Do you think Nirogstreet is making a difference by striving to connect the mainstream society exclusively to Ayurveda practitioners through dedicated technology platforms?
Yes , absolutely. I would like to congratulate Nirogstreet for doing such a remarkable work in such a short period and for taking Ayurveda to the public.
Any hobbies or activities you engage in, outside your professional life?
I do read a lot of medical journals and write articles during my free time. I am also the chief editor of the Ayu update newsletter, which is a part of the council for Ayurveda research, Boston, USA. I play a very active role in Nasya Tamil Nadu. Apart from all this, i do yoga and exercise everyday. As a physician it is very important to practice what one preaches.
What message would you like to convey to the people on Wellbeing?
My message to our readers is to listen to their body and eat healthy. Our bodies are wonderful creations and the human body has the profound ability to heal on its own. We just need to create a favourable internal atmosphere for the healing to happen. Unfortunately, many people abuse their bodies on a constant basis. As a result of this abuse we make ourselves increasingly vulnerable to many health risks. People need to pay attention to their digestion and sleep. A healthy digestive system results in a healthy body and mind. That’s why Ayurveda usually tries to treat your digestive system as a first response to any health ailment.
