Dr. Munish Sood is a dedicated Ayurveda practitioner from Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. He has over 15 years of experience. He works from his own Naimittika Clinic. He particularly specializes in Diabetes, although he is an expert in all diseases. Nirogstreet interviewed Dr. Munish Sood about his Ayurveda journey and clinical experiences. Read the conversation below.
Please tell us about your educational background and professional qualification briefly.
I have M.D. Ayurveda in Kayachikitsa. I completed my B.A.M.S. in the year 2003, and after a few years of practice, chose to study M.D. and completed it in 2008 from Himachal Pradesh University.
Dr. Sood, why did you choose Ayurvedic practices?
When I was studying, the options available were limited. People used to opt for engineering or doctor careers as a profession. Once I cleared the pre-medical entrance tests, I had a belief inside that once the bliss you would bring on the faces of people after their treatment, it would hardly matter whether you have an Allopathic or Ayurvedic Degree. Self-belief and my readiness to work for betterment of the society motivated me to opt for Ayurveda.
What is your experience when it comes to treating patients? Do they trust the treatment?
Well, being in this field for the past 15 years as an Ayurvedic practitioner, the experience as well as response from the patients has been very warm. Apart from the conviction they show in the treatment, they also have a trust factor invested in the doctor who prescribes the treatment. As mentioned above, whether Allopath or Ayurveda, I am living a life which is the dream of millions, i.e. the noble profession of being a doctor who heals people. I trust my skills, and patients acknowledge the same by showing trust in my cure.
Any challenge that you face as a practitioner?
As an Ayurveda practitioner in the Himachals, a frequent challenge which comes across is doing the 'modern practice' which I believe is necessary in emergency and Gynaecology cases, and also because most of the time we have to look into the Socioeconomic status of the patient as well as the nature of the pathology for which the patient has sought treatment. Affordability is a concern for many patients.
Any out of ordinary situation that you have faced while treating a patient?
Well at times, the patient comes up with prior references about the disease, stating they have searched the symptoms online and they might be suffering from a particular disease. With so many of articles available on Ayurveda, people start assuming various things about Ayurveda. As a doctor, I need to go through the case history of patient and symptoms before prescribing any medicine, besides clearing their false impressions. The patients need to give a doctor more value for the knowledge he has, rather than trusting a health-related random online article.
How effective is traditional medicine as a cure?
Of late, the perception about Ayurveda as the last method of treatment has changed. People have started taking it positively. As a cure, the traditional medicines are very effective. With changing lifestyle and the various health issues arising up, the concept of relief through Ayurveda is turning into a popular belief that it is the way forward.
What do you think of Ayurveda’s future and its role in integrated medicine?
Ayurveda’s role in the integrated medicine is very important. There has been a lot of hue and cry in recent times on various issues, be it the bridge course or the level-playing field the government is looking to facilitate in Ayurveda.
There are pros and cons in every system of medicine. The current lifestyle requires co-existence of Allopath and Ayurveda together. A lot needs to be streamlined to make more students opt for B.A.M.S. Degree so that the quality is not diluted due to the lack of infrastructure for Ayurveda in our country.
Do you think Nirogstreet is making a difference by striving to connect the mainstream society exclusively to Ayurveda practitioners through dedicated technology platforms?
I really welcome what Nirogstreet is up to and admire their efforts in bringing technology and Ayurveda together. Any contribution toward the upliftment of the overall health of the society and the common people is commendable. I hope Nirogstreet would pioneer the efforts to bring Ayurveda and people together in a really successful way.
Any hobbies or activities you engage in, outside your professional life?
I love to watch movies and driving is a passion for me. Whenever I have a time, I make sure to hang out with my family. Books and electronic gadgets also keep me busy during my leisure time.
What message would you like to convey to the people on Wellbeing?
In the modern generation, most of the diseases that occur have a relation to the lifestyle of the patient. Lifestyle disorder has played a significant part in making the current generation unhealthy. I understand it is tough to keep away from everything in terms of the modern way of living, however, one should try to utilize the benefits of Ayurveda in daily life as much as possible.
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