The flag of Ayurveda is flying high in China, ancient Indian medicine is becoming famous; Know who are these doctor couple from Kerala

News Topical, Digital Desk : In China's traditional health sector, a doctor couple from Kerala is flying the flag of Ayurveda, the over 3,000-year-old Indian system of medicine known as the "science of life". The Indian doctor couple, who have made their debut in the Chinese healthcare sector, are striving to popularise Ayurvedic traditional medicinal treatment as well as build a cultural bridge between it and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). They have gained tremendous popularity in China by providing a new platform for local people to experience the benefits of the ancient Indian healing system.

Know about the doctor couple

Dr Changampally Kizhakkilath Mohamed Shafique and his wife Dr Dane (36) come from contrasting cultural and religious backgrounds but have chosen a common, ambitious path to practise Ayurveda. They believe Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have many similarities, especially in terms of herbal remedies and holistic treatments.

The family has had a connection with traditional Ayurveda

Dr. Shafique hails from a 600-year-old traditional Ayurveda family "Changampally Gurukkal". The members of this family were originally Tulu Brahmins who served as royal physicians in the past. He says that some of his family members have converted to Islam, while others have remained Hindus. He considers his work in the field of Ayurveda as a continuation of his ancestral roots.

arrived in China in 2016

On the other hand, Dr Dane hails from a Christian family. He studied at the Ayurveda College of Kerala University, Thiruvananthapuram, where he met Dr Shafiq. Dr Shafiq's stay in China began in 2016, when he began treating many Chinese patients seeking Ayurvedic treatment while practising in Pondicherry in his early career.

This inspired him to travel to the prosperous city of Guangzhou in China to seek new opportunities in Ayurveda. At first he worked with several yoga and health centers. Then after studying the Chinese rules for healing practices in detail, he started his own clinic offering holistic Ayurveda treatments. These treatments include Sirodhara in which medicated oils and other liquids are dripped slowly and continuously on the forehead.

Providing Ayurveda training to Chinese youth

However, he started training Chinese youth in Ayurveda, imparting both theoretical knowledge and practical skills such as oil massage, through in-person and online classes. He set up a consulting company in Guangzhou, which did not include medical services as per the regulations. He said that with the help of the Indian Consulate in Guangzhou and TCM-related institutions, he gained trust and popularity among Chinese customers.

"It was difficult to establish myself at the beginning, and I found it very difficult to move forward. But gradually, Dan and I received constant support and encouragement, and more patients trusted us," Dr Shafiq said during his recent visit to Beijing. In addition to practicing with Dr Dan at his clinic in Guangzhou, he also regularly gives lectures and demos, earning him more than 10,000 followers online.

He said his practical Ayurveda training courses are becoming very popular and his students have started their own small units in cities like Beijing and Shanghai. He said his holistic Ayurveda treatment for depression and liver disorders has received positive response.

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