Our methods
Integrative treatment
We have an integrated team of physicians, research fellows, therapists, nurses, counselors and volunteers. Our main objective is to deliver evidence-based integrative treatment and create awareness among the public about neglected skin diseases and skin care for all.
Education- our motive
Patient education is the key factor in our treatment planning. Throughout the integrative treatment conducted at IAD, we educate and train patients and their bystanders on the disease and its treatment. This exemplifies the concept of patient participation and patient centric care. A trained patient can then take this treatment to the community level and can easily educate others affected, reducing the global impact of these neglected skin diseases.
Our treatment Approach
We combine/integrate traditional Indian medicine systems like Ayurveda, Yoga and Homoeopathy with Western Medicine (Allopathy) to treat patients suffering from neglected skin diseases such as Lymphedema (elephantiasis), Vitiligo,Psoriasis, Lichen Planus, and non-healing ulcers. Integrative medicine, thus, avails the best of allopathic and alternative therapies in pursuit of a cure or relief from suffering. This approach has been producing brilliant results, as illustrated by the pioneering efforts of IAD.
Applying multiple systems of medicine on a number of skin ailments, including lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), our treatment capitalizes on the strengths of each approach while not compromising on the key principles of any. IAD has achieved impressive results and has left behind a trail of grateful patients. Due of the chronic nature of these skin diseases, most patients need life-long care. Therefore, it is imperative that our patients have the education and required tools to continue their treatment on their own, at home.
Kerala is known for its Ayurvedic treatment, and patients have relied on alternative medicine for many years. A lot of cases have responded positively to ayurvedic and homeopathic treatment. These patients have helped us explore integration of multiple systems of medicine. Experts from the various systems (allopathy, homeopathy, ayurveda, and yoga therapy) came together and explored this possibility and found that it worked. This integrative treatment is a ray of hope for our patients and is considered a new medical development originating in India. Our integrative treatment development and its success has been discussed in Lymphology, a US based official publication from the International Society of Lymphology.