The International Holistic Health Centre [IHHC] at Whitefield near Bangalore, in its second phase of operations, plans to propagate the wealth of Indian health systems and products further by exporting organically-grown Indian herbs following several enquires from abroad for organically grown medicinal herbs. Today, almost 90 per cent of the herbs grown in India are cultivated using pesticides and rejected in the international market, according to Dr. Isaac Mathai, medical director, International Holistic Centre.

Also in this phase is a diagnostic lab, the first of its kind in alternative medicine with X-ray, treadmill and ECG.

The organically grown herbs are currently being grown only for the centre's consumption and include plants like Aswagandha, Brahmi and Sadavari.

"India is a base for different forms medical systems and though most of these systems have emerged from here, not enough is being done here to keep the tradition alive," said Dr. Mathai.

IHHC, also called 'Soukya', meaning 'temple of healing', claims to be the world's first comprehensive health care facility offering integrated treatment under one roof in Allopathy, Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Unani, Siddha, Naturopathy, Tibetan Medicine, Chinese herbal medicine, Osteopathy and traditional medicine which are complemented with therapies like acupressure, acupuncture, yoga, aromatherapy, reflexology, Reiki and hydrotherapy.

Spread over an area of 30 acres, Soukya is positioned as a global model in healthcare by Dr Mathai. Patients from all over the world and India, affected by chronic and stress related disorders are treated using a holistic approach.

Holistic treatment, according to Dr. Mathai, is the healing process of the 21st century. "It is an area where the advanced countries cannot compete with India in terms of knowledge and exposure. It was to capitalise on this opportunity that I returned to India giving up my practice in the US and UK to offer something to global health right from ingredients to information.''

The therapy is still expensive and currently is within reach of only the high income group and about 50 per cent of the patients are from aboard. "This being an international model, global standards have to be maintained. This involves a high cost. It will be some time before the treatment can offered at a large-scale and at a more affordable price,'' said Dr. Mathai. In the next five years, he plans to start a charitable, non-profitable holistic healing centre in Bangalore for the masses where treatment will be free of cost.

"Soukya will be a training and a therapeutic institute of global standards and any government or private agency can set up similar centres in other parts of the world," he said.

IHHC is set up in association with a well-known health centre in the US. It is also affiliated to the International Holistic Association. Currently, the facility has 16 beds (four suites and 12 deluxe rooms) with the provision of open air baths advised for some treatments. "We believe in giving personal attention to patients who come here with chronic disorders which can be brought under control if not cured and rejuvenate a stressed body and mind.''

A thorough evaluation by a panel of doctors provides individual attention. There are separate therapy rooms, steam and sauna units for men and women. An open mediation-cum-yoga hall with private yoga chambers, an open swimming with no thermal regulation for under water exercises, a natural pond filled with recycled rain water, outdoor and indoor recreation facilities are some of the features of Soukya.

The picturesquely landscaped centre has an organic farm where herbs, vegetables and fruits are grown. The patients can relate with the food they eat at the facility where only vegetarian fare is served since this is essential in the treatment, informed Dr. Mathai. The centre also has a department of preventive medicine besides therapies for weight reduction and nutrition management.

On why Bangalore was short-listed for this facility, Dr. Mathai said the city sported a high level of awareness for this form of treatment after the response from the international conference on Holistic Health and Medicine held here in 1989. ``India is emerging as a health care destination and the tourism department is looking at the viability of selling Karnataka as the hub for healthcare and India as a destination for traditional medicine.''