It has been 8 years since I joined a seminar about Ayurveda in Manila. I had no idea what it is and only out of curiosity was the reason why I was there. I knew I did learned some healthy habits I can apply to myself but that time my priorities were different. After the seminar, I was and still doing my own unhealthy lifestyle habits. Fast forward to today as a woman in my late 30’s, I have been very conscious about my health in all areas. That is why when I heard about Ayurveda, I did not think twice to join. For those who do not know about Ayurveda, it is one of the world’s oldest form of healthcare believed to originate in ancient India some 5, 000 years before Christ.
In fact, I adjusted my trip to Bicol just to make sure I am able to join this rare chance to learn a bit of Ayurveda in the Philippines. There are many clinics in Manila that claim they are authentic if not the only certified Ayurvedic clinic in Manila so beware. Sandhi Ayurveda Clinic according to its founder, Father Jacob Gnalian is recognized by Embassy of India to the Philippines and passed certifications coming from PITAHC (Philippine Institute of Traditional Health). Any Ayurveda clinic in Manila claiming such that is not certified by PITAHC is certainly a copycat and illegitimate to practice such.
Anyways, back to the event. The seminar for Ayurveda is a whole-day event that is always done in Father Jacob’s house in Mandaluyong. I already forgot how to get there that is why I took a Grab car to make sure I don’t get lost. I arrived past 8AM but the event started around 9AM. The distinguished guests of this seminar were representatives from the Office of the Mayor in Mandaluyong, Embassy of India in the Philippines and Philippine Institute of Traditional Health.
There were doctors practicing Western medicine who also joined as participants, some are Sandhi Ayurveda clinic’s past and present patients. Some speakers of this event delivered their talks via online including Dr. Jaime Galves Tan who is if I am not mistaken is a well-known doctor in the Philippines.
To be honest, I was not able to listen to the talks of the first few speakers because I received a call from a Shoppee driver that he was in front of our building about to deliver my parcel so I hurriedly went home to get the parcel. I took another Grab to go back to my house then another one back to Sandhi Ayurveda Clinic. I came just in time the lunch which is a a plant-based diet. Too bad I wasn’t able to know the names of the food we ate but all I can is these were delicious! As someone who is not eating pork, chicken and beef anymore for the past two years, I am giving them 2 thumbs up!
Another talk came but it was more like a discussion that benefits the doctors so I did not really paid attention but when it was time to group ourselves to contribute to how we can help spread the word about Ayurveda clinic in Manila that is 100% legit, that was the time where we met other participants. When it was my turn, I gave my honest observations about what is it that Sandhi Ayurveda clinic first and foremost needs. It is to grow their presence on social media. I have heard great things about how this legitimate Ayurvedic clinic in Manila has helped lots of people cured from their ailments including those that are life-threatening. However, Sandi Ayurveda Clinic’s Facebook fan page has too little posts. Even on Google Maps, there are no reviews at all.
I think this is one of the reasons why the event has fewer participants but I am very positive once Sandhi Ayurveda Clinic gets traction online, everything’s gonna follow. I just googled “Ayurveda clicnic in Manila”. The top result that showed up is the one that Father Jacob confirmed a copycat without certifications from PITACC. After finishing this blog post, I will definitely leave a positive Google Maps review not just to help this clinic but also to those who need the services of an Ayurveda clinic in the Philippines.
Sandhi Ayurveda Clinic is offering a 5-month in-person and weekly training for Php 25, 000 for those who want to learn actual practices of Ayurvedic principles coming from Fr. Jacob himself who has extensive knowledge about Ayurveda since 1971. He is or if not the only one in the Philippines that has represented as a pro in Ayurveda in a lot of occasions. After that, there is also a 1-month training in India amounting to Php 150, 000 for those who are serious enough to be a certified Ayurvedic practitioner in Manila. Of course, if you want to create a business out of this there are certifications to pass specially from PITAHC.
For those who can’t afford it, this Ayurvedic clinic in Manila is constantly looking for volunteers who can stay in. Food is free but there are no monetary payment. You will have firsthand experience how Fr. Jacob treats patients through Ayurveda. I still look forward for the next Ayurveda workshop in Manila next year in this same clinic. I suggest to focus more on topics sharing actual Ayurveda practices that us the “commoner” can apply for ourselves and to our families.
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