Dr Vyshnavi N KINI responds to ThinkWellness360 questionnaire.
Why and how did you think of becoming a doctor?
When I was growing up, I was fascinated with doctors, the manner in which they performed, not just did, their job — healing people, also changing lives, and managing their other responsibilities. Add to this, my penchant for a host of web series, relating to the medical profession, and it fuelled my passion for medicine.
What made you think of, study and specialise in the system of medicine you now practice?
It’s Ayurveda, the most ancient and completest of medical sciences, as noted physiologist, Dr Candace Pert, PhD, eulogised. My mother constantly encouraged me to opt for Ayurveda. I have an MD in Dravyaguna Vinana. I wasn’t quite particular about the subject when I first took it up. But, it was a revelation like no other — more so, because I am not just open, but also receptive, to learning. Ayurveda is, for me, much more than a holistic pursuit, a quest — a science, also an art, no less.
What has been your personal and professional experience as a doctor?
I have practiced Ayurveda professionally, for two years. I have a long way to go. For my personal and professional needs, I often resort to Ayurveda. Sometimes, I fail. But, for the most part, I have been successful. Would you know, I treat my cats using Ayurveda principles?
What unique and special skills you think you have that has made the big difference for your patients?
Maybe, my inborn skill of convincing my patients to choosing Ayurveda and getting treated by its pristine therapeutic principles.
What is your best definition of optimal wellness and why?
When a person is physically and mentally capable of taking good care of themselves and also others — this is optimal wellness for me.
Your ‘best’ case?
Pada shopha [swelling of the feet] due to Agantuja vrana [non-healing traumatic wound] in a 72-year-old woman patient.
Your ‘not-so-good’ case?
Pama kushtha [scabies] in a 42-year-old woman patient.
What appeals to you the most?
The countless doors and options to approaching a case and finding the right and most appropriate door — the Ayurveda remedy and other modalities. This appeals me the most.
What annoys you the most?
When patients neglect something important, or simple, because they don’t believe it is important.
Your favourite book?
- The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown.
- Astāńga Hŗdaya by the Buddhist physician Vagbhata [Circa 500-600 CE].
Your favourite joke?
No particular joke. I enjoy reading funny and witty replies on Instagram videos.
Your favourite song?
Thangamey [2020]: Paava Kadhaigal/ Sudha Kongara/Justin Prabhakaran/Murugavel/Anirudh Ravichander.
Your favourite movie?
Queen [2013]: Kangana Ranaut/Rajkummar Rao/Lisa Haydon/Jeffrey Ho/Vikas Bahl.
Your favourite TV, Netflix show?
Any romantic Korean drama.
Your other interests, or hobbies?
Singing.
Your goal in life?
Total financial and professional independence. Doing my best for my patients and the community through Ayurveda.
