Dr ANUPAMA K N responds to ThinkWellness360 questionnaire.
Why and how did you think of becoming a doctor?
I grew up admiring one of my close relatives, a doctor — right from my childhood days. This instilled in me a cogent feeling that I’d also, in like manner, save lives and help people in illness, or disease. Medicine, I was convinced, had all the bearings of a great, noble profession. So, this whole idea always existed on the skin of my thought, and here I am — a classical Ayurveda physician.
What made you think of, study and specialise in the system of medicine you now practice?
To be a doctor was a dream; a dream come true, as it were. Besides, the doctor, I was fascinated with, used to prepare his own medicines, according to his patients’ needs. This really impressed me — it also bid fair for me to study and specialise in Ayurveda.
What has been your personal and professional experience as a doctor?
Most folks in my family were and are ardent followers of Ayurveda, so much so, that we had one full shelf allocated exclusively for Ayurveda, several years before I thought of Ayurveda as a career, or profession. The best part is: more and more people today are accepting Ayurveda as a holistic system of medicine. This is a great advantage for all of us in the field to provide our services in the best manner possible. The satisfaction of a patient getting a better quality of life, because of our treatment, is not only satisfying, but also fulfilling.
What unique and special skills you think you have that has made the big difference for your patients?
Listening to my patients attentively, and with empathy, recording their medical history, juxtaposed by regular follow-ups, irrespective of time constraints is, I think, my especial skill. This has made the big difference in my practice — right from my formative years.
What is your best definition of optimal wellness and why?
Prevention is better than cure, and being in good health, i.e., having the best of physical, emotional and mental health, by following certain principles, or tenets, of Ayurveda is, in my view, the best definition of optimal wellness.
Your ‘best’ case?
A middle-aged woman patient once came to consult with me for severe migraine and stiff neck. It took just a week’s time with panchakarma treatment for her to be completely free from the distress. When she said, that, “It’s all gone,” it gave me immense delight.
Your ‘not-so-good’ case?
Most cases of infertility, perhaps. Maybe, I’d need to explore and upskill my insights, also expertise, to treating the condition with better outcomes.
What appeals to you the most?
Being honest.
What annoys you the most?
Going back on one’s words, or failing to keeping promises.
Your favourite book?
- Atomic Habits by James Clear.
- Living with the Himalayan Masters by Swami Rama.
Your favourite joke?
A person singing a melodious song loudly, also badly, while hearing the original song through the headphones.
Your favourite song?
- Bhaja Govindam/Adi Sankara/M S Subbulakshmi, in raga Bhairavi.
- Manavyalakinchara/Saint Tyagaraja, in raga Nalinakanti.
Your favourite movie?
The Pursuit of Happyness [2006/Will Smith/Jaden Smith et al].
Your favourite TV, Netflix show?
- Good Doctor [2017-2024/Freddie Highmore/Richard Schiff/ Hill Harper].
- Panchayath [2020-2024/Jitendra Sharma/Sanvikaa/Raghubir Yadav/Neena Gupta].
Your other interests, or hobbies?
Singing, playing the violin, and Bharatanatyam.
Your goal in life?
To live a happy, healthy, active life with no regrets, and serve people, or patients, with the best intent, also commitment.
