HoHA began working in India in 2009 with participation in treatment camps.
Aaditherapy Project (est. 2013)
HoHA has partnered with the local organisation Jagran Jan Vikas Samiti (JJVS) in Udaipur, Rajasthan to deliver Myotherapy training programs to local traditional healers (Gunis). The local term for this training program is Aaditherapy. Gunis are trained in techniques to reduce musculoskeletal pain and discomfort. The HoHA initiated Sustainable Treatment and Training Program (STTEP) is implemented to treat and train the community while providing a sustainable income source to graduates. Beginning in 2013, this is an ongoing programme in which graduates continue to build upon their skills through engagement with international and local health practitioners.
Women’s Health
Working with JJVS, HoHA will be involved in a Female Health Project to improve menstrual hygiene management in Southern Rajasthan beginning in April 2018. This 2-year pilot project has been designed to utilise existing female Gunis (traditional healers) as change-makers to improve menstrual health among menstruating women and girls through education and the production of low cost sanitary pads via women’s enterprise development in 25 villages (covering over 11,339 women) in the surrounding areas of Udaipur, Southern Rajasthan. It aims to build resilience by empowering women and girls through correct menstrual health knowledge and by providing available sustainable solutions, while utilising the Guni’s existing skills and making them community leaders in this important initiative.
Palliative Health Care
Upon request from the Fatima Palliative Care Centre in Thumba, Kerala, HoHA will produce a feasibility study and explore options to provide training in Biomechanical Therapy and Community Health as well as build an on-going training and patient clinic. It is envisioned that a key trainer from Philippines and Cambodia will be used as a resource person for the training component. The Canossian Daughters of Charity, a Catholic order of nuns which established FPCC, will continue to run the centre and will work with HoHA which will provide overall project management and support.
Fatima Palliative Care Centre (FPCC), run by the Canossian Medical Society (CMS), stands as a defining landmark in Thumba, Kerala where it provides care for the poor, sick, aging, homeless and dying. It faces an unprecedented population growth and lack of capacity to treat a range of health issues that accompany the extremely poor living conditions of residents. The main objective of the Centre is to provide comfort through relief of symptoms, ensuring the best quality of life for both patients and their families. There are no similar facilities in the area however the capacity of the centre is currently limited and cannot service the volume of need that is required.
This study will be undertaken in June, 2018.
Volunteers and Students
HoHA sends hosts a variety of student groups and volunteers from Australia and other countries. RMIT chiropractic students have been visiting the project for 3 years, participating in a clinical training program with an Australian registered Chiropractic supervisor. Naturopathy, Herbal medicine and Nutrition students from Health Schools Australia, Australian College of Natural Therapies and Endeavour College also participate in the study intensives.
For updates study tour dates and costs, see: handsonhealth.study
Aly Curd, Myotherapist and Naturopath, NZ
I learnt about gaining clinical hours for Naturopathy students overseas through my school newsletter, and since I was busy managing a busy sports clinic as a Myotherapist in Perth, I thought some time away overseas to complete my hours was a brilliant idea.
When I arrived at HOHA partner organisation Jagran, I was impressed with the hospitality and the incredibly accommodating nature of the NGO. The staff are all compassionate, enthusiastic, motivated human beings and their passion is contagious. The work they do and the efforts they go to is truly inspiring.
After meeting Ganesh Ji and hearing his story about the initial struggles Jagran had faced, I began working alongside the Ayurvedic Doctor, Dr RK Deshwal, and the HOHA appointed Australian Myotherapist Gabby Lam. I had never encountered a Myotherapist being able to have the opportunity to work with an NGO before so listening to Gabby discuss her experiences and achievements with Jagran was very refreshing.
I am loving the challenges laid before me. India is a country of contrasts but I am doing something I am passionate about and even though there are a lot of ups and downs I wouldn’t have it any other way.
