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In 2016, John Njenga, a former truck driver was diagnosed with a spinal disc and nerve line problem which affected his movement.
“The doctors told me that I have to seek medical treatment in India where I was supposed to have an operation to correct the spinal problem. The treatment would cost me Sh1.6 million, which I could not afford. I was so stressed and the problem rendered me jobless and without a medical cover I was at the mercy of God, “recalls Njenga.
His hopes for proper medical treatment dashed, only to be rekindled by a friend who recommended thermo-therapy treatment for him.
“A friend referred me to a treatment centre in Ruaka area, where he was treated on the same problem. When I visited the centre I was just placed on the thermo-therapy bed where the realignment of my spinal disc and nerve problem were corrected after some months and today I back on my feet,” says Njenga.
Thermotherapy has been gaining popularity in the country as Kenyans resort to it as a remedy to health conditions.
Known as Ceragem Kenya, the South Korean based company deals with heat massage therapy treatment machines. The firm has got thousands of sick Kenyans deeply hooked to its range of medicinal therapy benefits covering back pain, sinuses, arthritis, diabetes and prostrate complications amongst many other chronic lifestyle diseases.
Beth Muthoni’ son Peter Wakaba was also diagnosed with Osteoarthritis.
“We realized the problem 9 months after Peter was born and the doctors told us that our son had Osteoarthritis and needs special treatment or else he will not be able to walk his entire life. This was devastating to us and we tried numerous treatment but all were not providing a lasting solution until we decided to go for thermo-therapy treatment, “comments Muthoni.
Peter was placed under thermotherapy treatment for months where the treatment was administered through a special thermo-acupressure device which is mostly powered by electricity.
Muthoni added that “After a year on the treatment, Peter today can walk normal and even the low vision loss which is associated with this kind of problem is no more. This kind of treatment is very vital to children with special needs and the government should embrace such kind of treatment as a way of combating lifestyle diseases.”
According to the Managing Director of Ceragem-Kenya Agency, Vincent Somi the multi-functional spinal thermo-acupressure device and thermo-therapy mats are utilising ceratonic technology which is comprised of a golden combination of naturally found minerals and gemstones such as Jade, Germanium, Elvan, Biotite, Tourmaline, and Red clay.
"When these are heated, they release radiant Infra-red heat and negative ions that are known to tackle respiratory illnesses, smoothen blood flow, cleanse skin pores and improve metabolism," he explained. Somi revealed that the treatment was first introduced in Kenya about 11 years ago and has continued to attract people especially the elderly, and those suffering from chronic health conditions such as arthritis, blood pressure problems, diabetes and spinal disc misalignment amongst many other non-communicable diseases.
"It also helps in enhancing the functioning of the Kidneys, “he added.
Somi said that the therapy promotes the natural healing power of the body through a combination of five major alternative medicine principles such as Acupressure, Massage, Chiropractic, Moxibustion and Thermo-therapy.
Health experts argue that therapy services are gaining popularity among the businessmen and the working class, whose constant travels or sedentary office lifestyle is known to cause many health challenges.
“Throughout all our 20 branches we do receive a total of 300 customers daily per branch and this is a clear indication that Kenyans are embracing therapy services, “comments Somi.
UN report indicates that Sub-Saharan Africa is among the region with an increase in the rates of Non-Communicable diseases.
The report calls for all players in the healthcare sector to shift from curative “sick-care” orientation to preventive “health care “orientation.
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