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SOUKYA TEAM
Owned and managed by world renowned holistic health
consultant Dr. Issac Mathai M.D.(Hom),M.R.C.H. (Lond) and
his wife, Suja Issac M.Sc.,M.Phil.(Foods & Nutrition), a
nutritionist who both stay at the Centre. They have a
great team of doctors qualified
in Ayurveda, Homeopathy,
Naturopathy and Western Allopathic consultants. Well
trained therapists and hospitality staff make the stay an
‘at home’ experience.
SOUKYA is a family-run organisation headed by Dr. Issac
Mathai M.D., a holistic physician who is an
internationally renowned holistic health consultant. He is
the Chairman, Managing and Medical Director and his wife,
Mrs. Suja Issac M.Sc., M.Phil. (Foods & Nutrition) is the
Executive Director. They are personally involved with the
running of Soukya and also live with their family on the
property.
Their team consists of consultants and doctors from
different systems of medicine, therapists and visiting
national and international specialists. He is backed by an
International Advisory Board, which is headed by Dr. R.M.
Varma, India's eminent neurosurgeon.
Facilities
SWAGATH (‘Welcome’) & SAMPOORNA (‘Whole’)
The spacious administration and medical buildings face
each other and are built
in an identical style. The
granite on the composite masonry walls was procured
locally. The traditional country roof tiles, which are no
longer made, were specially handmade and baked for SOUKYA.
They are laid on a waterproofed roof made of panels of
terracotta tiles laid on handmade cement rafters. The
floor tiles, designed especially for SOUKYA, are modeled
on those laid at St. Xavier’s Church in Cochin by the
Portuguese over 400 years ago. Both buildings have the
South Indian traditional inner courtyards which provide
natural lighting and ventilation. The fountains and fish
pool lend a serene effect to the place. The administration
building (‘Swagath’) houses the reception area, offices,
the pharmacy, the telecom business centre and a gift shop.
The medical building (‘Sampoorna’) houses the doctors’
offices and a library.
SHANTHI (‘Peace’)
Yoga
The yoga and meditation hall is an open-air circular
structure based on the concept of the traditional
mud-walled thatched roof hut. The low-rise mud walls were
plastered by hand, and the handmade black oxide floor
absorbs negative energy. The whole structure is covered by
a large conical roof that is one of the largest in India
to be secured without a central support. This leaves the
interior entirely free of obstructions. The intricate
waterproof grass roof rests on bamboo rafters and is made
by the master craftsmen of Tamil Nadu. There is room for
32 people to practice yoga with the instructor on the
raised ethnic stage. This platform is also used for
cultural activities and meetings. Gujarati artisans
adorned the stage with traditional mirror and colored
glasswork. The centrepiece is a bright yellow sun on an
electrifying blue sky with mirrors that reflect like
stars. The earthy stage walls are adorned with the
exquisite papermache craft work that represent the rising
and setting of the sun and the trees. To enter the yoga
and meditation hall, one walks on large flat stones over
and through a fishpond with a bamboo fountain and lotus
flowers. The encircling flowing water soothes the mind as
the guests go into meditation. The two rooms at the back
for one-to-one yoga sessions feature a bamboo deck that
overlooks a small pond with lotuses, enclosed by
lemongrass and golden bamboo. These two rooms (with
corresponding washrooms) serve as “green” rooms or
dressing rooms during cultural programmes.
SHALA (‘Healing Abode’)
Therapy Walk
The therapy centre has separate but identical male and
female areas that mirror
each other. The comfortable
waiting area is centrally located and shared by both
sides, with a view of the medical herbs and plants that
are growing, as well as the Gujarati mirror and glass
artwork that adorns the exterior of the building on the
theme of the ‘Tree of Life’. The earthy red colour of the
walls is common in villages here and is traditionally
believed to absorb the sun’s energy into the building.
Upon entering the centre, one can meet with the physicians
in the consultation room and then proceed to the spacious
locker room, located next to the showers and toilets in
the treatment section. Each side has massage rooms for
various types of massage, as well as for specialised
Ayurvedic treatments and a large section with individual
rooms devoted to specific hydrotherapy treatments:
circular and horizontal jets, immersion baths, deluxe
underwater massage, colonics, whirlpool jacuzzis and
spinal, hip, arm and footbaths. The rooms have ample
natural light and ventilation for maximum comfort. There
is also an outdoor color therapy area and mud pack area,
followed by a freestanding and traditionally decorated
Turkish bath.
SADYA (‘Feast’)
Swim
The dining hall is divided into four main spaces: The
spacious dining area has views of SOUKYA and its gardens,
which are especially lovely in the evening, when the lamps
that border the walkways are lit. There is also an
informal salad and juice area with comfortable seating
where guests can take refreshments, read, socialise, or
simply relax and enjoy the view. The ample and modern
kitchen at the back provides easy access to the dining
areas. The gaming area to the side has a billiards table,
table tennis and a carom board. Sit-down games include
chess, solitaire and knots and crosses. Just next to the
gaming area, an outdoor acupressure walkway connects the
shower area to the elegant full-size swimming pool. The
organic shape and design of the pool, partially shaded in
the afternoon by overarching trees, were designed for
maximum safety by maintaining a consistent depth of 4
feet. There are also outdoor volleyball and shuttle
courts.
AYURVEDA & PANCHAKARMA
An ancient traditional system of medicine, Ayurveda is
considered to be the oldest system of health care, with
literature going back 5000 years and an oral tradition
that is much older. This healing system has been practiced
in daily life in India for more than 5000 years.
'Ayur' means 'Life' and 'Veda' means 'Science'. Thus
Ayurveda is the 'Science of Life'.
In Ayurveda, health is a state of spiritual and physical
attainment. It is a medical, metaphysical healing life
science - the mother of all healing arts. The practice of
ayurveda is designed to promote human happiness, health
and creative growth. It is the science of daily living and
this system of knowledge evolved from the sage’s
practical, philosophical and religious illumination which
was rooted in their understanding of the creation.
Ayurveda helps the healthy person to maintain health and
the diseased person to regain health.
The body is made up of Tridoshas (Tri' means 'Three' and 'Doshas'
mean 'Humours') - Vata is Air, Pitta is Fire and Kapha is
Water. Good health means a normalcy in the Tridoshas,
balance of metabolic, systemic and excretory functions,
all five senses and in the mind and spirit.
There are 7 constitutional doshas and each individual
falls into any one of these categories They are-
* Vata
* Pitta
* Kapha
* Vata-Pitta
* Pitta-Kapha
* Kapha-Vata
* Vata-Pitta-Kapha
Vata is predominant in Old age, Pitta in the Middle age
and Kapha in Childhood. According to the season, Kapha is
predominant early morning, Pitta in the afternoon and Vata
late at night. For good health, each person has to
maintain the balance of their doshas and not aggravate it
and an imbalance in them is the cause of illness. It is
thus essential to identify one's body type and follow
dietary regimes according to the seasonal regimes to
maintain optimum health. Ayurvedic treatment helps to
restore this imbalance without any side effects. This
helps in several conditions including liver disorders,
strokes, mental and muscular dystrophy, rheumatic and
chronic conditions.
IMPORTANT
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THAT SIMPLY HAVING A
MASSAGE WITH AYURVEDIC OIL IS NOT AYURVEDIC TREATMENT. IF
MASSAGE IS NOT PROVIDED WITH PROPER MEDICATED OILS BASED
ON DIFFERENT PERSONAL FACTORS, IT CAN CAUSE PROBLEMS AT A
LATER STAGE.
AYURVEDIC TREATMENT REQUIRES AN EXPERIENCED DOCTOR TO
DECIDE WHAT TREATMENT IS TO BE GIVEN, WITH WHAT
COMBINATION OF OILS AND MEDICINES, AND IT HAS TO BE
DELIVERED BY WELL TRAINED THERAPISTS.
AUTHENTIC AYURVEDIC MASSAGES ARE UNLIKE WESTERN MASSAGES
FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS:
Spa-like Ayurvedic massages can cause health problems.
Authentic ayurvedic massages are done by therapists of the
same sex as the patient.
A lot of medicated oil is used in the massage, chosen by a
qualified, experienced doctor.
The strokes of the massage are invigorating.
The massage is ideally done with two therapists
simultaneously.
The massage covers the entire body except the groin.
AYURVEDIC ABHYANGA(MASSAGE)
The Ayurvedic doctor selects the ayurvedic oils based on
your body type which is used in the massage. In addition
to the beneficial effects of massage which reduces stress,
improves circulation and relaxes taut muscles, these ayurvedic oils have a rejuvenating effect as they also
help eliminate impurities. They also reduce hair-loss and
dandruff, condition the scalp, and improve sleep and
eyesight. This kind of oleation serves as an absolute
preventive measure against many ailments related to the
Vata dosha.
The massage is more effective when done by 2 therapists.
There is a lot of oil used in the massage and these
massages are done man-man and woman-woman only.
PADHABHYANGA
It is the massage of the legs below the knees which
improves circulation to the extremities, is beneficial for
diabetics, increases joint mobility and muscle tightness
and is useful in destressing.
SHIRODHARA
Shiro means head and dhara is a steady flow of warm
ayurvedic oil which is specially
selected by the ayurvedic
doctor. Dhara can also be done with other ingredients like
buttermilk, but they are specifically chosen as per the
condition. Shirodhara involves a continuous stream of oil
that is gently swayed on the forehead which completely
relaxes the nervous system and calms the mind. It is very
beneficial in conditions like hypertension, anxiety,
insomnia and psychiatric problems and also is effective
for paralysis, senile dementia and other neurological
disorders and improves the memory as well.
ELLAKIZHI
Finely chopped herbal leaves and herbal powders are warmed
in medicated oil and bundled in a poultice which is used
for the fomentation massage. In cases of rheumatism and
other diseases, fomentation in the affected area brings
great relief. Ellakizhi promotes better circulation,
relieves stress, and treats osteo-arthritis. It is also
ministered to those with spondylosis and sports injuries
resulting from soft tissue inflammations and joint pains.
AYURVEDIC UDVARTANAM
This specialised massage uses ayurvedic powders or churnas
to help reduce obesity, impart mobility to the joints and
strengthen muscles. The most promising benefit is an all
over slimming and toning effect on the body.
CHOORNASWEDAM
A linen bag filled with churna (medicated powder) is used
for fomentation, the duration of which varies according to
disease conditions. This is effective for ailments due to
Vata and Kapha disorders as it produces a therapeutic
sweat, which relieves neurological disorders, rheumatism
and arthritis.
NETHRA THARPANAM
This is a special Ayurvedic treatment to set right the
degenerative changes in the retina and lens of the eyes,
to strengthen the optic nerve, ciliary muscles, and to
correct the refractive errors in diabetic retinopathy,
etc.
THALAM
Application of medicated paste on the crown of the head is
called Thalam. Thalams are of various types according to
the nature of the ailment.
PICHU
This is a palliative treatment for ailments in the head
region. It is good for diseases affecting the cranial
nerves due to Vata disorders. The treatment is named after
the folded piece of cloth used to cover the crown called
the pichu.
KSHEERA DOOMA
This is a traditional Kerala Ayurvedic treatment meant for
disorders of facial nerve and different neurological
disorders of facial muscles. This is very important in
treating facial palsy.
VASTI
It involves holding warm ayurvedic oils on the affected
areas, that help immensely in cases of lower back
problems, cervical problems, arthritic knees and in cases
of hypertension and cardiac related conditions.
* Kati Vasti This is a special
ayurvedic treatment for lower backache or sciatica of
different etiology. Warm ayurvedic oil is held on affected
area on the lumbosacral region.
* Greva Vasti This is a special ayurvedic treatment for
different kinds of neck complaints including cervical
spondylitis, I.V. disc prolapses, arthrosis, etc.
* Janu Vasti This is a special ayurvedic treatment for the
knee joint conditions like arthritis, tendon injuries,
sprain, etc.
* Hrud Vasti This is a special ayurvedic treatment for a
variety of heart diseases including angina pectoris,
TRADITIONAL BEAUTY TREATMENTS
The secret of beauty, according to Ayurveda, is Ojas – the
subtle quality of vigour or vitality, which is the
superfine essence of the seven dhatus. If one stays
healthy in body, mind and spirit, one’s Ojas stay strong
and this force creates a radiant inner self and a
beautiful outer self.
However, for enhancing physical beauty, Ayurveda
recommends a number of time-honoured natural treatments.
AYURVEDIC FRUIT/VEGETABLE FACE PACK
This treatment includes procedures like cleansing,
massage, herbal steam, gentle scrub, nutrifiying packs,
toning, rejuvenating and moisturizing. This is done with
combination of ayurvedic herbs based on the constitution,
and fresh fruits and vegetables according to skin types.
This nourishes the skin by providing vitamins and minerals
and rejuvenating the pores. The pack heals and lightens
scars, evens out the color tone, soothes and moisturizes
the skin and makes the skin soft and supple. It also
stimulates the deepest layer of the skin to make healthy
new growth.
AYURVEDIC REJUVENATION – PANCHAKARMA
AYURVEDIC ANTI-AGEING
Ayurveda, from time immemorial focussed on anti-aging and
rejuvenation programmes to prevent disease process and to
maintain an optimum healthy state. This is recommended for
anyone above the age of 40 for 14-21 days anually and any
one above 60 years for 21 days anually. This programme
consists of different Panchakarma and other special
Ayurvedic programmes based on the person's health and body
constitution.
An elaborate description of this process of revitalization
has been described in the classical texts. According to
Charaka, this miraculous change can be brought about if
one goes through a prescribed 6-month course of
rejuvenation. But this rigorous and disciplined process of
classical Ayurvedic rejuvenation is virtually impossible
in modern times.
The Ayurvedic Rejuvenatory treatment practised today is
called Panchakarma.
PANCHAKARMA
Panchakarma therapy is performed in 3 stages:
* Purvakarma – preparatory procedures that help the body
discard the toxins present in the stomach and tissues and
help facilitate the toxins to move to the alimentary
canal.
* Pradhanakarma – main treatment which is designed as per
each individual’s needs
* Paschatkarma – post treatment care includes the diet
regimen and the other dos and don’ts.
‘Pancha’ means ‘five’ and ‘karma’ means ‘action.’ This
five-fold purification therapy aims at correcting the
imbalance of the doshas - Vata, Pitta, Kapha in order to
maintain their inherent equilibrium. During each season of
the year, one or more of the doshas accumulate, which
causes an imbalance and makes the body prone to illness.
It involves five cleansing procedures:
* VAMANA - inducing vomiting specially for kapha related
illnesses like asthma, coughs, chronic colds, psoriasis,
acne, arthritis, diabetes and other kapha disorders. This
is a painless, drug-induced emetic process.
* VIRECHANA - inducing purgation specially for elimination
of Pita related toxins from the body. Here, drugs that
stimulate bowel movements are induced for the expulsion of
excess Pita.
* NASYA - nasal cleansing by the application of medical
oils or powders. The nostrils are considered the Doorway
to the Brain and nasal application of oils is helpful in
conditions like allergic sinusitis, migraines and
epilepsy. If the Nasya therapy has been carried out
effectively, Kapha related toxins from the paranasal
sinuses are eliminated and the region nourished. Due to
this, the patient feels great relief in the head and
clarity of the sense organs. Breathing becomes completely
unobstructed which gives sound sleep at night. Olfactory
improvement is also felt. Nasya is excellent for chronic
sinusitis, headaches, throat diseases, chronic colds,
chest congestion, epilepsy, catarrh, migraine, voice
constraint, eye diseases and cervical spondilitis.
* VASTI - medicated enema is particularly good for
alleviating excess Vata. Vasti’s effects are directly felt
in the colon, the prime abode of the Vata. With the
application of a series of purifying and nourishing Vastis,
the morbid doshas and other toxins trapped for long in the
tissues are eliminated. This restores the equilibrium of
the humours. Vasti is good for spleen disorders, colic,
calculus, kidney stones and many other diseases due to a
Vata disorder. It helps in chronic constipation, low back
pain, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, sciatica, various
neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis, epilepsy,
dystrophy and atrophy of nerves and muscles. -Sneha Vasti
– enema using medicated oil which remains in the colon and
rectum for a short period of time to absorb the toxins and
eliminate them out of the body.
* NIROOHA VASTI – enema using a special combination of
herbal decoctions, paste, powders and oils. It has an
effect on the nervous system to help eliminate the
imbalances in Vata.
RAKTHAMOKSHANA – to remove impurities from the blood
through leech therapy or other methods.
This 5-fold treatment during Panchakarma has not only been
intended for elimination of disease-causing toxins but
also to replenish the tissues with nourishment. This is
why it is often termed as Rejuvenation Therapy.
This therapy also combats neurological ailments like
paralysis, arthritis, rheumatism, dermatological problems,
and mental disorders.
SPECIAL AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS
AYURVEDIC HOT STONE MASSAGE
This exotic massage is a signature treatment of SOUKYA,
the special protocol
being developed here.
After application of the ayurvedic oil based on your body
type, the hot lava stones are used to massage your body.
Excellent for tired and aching muscles and to destress the
body making you feel lighter than ever. It relieves spasms
of the muscles by improving the circulation. It also tones
the muscles, relaxes the nerves, helps mobilize fat in a
mild way and removes the stiffness from the joints and
improves posture.
AYURVEDIC DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE
An intensive treatment that works on neuro muscular
tissues, strengthens the nervous system and tones the
body. The strong and vigorous massages with deep pressure
used in the strokes helps the very stressed body and also
helps in weight loss. It tones the muscles and helps to
get rid off deep seated toxins.
PIZHICHAL
‘Pizhi’ means ‘Squeezing’ and ‘Chil’ means ‘Vigorous
movement.’ It is a procedure of squeezing large quantities
of warm medicated oil all over the body with one hand and
massaging with the other hand. When administered many
times in succession is found to alleviate pains and is
very invigorating. This is a unique contribution of Kerala.
It has also been proved to be highly effective on its own
for treating diseases caused due to vitiation of the Vata
humour, especially hemiplegia, paralysis, muscle spasms
and other degenerative diseases affecting the muscles.
This massage protects
you from illnesses and builds up your immunity for a
healthy life. It is very useful for rheumatic diseases,
sexual weakness, blood pressure, nerve weakness and helps
to arrest the ageing process.
NAVARAKIZHI/SHASTIKA SHALI PINDA SWEDA
A bolus of Navara or Shastika rice cooked with milk and
herbal decoctions is made into a fist-sized bundle called
a kizhi which is used for fomentation. This is done after
the application of medicated oil over the whole body and
this induces a sweat. It has its proven efficacy and
indicated in muscular disorders, neurological anomalies
from paralysis to neuralgias, emaciation, and blood
related disorders. This in healthy individuals gives a
sedation effect, improves blood circulations and
metabolism, makes body feels lighter and relaxed. It makes
skin soft and gives special luster and glow. It is used
not only as part of Panchakarma but also as an effective
treatment for many diseases due to Vata disorders. This
strengthening formulation helps combat neurological
disorders, rheumatism, arthritis, and malnutrition of
limbs.
SHIROLEPAM
This is the application of herbal preparations in paste
over the hairy part of the head for 30 to 60 minutes.
Ingredients of the paste vary according to the nature of
the ailment. This is helpful in treating sleep disorders,
headache, herriplegia, facial paralysis, trigeminal
neuralgia, hair falling, premature graying, dandruff, etc.
AVAGAHA SWEDAM
It is a kind of immersion bath where the patient is made
to sweat while sitting in a tub filled with a specific
warm medical decoction for the whole body or different
parts of the body like the hips or feet. This is good for
rheumatism, painful urination, hernia, lower backache,
arthritis, etc.
SPECIAL AYURVEDIC FACE PACK
An exotic facial using fresh, natural beauty enhancing
herbs like milk cream, curd, mint, honey, turmeric and
various other ayurvedic herbs. The fresh herbs rejuvenate
the skin and the aromas relax the mind. It also helps
remove scars, improves the complexion and it soothes and
moisturizes the skin.
AYURVEDIC AND DEAD SEA FACE PACK
A complete facial procedure using a combination of
ayurvedic herbs and the highly nourishing and detoxifying
mud from the Dead Sea. The high mineral content of the mud
is what makes it so effective in detoxifying and
rejuvenating the skin by improving the flow of nutrients
to the skin surface.
YOGA
The root for the word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word
‘Yuj’ which means the Union.
Here it means the Union of
the Mind, Body and Spirit, also the Union of Oneself with
the Universal Self. This holistic science emphasises that
this Union is necessary for a person seeking good health
and well-being. Sage Patanjali is considered as the Father
of Yoga. He formulated the Astanga Yoga – the Yoga with 8
paths which is widely practised today.
Yoga is particularly of importance in today’s life to
prevent and cure diseases – the so-called psychosomatic
diseases – the cause of which is mainly from the
mind. In today’s life of Stress, Yoga thus acquires an
imminent role.
The parts of Yoga that are mainly used in therapeutics are
the Asanas, Pranayamas, Meditation, Kriyas and Relaxation
techniques.
* Helps maintain the suppleness and flexibility of the
muscles and joints
* Has a deeper effect on the tendons, ligaments, blood
vessels, lymphatics and the nerves
* Brings about a co-ordination of mind and body movements
* Helps create an appreciation of the finer movements
* Improves the sharpness of the senses
* Helps us be aware and improve our breathing
* Helps us have a positive attitude and lighter approach
* Helps regulate digestion, respiratory rate and heart
rate
* Improves memory, concentration and intelligence through
Pranayamas and Meditation
* Helps cleanse our nostrils, upper respiratory passages,
eyes through Kriyas
SURYANAMASKAR (SUN SALUTE)
A set of 12 postures which completely fulfils the purpose
of Yoga. The 12 postures are designed in such a way as to
exercise each and every muscle group and joints in the
body. It strengthens and stretches the entire body.
Specific breathing is indispensable while performing the
sequence. The pattern is such that the movements and the
breathing are in perfect rhythm as in a dance sequence.
ASANAS
These are the physical postures in Yoga. Asanas help us in
culturing the body entirely, focussing on the different
muscle groups, joints, tendons ligaments and the soft
tissues, apart from the nerves and blood vessels. Asanas
also bring about a co-ordination of the mind with the body
as there is total awareness to each and every slight body
movement along with focus on breathing.
BREATHING EXERCISES
There is a set of Asanas designed for improving the
breath. Here each movement is followed closely with
inhalation and exhalation. Care is taken to expand the
lungs and relax the muscles assisting breathing and
thereby improving the lung capacity.
KRIYAS
These are the purificatory techniques in Yoga, mainly
cleansing of the nostrils, sinuses, eyes, digestive system
and the excretory system through very simple means.
Kriyas also help strengthen the nerves, sharpen the
memory, strengthen the glands as well as purify them.
Different methods include:
* Jalaneti
* Sutraneti
* Vamanadhouthi
* Sankhaprakshalana… etc
MEDITATION
It is a continuous concentration of the mind on an object
/ sound / thought. This is the state where the person
forgets one’s physical self and focuses one’s entire
energy on the object of meditation which helps attain a
blissful state and reach one’s innermost potential.
We have several Meditation techniques like:
SOUKYA TRANSFORMATION MEDITATION
It’s basis lies in the theory that stress, a negative
thought in the mind has a great negative impact on the
body so as to cause illnesses of the cardia, respiratory
system, locomotor organs, etc. Any positive suggestion to
the mind can reverse the negativity and bring about a
positive change in the body and also create positivity in
the entire self.
CHAKRA MEDITATION
Here we focus on the 7 chakras running through the Sushuma
Nadi, their characteristics and functions. We try to
energise these chakras and dissipate their energies to the
systems corresponding.
OM MEDITATION
Meditating on the positive energies of the first sound
that evolved in this universe, thereby building positivity
within us and in our surroundings.
BREATH MEDITATION
Simple procedures of focussing entirely on our breath
without interfering with it. Noticing the effects of
breathing – its subtleness and the changes it brings about
in our system.
RELAXATION
Various techniques to focus on our body and breathing and
thereby realizing the lightness and freshness in our body
and mind. It involves suggesting the different parts of
our body to relax by focusing fully on that region and
sending positive suggestions. The various techniques are:
* Shavasana
* Deep Relaxation techniques
* Instant Relaxation techniques
YOGA NIDRA
This is Yogic Sleep. Through this technique one attains
the benefits of sleep without actually falling asleep. The
mind and body is taken is taken to a state as in sleep
through continuous suggestions and focus.
TAI CHI
This is a gentle martial art that involves a combination
of meditation and flowing exercises to help improve the
health of the body and mind. With regular practice it can
relieve stress and improve metabolism and the immune
system.
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