I read your posting and was awe struck for some time!! I've heard about a lot of such stuff in India but have never actually come across anyone vouching that it works!!
There are a lot of self certified (half) docs in India and follow practices fit to be listed with "Ripleys Believe it or not"
One example: A self certified Doc claims to cure asthma by putting a live fish down your throat! He gets at least 5-10,000 patients. They say it works! More astonishing is the fact that he does not charge any money - its FREE!!!
Can you give more details bout your friend here or else bout the aryuveda guy, so tht i can try to check!!