Evolved around: 600 B.C.
Uses: Medicinal Plants and Herbs
Best Time for an Ayurvedic Treatment : June to September
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Ayurveda evolved as a system of medicine in India, around 600 BC. The system stressed on the prevention of a disease in addition to treating an ailment.
This tradition of healthcare was followed closely across the entire country, and has been practised ever since.
Today, Ayurveda is a unique, indispensable branch of medicine, a complete naturalistic system that depends on the diagnosis of the body's humours to achieve the right balance.
Ayurveda believes in the treatment of not just the affected part, but the individual as a whole, making it the natural way to perfect health and harmony of life.
KERALA - THE LAND OF AYURVEDA
Kerala's equable climate, natural abundance of forests with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants, and the cool monsoon season starting from June to November are best suited for Ayurveda's curative and restorative programs.
In fact, today Kerala is the only State in India, which practices this system of medicine with absolute dedication. Monsoon is considered to be the ideal time for rejuvenation.
Ancient texts recommend monsoon to be the best season for Ayurveda regimens. The atmosphere remains dust-free and cool, opening the pores of the body to the maximum, making it most receptive to herbal oils and therapy.
REJUVENATION PROGRAMMES
Rejuvenation Therapy of Kerala :
'Rasayana Chikitsa' It tones up the skin and rejuvenates and strengthens all the tissues so as to achieve ideal health and longevity. Increases 'Ojas' (Primary Vitality) and improves 'Sattva' (Mental Clarity) and thereby increases the resistance of the body.
Includes head and face massage with medicated oils and creams, body massage with herbal oil or powder, by hand and foot, intake of rejuvenate medicines and medicated steam bath. Herbal baths are also used.
Body Immunisation And Longevity Treatment:
'Kayakalpa Chikitsa' Prime treatment for retarding the aging process, arresting the degeneration of body cells and immunization of the system.
The treatment includes intake of 'Rasayana' (special Ayurvedic medicines and diet) and comprehensive body care programs. The program is most effective for either sex if undertaken before the age of 50.
Body Sudation:
'Sweda Karma' Medicated steam baths eliminate impurities from the body, improve the tone and complexion of the skin, reduce fat and are recommended for certain rheumatic diseases, particularly for pain.
Precious herbs and herbal leaves are boiled and the steam is passed over the entire body for 10 to 20 minutes daily. Hand massage with herbal oils or herbal powder improves blood circulation and tones up the muscles.
General Massage Therapy For Rejuvenation:
'Abhyanga' This total body massage with herbal oils tones up the skin and rejuvenates and strengthens all the tissues so as to achieve ideal health and longevity, strengthens the immune system, is beneficial for the eyes and gifts sound sleep. This is also a cure for rheumatism.
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MENTAL AND PHYSICAL WELL BEING
Meditation and Yoya
1. Disciplined Behaviour (Yama).
2. Self-purification (Niyama).
3. Bodily postures such as the Lotus position (Asana).
4. Control of breathing (Pranayarna).
5. Control of the senses (Pratyahara).
6. Fixing of the mind on a chosen object (Dharana).
7. Meditation (Dhyana) and
8. Samadhi, a state of being where one experience absolute tranquility and well being.
Beauty Care
Herbal face pack, herbal oil massage, intake of herbal tea etc. improves complexion and beautifies the body.
'Thaali' is a traditional shampoo. It can be any herb, usually the soapy paste of crushed 'Hibiscus Rosa' leaves or 'Cheevakkai' (Shikakai) powder, made into a paste and rubbed into the hair during the bath.
Plain boiled rice soup rubbed into the scalp for ten minutes prior to the bath is an excellent cure for dandruff. 'Moong' (green gram) is a good hair and body scrub. 'Mylanchi' (henna or Egyptian privet) is widely used as a hair dye.
Adding 'Amla' (dried and powdered Gooseberry, 'Phylanthus embilica') and beating in an Egg Yolk makes the dye fast. Unlike chemical dyes, this is quite harmless. A mixture of Coconut Milk and Lemon Juice can prevent hair loss.
Yoghurt, eggs and Lemon Juice rubbed into the scalp is said to accelerate hair growth, while Cucumber has excellent astringent properties.
Skin Care:
Pastes of Cucumber, Sandalwood, Papaya and Pineapple Fruit are used for making face masks. Honey acts as a powerful moisturizer. Turmeric paste is another popular skin care herb, applied both as a face pack as well as all over the body, to improve the skin tone and prevent skin disorders.
A mixture of Lemon Juice and Honey is used in skin care. A paste of 'Raktha Chandanam' (red sandalwood) in Honey, applied once or twice a day for about a fortnight, has a magical effect in erasing scars.
Body Slimming
Medicated herbal powder and medicated herbal oil massages, an Ayurvedic diet of herbal juices etc. are part of the program.
Panchkarma Treatment
A five-fold treatment for mental and physical well being - tunes the body, organs, mind, breath, nerves and purifies the blood.
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AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS
Kerala's climate, natural abundance of forest, and the cool monsoon season are best suited for Ayurveda treatment packages.
Rejuvenation Therapy
Duration: 1hour 30 minutes a day for 7 or 14 days.
This is complete rejuvenation therapy comprising of synchronised special massage. Herbal steam bath, Njavarakizhi etc. This carefully planned health programme is directed towards improving vigor and vitality. It will also go a long way to tone up the skin and improve complexion. That is, it is a return to the eternal youth.
Body Immunization
Duration: 1 ½ hour a day for 7 or 14 days
This is a complete immunization therapy comprising of the relevant rejuvenation therapy and panchakarma therapy, which changes person to person. The Ayurveda doctor in the centre will suggest the suitable programme. This carefully planned health programme is directed towards strengthening the immunise system in order to achieve ideal health and prevent seasonal diseases.
Body Sedation
Duration: 1 hour a day for 7 days
This package comprises synchronised massage and Herbal steam bath. This is meant for improving physical consistency, better eye sight, inducing sound sleep, reduces high blood pressure, elimination of impurities in the system. It improves the complexion and texture of the skin and provides shinning and softness to the skin.
Body Slimming
Duration: 1 hour a day for 7 days
This package is deep dry massage using herbal powders. This reduces obesity, imparts mobility to joints, strengthens muscles and refreshes the body.
Panchakarma
‘Panchakarma’, as the name indicates is a method of treatment, which includes five (Paanch) basic procedures (Karma). Through these different procedures are put under the umbrella term ‘Panchakarma” different medicines are used for the different procedures depending upon the constitution of the patient. The physician determines the kind of procedure and the types of medicines to be used after examining the patient. It is not necessary that a patient should undergo all the five procedures of treatment used in Panchakarma. Panchakarma should not be administered to those below seven years and those above 80 years. If it is done properly healing of the disease treated, along with clear intelligence, alertness of the senses, stability of the body, efficacy of digestion and absorption, prolongation of youth are all achieved.
The panchakarma method of medication mainly involves two processes- anabolic (reduction) and catabolic (building up).
Medicated emesis (vamana), medicated purgation (virechana), nasal medication (nasya), medicated enema (vasti) and blood letting (raktamoksha) are the five purification procedures for removing accumulated toxins and other waste materials in the body.
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REJUVENATION THERAPIES
MOST COMMON THERAPIES ADOPTED FOR THE REJUVENATION
1. Treatment For Chronic Headaches, Insomnia, Mental Tension And Cases Of Hysteria, Hallucination And Insanity.
Dhara :
A continuous stream of Herbal oils, Medicated Milk or Buttermilk and decoctions are poured on the forehead/whole body in a special manner, while the patient lies supine on a Wooden bed with the neck and head placed in a comfortable position. Variations include:
Oordhwanga Dhara :
Good for diseases of the eyes, ears and skin.
Takra Dhara :
For those suffering from memory loss, severe headache or insanity.
Sarvanga Dhara :
For both head and body.
2. Snehapanam : Treatment To Alleviate Osteoarthritis, Leukaemia Etc
Medicated ghee is given internally in a gradually increased quantity for specific periods.
3. Pizhichil : Treatment For Spondilosis, Rheumatic Diseases Like Arthritis, Paralysis, Hemiplegia, Nervous Disorders:
Lukewarm herbal oil is applied with fresh linen all over the body by trained masseurs in a rhythmic manner for a period of 1 to 1 ½ hours daily for 7 to 21 days.
4. Udvarthanam : Treatment For Diseases Like Hemiploegia, Paralysis, Obesity And Certain Rheumatic Ailments:
It is the therapeutic massage in which the entire body is massaged with herbal powders.
5. Marma Chikitsa : Treatment For Musculoskeletal Ailments Due To Trauma Or Accidents:
Treatment that works on the extremely sensitive vital points of the body (the 107 'marmas').
6. Nasyam : Treatment For Nasal Ailments :
Inhalation of medicated herbal preparations, Decoction Oils, Ghee etc. to eliminate the morbid factors from the head and neck area.
This also includes gently massaging the body from the shoulders, upward. It is a therapy for Sinusitis, Migraine and Chronic Cold.
7. Karnapooranam : Treatment For Ear Ailments:
Medicated oils are applied to the ear for 5 to 10 minutes daily to clean as well as treat specific ailments.
8. Tharpanam: Treatment For Preventing Cataract And Strengthening Vision:
A treatment for the eyes effective in preventing cararact and strengthening the optic nerve.
9. Njavarakizhi : Treatment For Wasting Of Muscles, All Types Of Rheumatism, Sports Injuries, Pain In The Joints, Emaciation Of The Body And Certain Kinds Of Skin Diseases:
After the application of medicated oil, the entire body is made to perspire by the external application of medicated 'Njavara' rice packs, in the form of boluses tied in muslin bags. Njavarakizhi revitalises the skin.
10. Sirovasti : Treatment For Dryness Of Nostrils, Mouth And Throat, Severe Headaches, Facial Paralysis And Burning Sensation In The Head:
Lukewarm herbal oils are poured into a leather cap fitted on the head for specific durations as per physician's recommendation.
11. Elakizhi : Treatment For Revitalising The Skin Tone ('Patraswedam'):
The entire body is massaged with herbal poultices prepared with various herbs and powder dipped in warm medicated oils and increases perspiration, which in turn helps circulation.
This promotes the skin eliminate wastes and revitalises the skin, thereby improving skin tone.
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AYURVEDIC CENTRES IN KERALA
Kerela's natural abundance with its equable climate is best suited for Ayurveda's curative and restorative programmes. Kerala is the only place in the world where Ayurveda is practiced with absolute authenticity and dedication. The numerous Ayurvedic centers of Kerala still keep the ancient panacea, in its purity. So visit Kerala and take a ayurvedic health vacation and take away the most cherished holiday memories with you.
Thiruvananthapuram
- Somatheeram Ayurvedic Beach Resort, Kovalam
- Ideal Ayurvedic Centre, Chowara, and Kovalam
- Ayushya Ayurvedic Centre, Kovalam
- Anugraha Health Centre, Vanchiyoor
- Sreedhari Ayurveda Kendram, Statue
- Soft Touch (ITDC), Ashok Beach Resort, Kovalam
- Franklin Ayurveda Centre, Kovalam
- Hotel Samudra, Kovalam
- Medicos, Kovalam
- Gopals Ayurvedic Beach Resort, Kovalam
- Kerala Ayurveda Pharmacy Vellayambalam
- Vasudevavilasam Ayurveda Centre East Fort Trivandrum
- Triveni Ayurveda Hospital Vanchiyoor
- Ayurveda College
- Ayurveda Hospital
- Ayur Health Centre, Padmatheerthakara
- Sri Dhanwantari Matom, Ambujavilasom Road
- Triveni Ayurvedic Nursing Home
- Santhigiri Hospital, Pothencode
- Ayur Clinic
- Sreedhari Ayurveda Kendram, Statue
Kottayam
- Sera Sankara Ayurveda Vaidyasala, Perunnai, Changanacherry
Idukki
- Sree Sankara Gardens, Anakkara, Kumily
Ernakulam
- Nagarjuna Ayurveda Resort, Kaladi
- Kerala Ayurveda Pharmacy
- PNVM Santhigiri
Thrissur
- Surya Ayurvedics Ltd, Kanjany
- Sreedhari Ayurvedic Health Resort
- Aryana Ayurvedic Physio Care Centre
- Nattika Beach Resort
Palakkad
- Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort
- Santhigiri Asthramom, Lesser
- Raja Health Acres
Kollam
- Susrutha Ayurvedic Research Center, Karunagappally
Alappuzha
- Edison's Siddha Vaidyasala, Pazhavangady Church Road
- Nature Cure Centre, Opp. Sakthi Auditorium, Arattuvazhy
Kottayam
- Sree Sankara Ayurveda Hospital, Perunnai, Changancherry
Malappuram
- Kottakkal Arya Vadyasala, Kottakkal
- Govt Ayurveda Hospital
- Poonkudi Mana, Perinthalmanna-Manjeri Road.
Kannur
- Sree Sadan Ayurveda Oushadhasala, Haji Road
KOTTACKAL ARYA VAIDYA SHALA
The small town of Kottackal in Malappuram district is home to the famed Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Shala, one of the pioneer institutions of Ayurveda, the traditional system of health and medicine, in Kerala.
Founded in 1902 AD, by Vaidya Ratanam P.S.Warrier, the well known physician and social reformer, the institution has branches all over the Kerala as well as in Delhi and Madras.
One of the best Ayurvedic centres in the Kerala, the Arya Vaidya Shala runs an Ayurvedic research centre, a nursing home and a hospital. People from all over the world come here to undergo various Ayurvedic therapies of Kerala.
The chief physician can be consulted by appointment only, made atleast 10 days in advance. Accommodation options at the nursing home including family blocks, double rooms, single rooms and suits.
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SAHYADRI AYURVEDIC CENTRE
Sahyadri Ayruvedic Centre is a well-established Ayurvedic Hospital, Sahyadri, managed by the Peermedu Development Society in Pallikunnu, is well known for its curative and rejuvenating treatment packages.
The centre has well-appointed treatment accommodation facilities, a unit for manufacturing Ayurvedic medicines and a well-maintained raw drugs museum where more than 200 varieties of rare and endangered herbs are preserved.
More than 400 herbs used for medicines are grown in the hospital's own garden spread over 35 acres.
For permission to visit the Herb Garden, contact the Director - Peermede Development Society,
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