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Ayurveda in Kerala
Ayurveda is a holistic healing
science, based on the concept of balance
representing
health. The word itself is derived
from two Sanskrit words: Ayu (meaning life) and Veda (meaning knowledge)
‘the knowledge of life’.
Ayurveda is the ancient health science
for body and mind developed in India by sages of yore through centuries of
research studies and observation. It is not just another way of treatment for
ailments, but a perfect and complete plan not only for
healing but also to achieve perfect
health.
The
origin of Ayurveda, the science of life, can be traced back to Vedic
period. The Vedas, the first
literature of human civilization is reckoned the warp and weft of Ayurveda,
which is believed to have been in practice during the period of Devas. To
Ayurveda, human body is composed of ‘Doshas’, ‘Dhatu’ and ‘Mahas. It dictates
the social norms that help an individual maintain spiritual health. ‘Rasayana, a
branch of Ayurvedic treatment, enables the diseased‘ to regain the lost
vitality. Ayurvedic treatments are aimed at keeping an individual in fine
fettle. It gives special emphasis on prevention of disease. Different Ayurvedic
treatments are ‘Panchakarmas’ Therapeutic vomiting, Purgation, Cleansing
enemas, Nasal application of herbs and
Rejuvenation (Ramayana).
Ayurveda, instead of treating an affected part of the body or a particular
disease, goes deep into the root cause of the problem and try to rectify the
imbalances of the body, of which a disease or complaint is only an indication.
Ayurveda aims at eliminating toxic imbalances from the body and in order to
regain body resistance and good health. It also teaches us how to lead our life
both physically and mentally to attain the bliss of real life.
Kerala has contributed much in keeping this ancient tradition
alive. The 'Vaidyasalas' ( hospitals)
have been a source of hope for people from other parts of India and abroad.
Today, Ayurveda health packages offered by various institutions have become an
integral part of tourist activity in the state. Kerala's balanced climate,
natural richness in resources are best suited for Ayurveda curative and
restorative packages. These Ayurvedic therapies are carried out under strict
supervision of trained physicians after detailed check-up and consultation. .
Duration of these therapies can last up to 3 weeks depending on various
factors.
Therapies
Traditional texts reveal that the monsoon is the best season for rejuvenation
programmes. 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.
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Rejuvenation Therapy
(Rasayana Chikitsa)
This treatment includes body massage, including hands and feet, with
medicated oil, head-massage with oil and cream. It also includes internal
rejuvenated medicines and medicated steam baths. This therapy lasts 90 to
120 minutes per day for 7 to 14 days.
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Body purification
therapy (Shodan Chikitsa)
It is a process of purifying the whole body to attain proper balan ce
of vata, pitta, and kapha, based on Panchakarma and Swetakarma treatments.
This 15 days package process includes body massage, Snehapanam, Nasyam,
Verechanam, Seneca vasti, Pizhichil, Tharpanam, Sirovasti Steam bath, Herbal
drinks and Herbal bath with medicated water.
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Dhara
Herbal oils, medicated milk and decoctions are poured on the whole body in a
special manner.
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Pizhichil
Trained masseurs apply Lukewarm herbal oil with fresh linen all over the
body in a rhythmic manner for a period of 1 hour daily for 7 to 21 days.
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Udvarthanam
Therapeutic massage with herbal powders
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Nasyam:
Inhalation of medicated herbal preparations, decoction oils, ghee etc to
eliminate the morbid factors from the head and neck area. |
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Karnapooranam:Medicated
oils are applied to the ear for 5 to 10 minutes daily to clean as well as
treat specific ailments
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Snehapanam:
Medicated ghee is given internally in a gradually
increased quantity for specific periods.
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 Njavarakizhi:
The whole body is made to perspire by the external application of medicated
rice packs in the form of boluses tied in muslin bags.This is a treatment
for wasting of muscles, rheumatism, sports injuries, pain in the joints,
emaciation of the body or the parts of the body and certain kinds of skin
diseases |
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 Sirovasti:
Lukewarm herbal oils are poured into a leather cap fitted on the head for
specific durations as per physicians recommendation. Specially prepared
herbal oils are poured into a cap fitted on the head for 15-60 minutes per
day, according to the condition of the patient for a period of 7 days.
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Tharpanam:
It is a cleaning process of the eyes, which gives cooling effect, prevents
cataract and strengthens the optic nerve.
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Kashya Vasthi: Certain
Herbal oils, herbal extract etc. are applied through the rectum daily for a
period of 5 - 25 days. This treatment is for arthritis, paralysis,
hemiplegia, numbness, gastric complaints associated with rheumatism and
constant constipation. |
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Kizhi :
Herbal leaves; herbs or herbal powders are applied to the whole body in
boluses with hot medicated oils for 45 minutes per day for a period of 7 to
14 days.
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Body Care:
face pack, herbal oil
massage, intake of herbal tea etc. improves complexion and beautiful the
body.
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Body slimming:
Medicated herbal powder and medicated herbal oil massage, and Ayurvedic diet
of herbal juices etc. are part of the program.
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Panchakarma
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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