THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, 10 February 2007 — Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine and Kerala is home to a chain of hospitals and spas that offer both healing and rejuvenation therapies. Kerala is also the only Indian state that strictly follows its traditional laws.
Ayurveda has also become a major component of Kerala tourism thanks to the good standards and practices. Kerala’s unique location, unparalleled wealth of herbs and natural vegetation and rich culture provide the right atmosphere for the sector to grow.
According to the ancient scripts of Ayurveda, the five eternal elements of the universe manifest themselves in the human body as three subtle energies — known as thridoshas in Sanskrit. A balance of these three keeps the body healthy.
Ayurveda believes in the trinity of life — the harmony of the body, mind and the soul. Its concept of the body is no different from that of modern medicine. It believes that most diseases are caused by poor digestion. But it differs from modern medicine in many ways when it comes to the concept of well-being. It focuses on the entire person in relation to the natural environment and the cosmos.
The Ayurveda doctor first decides the constitution of the person and then starts the treatment. The toxins have to be brought to the GI tract from their respective centers and get rid of through the nearest outlet, eliminating relapse. This can be through the nose, vomiting or purgative therapy.
The monsoon season, between July and November, is the ideal time for the therapy. The treatment, which has no side effects, involves medication, both internal and external. Tablets, concoctions, and medicated ghee are prescribed for internal medication. The external massaging is done with oil, bolus of rice, etc. The massage with abundant medicated oils and herbs, popular among Western tourists, is prescribed both for rejuvenation and healing.
It is advised for treating rheumatic disorders and is followed by steam baths that causes profuse sweating, a prerequisite for many extensive therapies such as Panchakarma. Treatments like dhara and pizhichil that involve the course duration of 21 days are also advised for rheumatic and nervous disorders. All major hotel groups in the state, including Le Meridien, Taj and Leela, have excellent spas that mix Ayurveda and yoga with the local flavor and modern techniques in a serene ambience.