Ayurveda – The Science of Life

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Introduction

India is known for its traditional medicinal systems—Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani. Medical systems are found mentioned even in the ancient Vedas and other scriptures. The Ayurvedic concept appeared and developed between 2500 and 500 BC in India. The literal meaning of Ayurveda is “science of life,” because ancient Indian system of health care focused on views of man and his illness. It has been pointed out that the positive health means metabolically well-balanced human beings. Ayurveda is also called the “science of longevity” because it offers a complete system to live a long healthy life. It offers programs to rejuvenate the body through diet and nutrition. It offers treatment methods to cure many common diseases such as food allergies, which have few modern treatments. However, one should be aware that Ayurvedic nutrition is not a “magic bullet” system but requires the full participation of the patient to succeed. It is an interactive system that is user-friendly and educational. It teaches the patient to become responsible and self-empowered. Ayurveda is not a nutritional system for those seeking an escape or excuse to further abuse their body or mind. It is a system for empowerment, a system of freedom, and long life.

Ayurveda in Kerala

The state of Kerala stands out prominently in the backdrop of India's rich Ayurvedic tradition. Centuries have passed since the various Ayurvedic treatments and food habits have become an integral part of the Keralite lifestyle. This is so because Ayurveda is not simply a mode of healthcare in Kerala, but also a fundamental approach to life. You can find hundreds of herbs with medicinal properties in the courtyards of Kerala houses. The easy availability of such a wide variety of herbal medicine in Kerala has facilitated the development of several unique medicines and treatment methods over the years.

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Disease as an Ayurvedic Concept

The concept of 'one medicine for one disease' is almost non-existent in the traditional mode of ayurvedic treatment. The basic premise in Ayurveda is to view diseases as a result of an imbalance in the body's constitution. An ayurvedic practitioner not only tries to get to the root of his patient's disease, but also tries to obtain a deeper understanding of the patient's constitution and rectifies any imbalance associated with it by ordering the requisite treatment.

Rejuvenation Therapy

Ayurveda is not only a means to cure existing diseases but can also safeguard the body by preventing the contraction of diseases. The foremost out of such ayurvedic therapies is rejuvenation, where all the harmful toxins in the body are flushed out with the aid of ayurvedic herbs and brought to the elementary canal. These toxins are then ejected from the body through panchakarma or one of the five acts. This results in a drastic improvement of the overall constitution of the patient undergoing the treatment as well as the strengthening of his or her immune system.

Panchakarma

This is the essence of Ayurvedic treatment. Promising results can be seen even in incurable diseases. Through a series of systematic treatment regimens, body is purified and normal rhythm of life is regained. Each module is planned to work on the whole body. Emesis, Oil enema, Medicinal enema and nasal sinus cleansing are the fivefold procedures known as Panchakarma.

Swedanam-medicated steam bath

Different combinations of herbs are boiled in water and this medicated steam mobilizes accumulated ama (toxins inside the body) in the srotas (body channels) and thus fee your body of toxins.

Abhyangam

A unique massage, which rejuvenates and balances the energies.

Snehadhara

Rightly named the Stream of Love, this involves pouring warm medicated oil in a rhythmic way and gently massaging it on the whole body. Recommended for Diabetic Neuropathy, Poor blood circulation, stroke and spinal disorders.

 Shirodhara

This treatment is indicated for the diseases affecting brain. It involves pouring medicated oil (dhara) on the crucial points on forehead as prescribed by the Vedas. It provides cooling refreshment to your head recommended for stress, anxiety and sleeplessness.

Njavara Kizhi

Njavara(Special type of rice with high medical value) is cooked with herbal decoction and milk. It is made up in to boluses and tied up in cotton bags A massage with medicated oil and then with these boluses helps the body to foment, rejuvenates and tones up weak muscles. Effective in spine related problems, arthritis, stroke and muscle weakness.

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Misconceptions about Ayurveda

A large number of people believe Ayurvedic treatment simply means body massage, with the aid of medicated oils. To banish this common misconception, ayurvedic treatment cannot be restricted to only massage. Massage is merely one of the numerous treatment methods. Ayurvedic treatments can vary from case to case, according to the requirements of the patient. Even the duration of the treatments can range from 7 to 14 or 21 or even more days, with the treatments also differing drastically. Ayurvedic remedies and treatments can also cure most of the chronic ailments like paralysis, arthritis or back pain. The duration of the treatment may vary depending on the complexity and chronic nature of the disease.

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Process of Treatment

After the course of the treatment is over, Ayurveda imperatively orders a period of rest, the duration of which is almost as long as that of the treatment. This is in order to provide the body time to adapt to the changes in its constitution and to revert back to its regular functioning. The ayurvedic vaidyan or practitioner prescribes numerous dietary restrictions which have to be strictly followed during the course of the treatment and the subsequent resting period. Ayurvedic treatments, especially rejuvenation, are readily available in numerous hotels and resorts in Kerala. There are also a number of hospitals and rational Ayurvedic Vaidya families which offer similar treatments throughout Kerala.

Benefits of Ayurvedic Medicine

Ayurvedic medicine is particularly effective for metabolic, stress related, and chronic conditions. Treatments are also very helpful in relieving the effects of surgery and debilitating treatments such as chemotherapy. Other popular uses of Ayurveda are for general rejuvenation and beauty care.

How to Plan Your Treatment

For the treatment of chronic diseases or any other serious health problems, you can get into touch with ayurvedic practitioners dealing in these specific ailments. Before planning your trip, you can contact the physician via email and share your medical history and details. Such records will enable him to identify your problems easily.

After obtaining the sufficient information, the physician will provide you with information to formulate a comprehensive healthcare and treatment plan for your visit including the treatment methods, number of days, resting period and diet regime. After you reach Kerala, doctor can fine-tune the course of treatment prescribed by him after a through personal examination of the patient.

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Best Time to Receive Ayurvedic Treatment in India

The rainy season, during the monsoon from June to September, is an ideal time for ayurvedic treatment because the atmosphere remains cool, moist, and dust free. This helps the body’s pores to open up, making it most receptive to herbal oils and therapy.

Where is Ayurvedic Treatment Available in India?

Most places that offer Ayurvedic treatment are located in the southern state of Kerala, due to the climate and abundant supply of medicinal plants and herbs there. You’ll also find quite a few Ayurvedic centers in Goa and Karnataka.

The increasing number of Ayurvedic resorts and Ayurvedic massage centers stand testimony to their popularity as well as business potential. Kerala Tourism Department has taken necessary measures to safeguard consumers from falling prey to unauthentic practices and practitioners. Any recognized Ayurvedic center in Kerala should have one of the following certifications:

• Olive Leaf Certification
• Green Leaf Certification

See the Criteria for the Certification