Ayurveda in India and Kerala

Ayurveda in India and Kerala

The term 'ayurveda' literally breaks up to mean the knowledge (veda) of life (ayu). It is a comprehensive system of medicine that believes in preventing body ailments along with curing them. It also aims at treating the entire body as distinguished from the modern system where stress is laid only on curing the affected part.

Though the origin of Ayurveda is wrapped in mystery, yet if you believe legends, then ayurveda was the creation of Lord Brahma himself. Ayurveda finds mention in the ancient vedas and he was the one who created the four vedas - Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharva Veda. Legends apart, the fact is that ayurveda has, since ages, managed to establish its credence despite the growth and development of modern treatment.

In India, Kerala is the only place where ayurveda is practised in the same previous way. The ayurvedic doctors here, unlike the rest of India, are fairly well aware of the Sanskrit language. This enables them to understand the ancient system of treatment much better than others (since the early ayurvedic books were written in Sanskrit). Moreover, the salubrious climate of Kerala and abundance of herbs and medicinal plants add to the effective treatment.

Today, the popularity of ayurvedic treatment has gained such popularity that tourists from far off come to Kerala just to cure their disease. Some even have an ayurvedic treatment for pleasure - sukh chikitsa - endorsing the very basic of ayurvedic principles.

Ayurvedic Treatment Programmes in Kerala
Abhyangam

This oil massage treatment aims at having a positive impact on problems of Obesity, particularly for Diabetic Gangrene. The massage is carried out for 45 minutes every day and continues upto 14 days.

Dhanyamla Dhara

This treatment is considered extremely helpful in curing diseases like Spondylosis, Rheumatism, Spinal Disorders, Osteoarthritis, Paralysis, Neurological Disorders, Disc Problems, Hemiplegia, Back Pain, Asthma and Arthritis. In this a herbal liquid is poured all over the body by means of a special vessel. The treatment continues for 14 days and takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Dhara

The treatment is meant to cure problems like Insomnia, Vatha predominated diseases, Mental tension and certain Skin diseases. The treatment includes pouring of some herbal oil, medicated milk, medicated butter milk on the forehead in a special method for around 45 minutes. The treatment is carried out for a duration that ranges between 7 to 21 days.

Kativasthi

In this, a specially prepared warm medicated oil is placed over the body parts and is bordered with herbal paste. The treatment continues for 45 - 60 minutes. It is useful for problems like Spondylosis, Arthritis, Back Pain and Disc Problem.

Kizhi

Kizhi provides relief from osteoarthritis, arthritis with swelling, spondilosis, sports injuries etc. The treatment basically includes application of herbal leaves and powders (that are made into pouches and immersed in warm medicated oil) all over the body for 45 - 60 minutes per day. The process continues for 14 days.

Ksheeradhoomam

This milk steam treatment combines herbal medicinal decoction and milk which together is heated. The steam emanating from this is passed over the affected part. The treatment is particularly utilized to cure problems like Numbness, Paralysis, Neurological Disorders, Headaches, Facial Palsy and Allergic Rhinitis.

Lepanam

The treatment is used to cure inflammatory problems. In this medicated herbal paste is applied on the affected portion of the body.

Nasyam

This cures Paralysis, Neurological Disorders, Migraine, Mental Tension, Headaches, Hair Greying - Premature, Hair And Scalp., Facial Palsy, ENT Problems, Allergic Rhinitis and Skin Diseases (some Types). The treatment includes application of herbal juices and medicated oil through nose for a period of 1 to 7 days.

Njavarakizhi

The treatment include the massage of the whole body or a specific part of the body which results in that part perspiring. The massage is done by two masseurs for a period of about 60 to 90 minutes per session. Disease which have been found to be positively affected by this treatment include Neurological Disorders, Muscular Diseases (Atrophy), Muscle Pain, Multiple Sclerosis, Limbs - Emaciation Of, Inflammatory Conditions, Hemiplegia, Disc Problems, Diabetic Neuropathy, Back Pain and Arthritis.

Pizhichi

The treatment continued for 7 - 21 days cures problems like Arthritis, Paralysis, Hemiplegia, Paralysis-Agitanus, Sexual Weakness, Nervous Weakness and Nervous disorders etc. In this lukeworm oil is applied all over the body in a rhythmic pattern by two to four trained therapists.

Sirovasthi

This treatment is found to cure problems like Facial Paralysis, Dryness of nostrils, mouth and throat, Severe headaches, and other Vatha originated diseases. The treatment has a cap fitted on the patients' forehead in which lukewarm herbal oils are poured. The treatment takes time depending upon the condition of the patient.

Snehapanam

The word literally translates into oral intake of medicated oils or ghee preparations. The quantity of the intake is gradually increased during the course of treatment. The treatment is useful to cure Osteoathritis, Psoriasis, Leukaemia etc.

Thalam

Medicated oil is applied on the top of the head for 20 - 40 minutes that proves useful in curing diseases like Headaches, Hair Greying - Premature, Anxiety, Insomnia and Memory Loss.

Udvarthanam

The treatment is useful in curing problems like Hemitplegia, Paralysis, Obesity and certain Rheumatic ailments. Special herbal powder are applied on body during massage for 45 to 60 minutes

Urovasthi

As in Kativasthi, warm medicated oil is placed over the chest for 45 minutes which proves beneficent in treating Ankylosing Spondylitis, Arthritis, Muscular Chest Pain, Rheumatism and Sports Injuries.

Vasthi

In this certain herbal oils and herbal extracts are applied through the rectum every day. This process continues for a period of 5 to 25 days and proves effective in curing Arthritis, Paralysis, Hemiplegia, Numbness, Bastric complaints associated with Rheumatism and constant constipation

Yoni Prakshalanam

This treatment entails application of herbal oils and decoctions through the vaginal route. It helps in curing gynecological disorders.

Ayurveda Centres in Kerala
Trivandrum,

Kottayam,

Kochi,

Kollam,

Ernakulam,

Idukki,

Alappuzha,

Munnar,

Kumily,

Kumarakom,

Thrissur,

Kovalam,

Varkala,

Kottakkal,

Kappad are some of the places, where you will find numerous centres of Ayurvedic treatment