
Most
of India's ancient wisdom and heritage might have been lost due to utter
neglect, but Kerala can boost of not only preserving the ancient medicinal
system of Ayurveda, but even converting the same into a lucrative industry
having the potential of curing a myriad of diseases. Developing way back in
600 BC in our own wondrous land, Ayurveda stresses on maintaining the right
balance of the body's elements-vata, pitta and kapha to keep diseases at
bay. Ayurveda believes in treating the body as a whole, not any individual
part separately. Kerala can be regarded as the only state in India which
practises this system full fledgedly and with great dedication. What makes
Kerala a hub of Ayurveda is the abundance of herbs and medicinal plants
found in the region. Coupled with that is Kerala's rainy weather and nice
climate. The monsoon season(June-November) attracts the most number of
people for seeking ayurvedic relief. Kerala's ayurvedic treatment can be
divided into two broad categories-rejuvenating and therapeutic.
Rejuvenative Ayurveda
One of the forms is rejuvenative massage. It includes massage with
medicated oils and creams on the face and head and also steam bath. Body
Immunisation And Longevity Treatment is done to retard the ageing process.
Body Sudation is another treatment done to rid the body of rheumatic pains
and tone up body muscles.
Yogasanas, meditation, panchakarama treatment, beauty care and body
slimming are other rejuvenative forms of treatment that are available.
Therapeutic Ayurveda
Here, the treatment takes place for various body diseases including chronic
ones. The treatment differs from disease to disease. The treatment is done
basically with medicated oils, creams and water.
Centres offering ayurvedic treatment have flourished all over the state.
Apart from domestic tourists, foreigners come in large numbers to avail the
treatment. The pricing varies from treatment to treatment and depending on
the infrastructure and facilities offered at the centres.