Ayurveda
or the science of medicine evolved around 600 BC in India. This science was
first described by Charaka, a great scholar of ancient India in his book
Charaka Samhita. The word Ayurveda is derived from two Sanskrit words 'Ayu'
means life and 'Veda' means knowledge. So as a whole Ayurveda is the science
that provides information and knowledge about the life.
Ayurveda is a completely separate part of medicine, which emphasizes on the
prevention of body ailments with an aim to curing them. It uses a total
natural methodology to maintain a right balance of your body's humors -
vata, pitta & kapha. It not only treats the affected part but the body
as a whole. The whole method of inquiry regarding the health and treatment
of diseases is based on medicinal property of herbs and some common
practices and techniques.
Kerala, with a salubrious climate, dense forest with a variety of
herbs and medicinal plants and a cool summer are best suited for ayurvedic
treatment. Ayurveda is practiced in Kerala from the very ancient time with
complete dedication. There are several types of rejuvenation programmes
arranged in several health centres and ayurvedic resorts. The monsoon season
is the best time to visit the resorts of Kerala. The ayurveda centres
conduct fitness programmes and body massages with herbal preparations.
Rejuvenative Programmes :
»
Rejuvenation Therapy - Known as the Rasayana Chikitsa, it is used to
rejuvenate and strengthen the tissues and thereby increases the resistance
of the body. This includes body massage with herbal oil by hand and foot,
medicated steam bath and herbal bath.
» Body Immunisation & Longevity Treatment - It
is known as the Kayakalpa Chikitsa and consists of the intake of ayurvedic
medicine and diet to degenerate the body cells and immunise the system.
» Body Slimming - Body massage by medicated herbal
oil & powder, an ayurvedic diet of herbal juice are part of this
programme.
» Beauty Care - To improve complexion and beauty of
body herbal face pack and herbal oil massage are used.
» Mental & physical well being - Various
physical exercises and meditation are held to maintain a balance between
body, mind and soul. Disciplined behavior, bodily posture, self
purification, breathing control, control of senses, meditation are some of
important features of this programmes.
» Over all treatment - Its a five-fold treatment
programme known as Panchakarma Chikitsa which tunes the body, mind, organs,
nerves and purifies the blood.
