Ayurveda in Kerala

Ayurveda is not just about good physical health. It is a therapy that promises holistic wellness. The natural herbs and oils used in the therapy are of great medicinal value as is said in the Vedic literature on Ayurveda. The history of Ayurveda which can be traced back to the Vedic Ages clearly lays out instructions to maintain health as well as fighting illnesses through therapies such as massages, herbal medicines, diet control and exercise.

Elimination of toxic elements from the body is the primary function of this curing remedy. The system gets purified when the poisonous elements are removed from the body. As a result, the chances of falling ill are largely zeroed down which makes one feel tension-free. It rejuvenates the mind, body and soul.

Charaka Samhitha (Treatise on Medicine), Susrutha Samhitha (Treatise on Surgery) and Ashtanga Samgraha (Treatise on the basic principles) are the three major treatises in Ayurveda. These treatises tell us that every individual has a unique constitution. Every organ or system has an energy related to it and there has to be equilibrium between them. The balance generally gets affected when we fall ill. The objective of Ayurveda is to reestablish this equilibrium in order to maintain good health.

Kerala has a number of Ayurveda treatment centres which offer various packages. From treatments like uzhichil and pizhichil to curing illnesses like arthritis to beauty massages for the skin and hair; there is no place better than Kerala to seek the benefits of Ayurveda. Kerala has a number of natural herbs such as Aswagandha, Amalki, Katphal, Brahmi, Bharangi, Yashtimadhu, Shankhupusham to name a few. Turmeric, Cinnamon, Keezharnelli (Phylantus Amarus), Kilukillapa (Crotalaria Retusa Linn), Koduveli (Plumbago Zeylanica Linn) and many more herbs with medicinal values are found in Kerala.

The rainy season, from June to September, is the ideal time for Ayurvedic treatments because the atmosphere remains cool, moist, and dust free. This opens up the body’s pores, making it receptive to herbal oils and therapy. The places offering the best packages in Ayurveda in Kerala are : Somatheeram Ayruveda Resort near Kovalam, Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Shala which is a hospital, Beach and Lake Ayurveda Resort and Surya Samudra Spa Niraamaya at Tivandrum, Keralyeem Ayurvedic resort near Allepey and Ayurkshethra at Kumarakom.

Some important and illustrious ayurvedic treatments are- 

Rasayana Treatment- This is a renowned part of Ayurveda which uses the use of metals and spices. Rasaya treatment is the science of rejuvenation and longevity. The rasayana therapy increases the life force (ojas) and helps in the cell and tissues regeneration. You can't stop old age, but you can surely keep old age at bay. Rasayana Ayurveda was the age-old secret of the Indian sages who lived for many ages withot being affected by illness and palsy. Originally Rasayana means increase of the Rasa- the essential fluid that is secreted after digestion. Rasayana assists in maintaining this Rasa. Rasayans is prepared from the herbs of great medicinal value- amalaki, ashwagandha, bhringaraja, chitraka, haritiki, punarnava and triphala. The vitality of the body is increased through Rasayana.

Shodana Chikitsa is done when toxin accumulation in the body increases and the body loses its ability excrete these wastes.

Shodhana Chikitsa is actually a body purification process which exterminates these toxins and reinstates the Tridhoshas- Vatha, Pitha and kapha to a balanced status with the help of Panchakarma, Snehakarma and Swedanakarma methods of treatments.

The 15-day course of treatment includes massage of the body with oil, Snehapanam, Virechanam (medicated aperient), Snehavasti, Nasyam, Pizhichil, Dhara, Njavarakizhi, Tharpanam, Karnapooranam, Sirovasthi, steam bath. Herbal medicines are consumed internally. The poisonous substances are driven out from the body with the help of Panchakarma method of Ayurveda.

Panchakarma Chikitsa - This term means five actions in Sanskrit, Pancha meaning five and Karma meaning action. It is referred to as five stages of healing and is used as a procedure to excrete waste. It involves five purifying procedures that are an essential part of Shodana Chikitsa or treatment. They are-Vaman (Induced Emesis), Virechan (Induced Purgation),Basti (Medicated Enemas),Nasya (Nasal Cleaning ) and Raktamokshan (Blood purification). Basti heals the neurological and obesity problems, Virechan purify the vascular system and skin ailments, Vaman cures asthma and allergy and Nasya checks migrane, cervical spondilosis and facial paralysis.

The treatment of Pancha Karma is preceded by two processes known as Snehan (Oleation) and Swedan (Fomentation) that drive away toxins.

Ayurveda hotels are offered in thousands of hotels, beaches and massage parlours across Kerala.

List of some Ayurveda Centres in Kerala                                                                  

Alappuzha
Medical College Hospital, Vandanam, Tel: 091 - 477 - 2272367
Edison's Siddha Vaidyasala, Pazhavangady Church Road ,Nature Cure Centre, Arattuvazhy,Opp.Sakthi Auditorium, Tel: 091 - 477 - 2241468
Keraleeyam Heritage Home and Ayurvedi Resort, Thathampally, Tel: 091 - 477 - 2241468
Srnjeevini Ayurveda Health Care Center, Alappuzha

Ernakulam
Nagarjuna Ayurveda Resort,
Thannipuzha Okkal P.O, Kaladi, Tel: 091 - 484 - 2483350, 2463350
Fax: 091 - 0484 - 2395851, E-mail: nagarjuna@giasmd01.vsnl.net.in
Ayurveda Hospital, Kacheripady, Ernakulam
Kerala Ayurvedic Pharmacy, Alwaye

Idukki
Surya Ayurvedic Health Resorts, Chithirapuram, Munnar, Tel: 091 - 486 - 2563204
Sahyadri Ayurvedic Hospital, Peermed

Kannur
Sree Sadan Ayurveda Oushadhasala, Haji Road, Tel: 091 - 497 - 2703496
Dhanwanthari Ayurvedic Supplies, Stadium Complex, Tel: 091 - 497 - 2700268
M K Ummerkoya Memorial Hospital Complex, Parassinikadavu Tel: 091 - 497 - 2780250

Kozhikode
CVN Kalari, Nadakkaw, Tel: 091 - 495 - 2768214
Kappad Ayurvedic Beach Resort, Tel: 091 - 495 - 2683760
Primebody Health Club, Nadakkaw, Tel: 091 - 495 - 2767454

Malappuram
Arya Vaidyasala Kottakal, Tel: 091 - 483 - 2742216
Govt. Ayurveda Hospital, Ponkudi Mana, Manjeri Road

Thrissur
Surya Ayurvedics Ltd , Mr. K.P Balakrishnan, Surya Ayurvedics Ltd, Kanjany, Thrissur, Tel: 091 - 0487 - 2333635, Fax: 091 - 0487 - 2331347
Sreedhari Ayurvedic Health Resort *, Mr.Vasudevan Namboothiri, Managing Partner

Trivandrum
Ideal Ayurvedic Centre *, Mr.J.Christudas, Chowara Beach, Balaramapuram Trivandrum - 695 501, Kerala,
Tel/Fax: 091 - 471 - 2482496, 2481632
Email: idealresort@eth.net , Website: www.idealayurvedicresort.com
Somatheeram Ayurvedic Beach Resort , Mr.Baby Mathew, Chowara P.O
South Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram 695 501, Tel/Fax: 091 - 471 - 2481 600,
Website: www.somatheeram.com
Gopals Ayurvedic Beach Resort, Ms.S. Bindumol, Main Beach Kovalam
Thiruvananthapuram - 695 527, Tel: 091 - 0471 - 2480 833,

Kottayam
Chempakasseril Ayurveda Hospital, Palai, Kottayam
Arya Holistic Health Projects, Kottayam
Sree Sankara Ayurveda Vaidyasala and Gardens, Perunnai, Changanacherry

Kollam
Susrutha Ayurvedic Research Centre, Karunagappally, Tel: 091 - 474 - 2621230
Nedumpunth Pharmacy center, Kollam
Aquaserence Ayurvedic Resort, Kollam

Palakkad
Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort *, Mr.K.V. Ramesh, Olassery Post, Kodumbu
Palakkad - 678 551, Tel: 091 - 492 - 2322553, Fax: 091 - 492 - 2322732
E-Mail: kairalipgt@md3.vsnl.net.in
Santhigiri Health Care Centre *, Mr.Jayakrishnan, Coordinator
Olasseri Post, Palakkad - 678 551, Tel: 091 - 491 - 2523 874