Ayurveda – Kerala Ayurvedic Medical Tourism
Indian System of Herbal Medicine
‘Ayurveda‘ (Science of Life and Longevity) is the Indian System of Herbal and nature cure, for promoting health, natural beauty and long life. This indigenous system is rooted in antiquity and is based on certain universal principles.
Indian medicine had its origin in prehistoric or pre-Vedic medicine, dating from about 2700 to 1500 B.C. The earliest mention about these medical practices are found in the ‘Vedas‘ written around the 2nd millennium BC. The earliest Sanskrit treaties on Ayurveda were the Samhithas of the great ancient physician like Charaka, Susrutha, Vagbhada, Bhela etc. which date from around the Christian era.
Another tradition associated with Buddhism developed in Kerala and SriLanka. It is based on treaties written by Vagbhada. They are ‘Ashtanga – Hrudayam‘ and ‘Ashtanga – Samgraha‘. As this ayurvedic physician was a Buddhist, he traveled to SriLanka as well as Kerala, since before the immigration of Aryan Brahmins into Kerala. Kerala was following Buddhism and Jainism. So, the system of medicine practiced in Kerala and SriLanka are largely based on Vagbhada’s treaties, while the north Indian system of Ayurvedic medicine is based on the treaties written by Charaka and Susrutha. That is what makes the Kerala ayurvedic system different from the north Indian system. Another factor which makes the Kerala system superior is the lush, luxuriant, tropical vegetation of Kerala sustained by the monsoon rains and summer rains. There are many herbs growing in Kerala’s soil that have medicinal properties. No other state in India has such a wide variety of vegetation.
The 8-fold Path of Ayurveda
Vagbadacharya’s (5th century) two treaties are medical digests edited by him. ‘Ashtanga Hrudayam‘ is an abridged version of ‘Ashtaanga Samgraham‘, and is the only authentic medical treatise to have survived. There are 738 four line verses called ‘slokas‘ in the abridgment, which are learned by heart by aspiring Ayurvedic physicians in Kerala. Remember it is the composition by the Buddhist Vagbhadacharya, and not by Charaka or Susrutha, whose ‘Samhithas‘ are followed in north India.
So, Kerala’s ayurvedic treatments are based on the ‘Ashtaanga chikitsas‘-i.e the 8- fold system of treatments, which together deal with every function of the human body. (‘Asht‘ in Sanskrit means ‘8‘).So Kerala’s Ayurvedic system is divided into 8 specialized branches called ‘Ashtangas‘ (8-branched). These deal with prevention and cure of various diseases.
Although Vagbada’s prescriptions form the backbone of Kerala’s version of ayurveda, all available medical texts dealing with health and cure are also taught and learned in Kerala’s Ayurvedic Medical Colleges. The first Ayurveda College in India was founded in Kerala’s capital city Thiruvananthapuram one and a half centuries ago. Now there are several Ayurvedic Medical Colleges in Kerala, in the government sector and private sector. The adverse side-effects of allopathy has contributed to the popularity of Ayurveda as an alternative, along with homeopathy, nature cure, Unani etc. Health Tourism has given a boost to the Indian indigenous system.
Features of Ayurvedic System
Different from Allopathy and Homeopathy, the ancient indigenous Indian system of medicine called ‘Ayurveda‘, i.e. The Science of Life & Living‘ have certain distinguishing characteristics as described below:
Ayurvedic treatments are person-specific. The age of the patient, the climate in which he lives, his cultural and social surroundings and his body constitution, are all taken into consideration (or should be taken into consideration) for diagnosis and prognosis. That is it is a holistic (wholistic) medical system.
Touch, inspection and interrogation of the patient and close relatives are the chief tools for diagnosis. Thus in Ayurveda, the diagnosis is more subjective.
Ideally the examination of the patient must be comprehensive to understand the psychological and social / family factors also. Thus subjectivity of diagnosis is another characteristic.
Ayurvedic treatment is carried out through the internal and external use of herbal medicines / remedies in a coordinated and integrated manner.
Herbs are used to eliminate excesses and to strengthen deficiencies.
Diet is of great importance in ayurveda. The regimen of diet/food intake is emphasized, while using appropriate drugs. Diet has a nutritive impact on a weakened body and stimulates particular organic functions.
Thus through adjustment of diet or food consumption alone, ayurveda claims to solve many health problems. This approach has proven effective in India over the centuries as the more than one billion strong population testify. Ayurveda’s healing regimens have been constantly refined and perfected an, in step with modern scientific knowledge about diseases and disorders, germs and toxics.
Thus through adjustment of diet or food consumption alone, ayurveda claims to solve many health problems. This approach has proven effective in India over the centuries as the more than one billion strong population testify. Ayurveda’s healing regimens have been constantly refined and perfected an, in step with modern scientific knowledge about diseases and disorders, germs and toxics.
Beauty Creation and Rejuvenation Therapies In Ayurvedic Medicine
In Ayurveda, health promotion, beauty management and healing rely on freeing the body of toxic substances, resulting from food and drinks consumed, restoring sound cellular nutrition, facilitating complete elimination and re-establishing the balance of the doshas.
This is achieved gradually by following an appropriate diet and life-style.
Body cleansing and balancing of the elements (harmonization) is accomplished by using Ayurveda’s traditional rejuvenation therapy, commonly known as “Pancha Karma” (Five Treatments). It is the rejuvenation therapy, used in Ayurveda, for detoxification and nutrification or renutrifying of the body.
The 5 treatments rejuvenate the whole body, bringing youthfulness and strength to the body and calm openness to the mind.
The combination of “oleation massage“, “full body steam bath” and “perspiration“, “flour scrub” etc. beautify the skin making it soft, smooth and well-toned.
Pancha-Karma’s specific cleansing therapies and rejuvenative tonics work on the internal body; they strengthen the foundations of outer beauty and promote strength of character.
Ayurvedic rejuvenation therapy can be used as a programme to improve good health, enhance natural good looks or initiate the cure of a disorder. Traditionally used as a preventive therapy at the change of seasons, winter to spring at the change of seasons, winter to spring and summer to fall, the aim is to cleanse the body not only of waste materials that may have accumulated in the body, but also excesses in subtle energies or “doshas“, thereby promoting the health and longevity (span of life) and balanced beauty through changing climatic conditions.
Ayurvedic Rejuvenation
Kerala is also the land of Ayurvedic medical system, with a tradition of two or three millennia. A large number of physicians belonging to this indigenous system have been practicing and further improving it over the centuries. Every town and village in Kerala had several experts in this line of healthcare. As an alternative medical system with few side-effects, this predominantly herbal medicine is still very popular here. Ayurveda has been always part and parcel of the life Keralites, at least for the majority of them.
Ayurveda is an all season’s healthcare system and its therapies are relevant throughout the year. Ayurveda divides the year into two periods. ‘Aadana-kaalam‘ is the period during which body gains energy and ‘Visarga – kaalam‘ is the period when body loses its energy.
The pre-monsoon period is considered the most dangerous as it follows summer, when the energy gaining period ends. Monsoon period in Kerala was regarded as a period when body loses energy due to the peculiarities of the climate. Heavy rains and cold weather during June and July used to adversely affect the health of the people. Rains disrupted livelihood activities in a predominantly agrarian economy as working outdoors was difficult, if not impossible for the majority of the population. Most of them were forced to set idle at home due to rains. So this period was one of woes. Heavy rains and chilly winds affected the body, causing various kinds of illness in people.
Bad weather, idleness, unsuitable food and drinks etc. reduced immunity of the body. It made human body an easy prey to germs. Illness is likely in such a condition. So Ayurveda insists on preventive and protective measures during monsoon and people of Kerala traditionally underwent preventive therapy treatments, even if they were healthy. The monsoon season has been regarded to be the most suitable period for Ayurvedic rejuvenation. Ancient texts recommend the monsoon to be the best season for Ayurvedic regimens. The atmosphere remains dust-free and cool opening the pores of the body making it most receptive to herbal oils and therapy.
7 Most Common Therapies in the Rejuvenation Package .
Ayurvedic rejuvenation and therapeutic programmes are offered by approved Ayurveda centres, Ayurvedic health resorts and hotels that offer Ayurvedic facilities.
The first step in the rejuvenation therapy is cleansing the body by getting rid of toxins accumulated due to unsuitable lifestyle. Body is cleaned by using purgatives.
- Abyanga
(General massage therapy)
This total-body massage tones up the skin and strengthens the tissues. Herbal oils are applied on the body. Massage will help to keep the warmth of the medicated application till bath. Massage is always done downwards and very gently. - Elakkizhii
(Paatra- Swedam) Massage with Poultices
Herbal poultices prepared with medicinal herbs and medicated powder dipped in warm medicated oils is applied on the body and the entire body is massaged. This increases perspiration and promotes circulation of blood. This treatment helps the elimination of wastes and toxins and revitalization of the skin. Skin tone will improve as a result. - Njavarakkizhi
(Bolus Pack application for Perspiration)
The aim of this treatment is to make the body perspire. For this medicated rice (njavara) is packed in the form of boluses tied in muslin bags and is applied on the body after the application of medicated oil. - Pizhichal
(Oil application)
Fresh linen dipped in medicated oil is squeezed over the body while masseurs gently sub the oil all over. - Udhwardhanam
(Herbal massage)
In this treatment the entire body is massaged with herbal powders. - Dhara
(Stream of Oils)
In this treatment, herbal oils or medicated milk or butter milk and decoctions are poured slowly and gently in a continuous stream on the forehead or entire body in a special manner with the person lying supine with neck and head in comfortable positions. This is an effective therapy for headache, insomnia mental tension and stress.
Nasyam (Inhalation)
This treatment is for elimination of morbid factors from head and neck area by inhalation of medicated herbal preparations, decoctions, oils etc. Massaging from the shoulders upward also is performed.
Ayurveda (i.e. the Science of Long Life) is based on the principle that prevention is better than cure. So it is more than a system of treatments for ill health and is a way of life.
KERALA’S Lush Vegetation & Ayurveda
‘Ayurveda‘, the traditional indigenous medical system of India based largely on herbal remedies, flourished in Kerala so well also on account of the luxuriant vegetation in ‘God’s own land‘. This includes a large number of herbs of different species, having ingredients capable of curing diseases, providing immunity or promoting health.
The dense evergreen forests of Kerala, regularly irrigated by the monsoon and summer rains have been fertile environment for the lush growth of all sorts of tropical plants. Besides the herbs prescribed in the ancient Ayurvedic texts of 200 years ago, the Kerala practitioners of this herbal medicine (called ‘Vaid‘ ‘Vaidya‘, ‘vaidyam‘ etc. in India ) have been adding and refining treatments and remedies throughout the centuries through their own research and development efforts. Experiments in the preparations of herbal concoctions refined the ancient prescriptions. It was the plentiful availability of medicinal plants of a hundred species or so that enabled Kerala to become the No.1 state in India, in terms of Ayurvedic treatment facilities and manufacturing of herbal remedies.
Even the massive Himalayan mountain range does not have so many species of herbs as found in Kerala. The tropical climate and environment of Kerala is particularly suitable for certain species of medicinal plants. This biodiversity allowed Ayurveda to flourish in Kerala in the past centuries.
Recently, Chief Minister of a Himalayan state Utharanchal has urged the Kerala Government owned ‘Oushadhi‘ to launch new ayurvedic products based on ancient texts, since demands for Ayurvedic medicines is rising in north India. [The Utharanchal chief minister asked this while inaugurating a pavilion set up by the Kerala government owned ‘Oushadi’ Ayurvedic Pharmaceuticals and the exhibition organized by the Union Government in Dehradun in the Himalayas.]
Medical herbs of several species cannot grow in the cool environment of northern mountains lying in temperate climatic zone. Kerala’s tropical climate with heavy rainfall and moisture humidity is very conducive for the lush growth of diverse vegetation.
Amidst such bio-diversity, plants with peculiar scent or flavor came to be used for cooking and remedies through trial and error way. The large number of Aryan families specializing in healthcare and medical treatments in Kerala sustained Ayurveda through the past centuries after the immigration of the Aryans from north India. The ancient pioneers in this medical system were familiar with the herbs of north India, viz. those in the Indus river valley and the northern planes, as well as those in the Himalayan Mountains.
The Western Ghats forests of Kerala have several more medicinal herbs than elsewhere in India and in the world.
A Note Of Caution
With the 300 year old science of Ayurveda becoming one of Kerala’s attractions a crop of ayurvedic resorts, clinics, massage parlors, centres, spas etc have mushroomed all over Kerala. “Get –rich-quick quacks” also have become busy to cash in on the ayurvedic boom and have set up spurious centres. So it is important to select only authentic, genuine reliable establishments which are well known in Kerala. Those run by qualified physicians only must be approached. Several reputed hotels have their won ayurvedic centres. But real Ayurveda is much more than high- priced oil massages and sex enhancing solutions. It is a science that prescribes dos and don’ts for a healthy long life. It is not a quick fix solution. It does not offer instantaneous miraculous cures for physical and mental problems. One distinguishing characteristic of Ayurveda is that it looks at patients in their total psycho -somatic condition not only body disorders, but also their psychological, social, spiritual problems too which also have psycho –somatic effects. Successful treatment involves a thorough consultation with qualified doctors.
Ayurvedic Education Now
Because of the growing popularity of Ayurveda as an alternate system of medicine, the Government of Kerala, as well as private agencies has started several Ayurvedic Colleges in Kerala. Formal teaching and training of Ayurvedic principles and treatments had begun in Kerala much earlier. Kerala system of Ayurvedic treatments had developed in its own lines, through a large number of practicing physicians called ‘Vaidyans‘ and through royal patronage. Some families traditionally practiced this system over centuries and refined their remedies and therapies. There were 8 such famous families of Ayurvedic physicians in the state, who kept the “science of life” alive and relevant over time.
More than a century ago an Ayurvedic school was started at Trivandrum by the maharaja of Travancore, mainly for teaching Ayurveda to the members of the royal family. Later it was taken over by the state. In 1928 this school was upgraded as a college, 5 years of study was required to complete the course and to become qualified for treating patients. That college is the present ‘Govt. Ayurveda College‘ in Trivandrum.
Another Ayurveda College was started at Tripunithara in one of the buildings belonging to the Cochin royal family.
The famous Kottackal Arya Vaidya Sala also started a college in southern Malabar at their facilities.
Yet another Ayurveda college was started at Ollur.
Recently a few more were opened. They are ‘Nangelil Ayurveda College‘,’‘Shantigiri Sidha Medical College‘, ‘Pankaja kasthoori Ayurveda College at Palakkad ‘, ‘Parassinikadavu Ayurvedic Medical College‘ in Kannur district and “Vishnu Ayurveda College Shornur‘.
Seeing the increasing popularity of Ayurveda Kerala Government started a ‘Department of Ayurveda Medical Education‘ in 2000 for bringing about effective management in Ayurvedic medical education. It aims at supplying enough qualified professionals to cater to the growing demand for them and also to drive out quacks and fakes from the field.
The teaching in these colleges has been spruced up. The undergraduate programme BAMS Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medical Science also called ‘Ayurvedacharya‘, is a 4 year course plus one year internship.
Post graduate course M.D (Ay) also called ‘Ayurveda-Vachaspathi‘, is a 3 year course.
There are also courses for nurses, masseurs and pharmacists in the indigenous system.
With such a set up, the number of qualified Ayurvedic physicians, nurses, masseurs and pharmacists is steadily increasing in Kerala.
Besides the above mentioned facilities in Kerala, there are several other Ayurvedic colleges in India where many Keralites go for training. A few are the following:
- Ayurvedic University Gujarat.
- Rashtriya Ayurvedic Vidya peed Dhanwanthari Bhavan No.66 West Punjab Bagh,New Delhi-26.
- National Institute of Ayurveda Madhav Palace, Ameer Road, Jaipur -2.
Faculty of Ayurveda, Banares Hindu University Varanasi.