Kerala & Ayurveda

Kerala is commonly known as the Ayurveda paradise, drawing over 4 million visitors annually for Ayurvedic treatments. The state attracts more tourists than any other in India, with a growth rate of around twenty percent for Ayurveda package seekers visiting Kerala.

 

Kerala's abundant natural resources, including forests, mountains, and favourable climate for growing herbs and medicinal plants, make it an ideal destination for those seeking rejuvenation or medical treatment. The state boasts numerous well-known yoga retreats and Ayurvedic massage centers, offering a wide range of options to visitors. Kerala is a global leader in Ayurvedic treatments, catering to individuals seeking affordable as well as high-end health and wellness solutions.

 

Ayurveda originated approximately 5000 years ago and is believed to have been derived from the wisdom of Lord Brahma, the creator of the Universe. Lord Brahma passed this knowledge to Daksha Prajapati, who then shared it with the Ashwini Kumaras, the twin Divine Physicians of Hindu Mythology. Indra, the King of Gods, learned Ayurveda from the Ashwini Kumaras and dedicated himself to sharing this medical wisdom with humanity. Great sages, upon witnessing the suffering of humans from various illnesses, sought a solution through deep meditation. They sought guidance from Lord Indra, with sage Bharadwaja appointed to obtain the ultimate knowledge of Ayurveda from him. Bharadwaja then educated his disciples on the principles and essence of Ayurveda, leading them to write treatises for the benefit of mankind. It provides a variety of traditional therapies and authentic medicines aimed at promoting well-being for the body, mind, and spirit. These therapies and medicines serve both curative purposes and contribute to enhancing overall health, establishing Ayurveda as a comprehensive rejuvenation practice. Additionally, Ayurveda encompasses knowledge of lifestyle practices tailored to different seasons, aiding in disease prevention and the maintenance of wellness. The dissemination of Ayurvedic knowledge accelerated with the creation of these documented treatises, establishing Ayurveda as a prominent medical system.

Ayurveda became popular as a medical system during the Vedic era. The Atharva Veda, which is the fourth among the Vedic texts, contains numerous medical references, and Ayurveda is regarded as an Upaveda of the Atharva Veda. The period from 800 B.C to A.D. 1000 marked the peak of Ayurveda's prosperity with the introduction of Samhitas. The Charaka Samhita, the Susruta Samhita, and the Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita, known as the 'Brihatrayees,' were composed during this flourishing period and remain the definitive reference guides for the Ayurvedic community. Subsequently, the 'Laghutrayees' - the Madhava Nidana, the Sarngadhara Samhita, and the Bhava Prakasha, emerged as important references that offered a simpler and comprehensive approach to understanding and practicing Ayurveda.

Ayurveda goes beyond mere medical treatment for illnesses; it is a lifestyle based on various philosophies and guiding principles. Influenced by the Samkhya and Vaiseshika schools of thought, Ayurveda shares similarities with these theories but differs in its application of scientific principles. Central to Ayurveda is the belief in the Panchamahabhuta Siddhanta, which posits that all material phenomena in the Universe, no matter how small, are made up of five subtle elements: earth, water, fire, air, and ether/space. Additionally, the Tridosha theory is a key concept in Ayurveda, attributing the wellness and disease states of individuals to Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

 

Ayurveda practices can enhance well-being and tranquillity. Facilities providing Ayurvedic packages and courses are specifically equipped for this purpose, often aligning their spaces with Vastu principles. Ayurveda is centered on the elements of "Kapha," "Pitta," and "Vata," focusing on balancing these elements for optimal health and happiness through herbal remedies. This holistic approach prepares individuals to combat various illnesses. Renowned for its minimal side effects, Ayurveda has gained global recognition. Kerala, being the birthplace of Ayurveda, is an ideal destination to delve into the wonders of this ancient science.

 

Ayurveda techniques treat both physical and mental issues of an individual and balance their Doshas that work simultaneously for the proper functioning of the body. Ayurveda is an entirely natural way of treatment involving particular diets, exercise, herbs, massage, and meditation. It has zero side effects and balances the harmony between the body, mind, and soul.

 

It is in Kerala that the traditional Ayurvedic therapies and massages are followed and practised austerely. Owing to its abundant sunshine, fertile soil and rainfall, Kerala has been the source of a wide variety of plants and herbs with medicinal importance. People come to Kerala from all across the world in search of its Ayurvedic treatments.