Ayurveda evolved as a system of medicine in India, around 600 BC. The system stressed on the prevention of a disease in addition to treating an ailment. This tradition of healthcare was followed closely across the entire country, and has been practiced ever since. Today, Ayurveda is a unique, indispensable branch of medicine, a complete naturalistic system that depends on the diagnosis of the body's humours to achieve the right balance. Ayurveda believes in the treatment of not just the affected part, but also the individual as a whole, making it the natural way to perfect health and harmony of life.
KERALA - THE LAND OF AYURVEDA
Kerala's equable climate, natural abundance of forests with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants, and the cool monsoon season starting from June to November are best suited for Ayurveda's curative and restorative programs.
In fact, today Kerala is the only State in India, which practices this system of medicine with absolute dedication. Monsoon is considered to be the ideal time for rejuvenation. Ancient texts recommend monsoon to be the best season for Ayurveda regimens. The atmosphere remains dust-free and cool, opening the pores of the body to the maximum, making it most receptive to herbal oils and therapy.
MENTAL AND PHYSICAL WELL BEING
Meditation and physical exercises are meant to isolate the ego from the body and mind. The exercises are designed to hone concentration, improve health and help attain peace of mind through 8 stages of training:
** Disciplined Behaviour (Yama).
** Self-purification (Niyama).
** Bodily postures such as the Lotus position (Asana).
** Control of breathing (Pranayarna).
** Control of the senses (Pratyahara).
** Fixing of the mind on a chosen object (Dharana).
** Meditation (Dhyana) and
** Samadhi, a state of being where one experience absolute tranquillity and well-being.
BEAUTY CARE
Herbal face pack, herbal oil massage, intake of herbal tea etc. improves complexion and beautifies the body.
Hair Care:
Thaali is a traditional shampoo. It can be any herb, usually the soapy paste of crushed 'Hibiscus Rosa' leaves or 'Cheevakkai' (Shikakai) powder, made into a paste and rubbed into the hair during the bath.
Plain boiled rice soup rubbed into the scalp for ten minutes prior to the bath is an excellent cure for dandruff. 'Moong' (green gram) is a good hair and body scrub. 'Mylanchi' (henna or Egyptian privet) is widely used as a hair dye.
Adding 'Amla' (dried and powdered Gooseberry, 'Phylanthus embilica') and beating in an Egg Yolk makes the dye fast. Unlike chemical dyes, this is quite harmless. A mixture of Coconut Milk and Lemon Juice can prevent hair loss.
Yoghurt, eggs and Lemon Juice rubbed into the scalp is said to accelerate hair growth, while Cucumber has excellent astringent properties.
Skin Care:
Pastes of Cucumber, Sandalwood, Papaya and Pineapple Fruit are used for making face masks. Honey acts as a powerful moisturizer. Turmeric paste is another popular skin care herb, applied both as a face pack as well as all over the body, to improve the skin tone and prevent skin disorders.
A mixture of Lemon Juice and Honey is used in skin care. A paste of 'Raktha Chandanam' (red sandalwood) in Honey, applied once or twice a day for about a fortnight, has a magical effect in erasing scars.
MOST COMMON THERAPIES ADOPTED FOR THE REJUVENATION PACKAGE
1. Treatment For Chronic Headaches, Insomnia, Mental Tension And Cases Of Hysteria, Hallucination And Insanity.
Dhara:
A continuous stream of Herbal oils, Medicated Milk or Buttermilk and decoctions are poured on the forehead/whole body in a special manner, while the patient lies supine on a Wooden bed with the neck and head placed in a comfortable position. Variations include:
Oordhwanga Dhara: Good for diseases of the eyes, ears and skin.
Takra Dhara: For those suffering from memory loss, severe headache or insanity.
Sarvanga Dhara: For both head and body.
2. Snehapanam: Treatment To Alleviate Osteoarthritis, Leukaemia Etc.
Medicated ghee is given internally in a gradually increased quantity for specific periods.
3. Pizhichil: Treatment For Spondilosis, Rheumatic Diseases Like Arthritis, Paralysis, Hemiplegia, Nervous Disorders:
Lukewarm herbal oil is applied with fresh linen all over the body by trained masseurs in a rhythmic manner for a period of 1 to 1 ½ hours daily for 7 to 21 days.
4. Udvarthanam: Treatment For Diseases Like Hemiploegia, Paralysis, Obesity And Certain Rheumatic Ailments:
It is the therapeutic massage in which the entire body is massaged with herbal powders.
5. Marma Chikitsa: Treatment For Musculoskeletal Ailments Due To Trauma Or Accidents:
Treatment that works on the extremely sensitive vital points of the body (the 107 'marmas').
6. Nasyam: Treatment For Nasal Ailments:
Inhalation of medicated herbal preparations, Decoction Oils, Ghee etc. to eliminate the morbid factors from the head and neck area.
This also includes gently massaging the body from the shoulders, upward. It is a therapy for Sinusitis, Migraine and Chronic Cold.
7. Karnapooranam: Treatment For Ear Ailments:
Medicated oils are applied to the ear for 5 to 10 minutes daily to clean as well as treat specific ailments.
8.Tharpanam: Treatment For Preventing Cataract And Strengthening Vision:
A treatment for the eyes effective in preventing cataract and strengthening the optic nerve.
9. Njavarakizhi: Treatment For Wasting Of Muscles, All Types Of Rheumatism, Sports Injuries, Pain In The Joints, Emaciation Of The Body And Certain Kinds Of Skin Diseases:
After the application of medicated oil, the entire body is made to perspire by the external application of medicated 'Njavara' rice packs, in the form of boluses tied in muslin bags. Njavarakizhi revitalises the skin.
10. Sirovasti: Treatment For Dryness Of Nostrils, Mouth And Throat, Severe Headaches, Facial Paralysis And Burning Sensation In The Head:
Lukewarm herbal oils are poured into a leather cap fitted on the head for specific durations as per physician's recommendation.
11. Elakizhi: Treatment For Revitalising The Skin Tone ('Patraswedam'):
The entire body is massaged with herbal poultices prepared with various herbs and powder dipped in warm medicated oils and increases perspiration, which in turn helps circulation. This promotes the skin eliminate wastes and revitalises the skin, thereby improving skin tone.
AYURVEDA PROGRAMME
DAY 01 ARRIVE COCHIN
Arrive Cochin by flight. Meeting on arrival and transfer to hotel.
The commercial capital and the most cosmopolitan city of Kerala, Cochin, in Ernakulam, is also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. There is a commercial hub for merchants dealing in cashew nuts, coir, seafood, timber, tea, coffee, rubber and spices. This is what gives Kerela its name as "The Spice Coast". A Jewish community with roots going back to 1000 AD and a 16th century synagogue are testimony to the land's diversity. Ernakulam District can well emerge as the greatest tourist destination for both Indian and international travellers.
PM: City tour of Cochin - an important port city with a famous Jewish settlement and Synagogue, the Dutch Palace, the Chinese Nets, the Church of St Francis and the Tomb of Vasco da Gama.
Evening: Attend Kathakali Dance show. Overnight in Cochin.
DAY 02 COCHIN/PERIYAR
Leave Cochin for Periyar (191 kms/4 hrs) and on arrival check-in at the hotel.
Periyar One of the well-known wildlife sanctuaries in the south, Periyar sanctuary attracts a large number of nature lovers every year. Also called the Thekkaddy Wildlife Sanctuary, this place is ideal for watching the animals in their natural habitat.
The forest here spread over 777 sq.km of the Cardamom Hills of Western Ghats, slopes into the manmade lake at the bottom of the hill. This lake serves as the waterhole for the animals and they come here to drink or take a dip. Elephants, Gaur, Sambhar and even tigers can be spotted here. Other attractions of the sanctuary are the Sambhar, Bison, Spotted Deer, Tigers, Leopards, Malabar Flying Squirrels, Stripe necked Mongooses, etc. There are over 260 species of birds here; including Nilgiri Wood Pigeons, blue-winged Parakeets, White bellied Tree Pies, laughing Thrushes and Fly Catchers.
PM: Take a boat ride on the splendid Periyar lake, which is the best way to experience the sanctuary. The greatest attraction here is the herds of wild elephants that come down to the lake to frolic in the water. Tiger, Sambhar, Bison, Spotted Deer, Leopard, Malabar flying Squirrel, stripe necked Mongoose & so on can be spotted in the forest. Kumily, an important spice trade centre lies in the periphery of the sanctuary. Overnight in Periyar.
DAY 03
PERIYAR/ALLEPPEY-HOUSE boat
Leave Periyar for Alleppey by surface (164 kms/3 ½ hrs) to board houseboat to Kumarakom.
Overnight on board the Houseboat.
DAY 04
HOUSE boat/KUMARAKOM
Disembark at Kumarakom jetty and check-in at the resort
Kumarakom - This unique backwater destination situated on the banks of the Vembanad Lake is considered the gateway to the backwaters of Kuttanad.
The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a favourite haunt of migratory birds from across the world, which makes it a renowned bird watching centre. Overnight in Kumarakom.
DAY 05
IN KUMARAKOM
Day free at leisure. Overnight in Kumarakom.
DAY 06
KUMARAKOM/KOVALAM
Leave Kumarakom for Kovalam enroute visiting Trivandrum city (195 kms/6 ½ hrs approx including the visits).
Visit the famous Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple from outside (Non hindus are not allowed) dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Rebuilt in 1733, it is an excellent example of South Indian architecture. Visit the Zoological Park, Napier Museum with its bronze collection, Sri Chitra Art Gallery with paintings from various schools; from countries like China, Japan, Java and Bali.
On arrival check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day free. Overnight in Kovalam
DAY 07
IN KOVALAM
Day to get rejuvenated with Ayurvedic treatment. Overnight in Kovalam
DAY 08
IN KOVALAM
Day to get rejuvenated with Ayurvedic treatment. Overnight in Kovalam .
DAY 09
IN KOVALAM
Day to get rejuvenated with Ayurvedic treatment. Overnight in Kovalam .
DAY 10
KOVALAM/TRIVANDRUM
Transfer to airport to board onward flight.
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