Ayurveda in Kerala

Ayurveda or Ayurvedic medicine is a form of alternative medicine in use primarily in the Indian subcontinent. The word "Ayurveda" is a tatpurusha compound of Aayus- "life" and veda "knowledge", and would roughly translate as the "Science of Life". Ayurveda is claimed to deal with the measures of healthy living, along with therapeutic measures that relate to physical, mental, social and spiritual harmony. Ayurveda is also one among the few traditional systems of medicine involving surgery.

Panchakarma (five actions) is a cleansing and rejuvenating program for the body, mind and consciousness. It is known for its beneficial effects on overall health, wellness and self-healing.

Shirodhara is a form of Ayurveda medicine that involves gently flowing liquids over the forehead (the 'third eye'). It was developed by vaidyas (practitionars of Ayurveda) in Kerala, India for use in sukhachikitsa (restorative therapy) and can be one of the steps involved in Panchakarma. The name comes from the Sanskrit words shiras 'head' and dhara 'flow'. The liquids used in shirodhara depend on what is being treated, but can include oil, milk, buttermilk, coconut water, or even plain water.

Shirodhara has been used to treat a variety of conditions including eye diseases, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, greying of hair, loss of memory, neurological disorders, memory loss, insomnia, hearing impairment, tinnitus, vertigo, Ménière's disease and certain types of skin diseases like psoriasis. It is also used non-medicinally at spas for its relaxing properties.

There are specialized forms of shirodhara called thyladhara, ksheeradhara, thakradhara and jaladhara.

Ayurvedic massage therapy is offered in resorts and spas across Kerala, where you can experience the beneficial effects of herbal massage treatments and other Ayurvedic remedies for a range of conditions. The natural methods of ayurveda help the body to rejuvenate from within and you're sure to feel like a new person after an ayurveda tour.

Kerala Ayurveda Resorts provide treatments for ailments such as arthritis, paralysis, obesity, sinusitis, migraine, premature ageing, skin ailments etc. Ayurveda Resorts in Kerala cure detoxify and rejuvenate the whole body system for curing the ailment and enable general fitness. The health and fitness programs in the Ayurveda Resorts in Kerala are based on Ayurvedic oil massages. These massages help in various ways such as improving blood circulation, streamlining the body, building up immunity, ridding the body of toxins and decreasing excess fat in the body etc.

Many of the renowned Ayurveda Resorts in India are in Kerala. Tourists can choose from a range of Ayurveda Resorts in Kerala - from 5 star luxury Ayurveda Resorts, beach Ayurveda Resorts to backwater Ayurveda Resorts in Kerala. You may decide upon your tour in Kerala to choose the Ayurveda resorts as per the location, treatments offered at the Ayurveda resorts. Take a break at the Ayurveda Resorts in Kerala for a refreshing and rejuvenating holiday in India.

Ayurveda in Kerala

With a history of more than 5000 years, Ayurveda is an alternative treatment method with hardly any side effects. It is a simple, practical science of life. The word 'Ayurveda' is composed of two Sanskrit terms - 'Ayu' meaning life and 'Veda' meaning knowledge.

According to Ayurvedic system, human body consists of three primary life forces or biological humors, which are Vatha, Pitha and Kapha. These three doshas are called the tridoshas. A balance among these life forces is essential for proper health. Any imbalance among the tridoshas causes a state of unhealthiness or disease.

Ayurvedic treatment measures include internal medicine, external medicine, surgical treatment and psychotherapy. They can be classified under two groups - tonification and reduction. Reduction therapies decrease excesses in the body while tonification methods nurture insufficiency in the body. Reduction therapy has two parts called pacification and purification. Pacification is done with herbs, fasting, exercise, sunbathing and exposure to wind. Purification is a special form of therapy for elimination of the disease causing humors. All these require preliminary Ayurvedic practices of oleation and sweating.

Kerala a southern state of India, has developed its own Ayurvedic treatment modalities like Dhara, Pizhichil, Navarakizhi, Elakizhi, Sirovasthi, Thalapothichil etc. which are highly effective in a number of diseases, which include motor neuron diseases, arthritis of various kinds, skin diseases, heart diseases, peptic ulcer, asthma, peripheral vascular diseases and gynecological disorders.

Some of the prime body treatments and body care in Ayurveda have been listed below: -


Pizhichil:

Lukewarm herbal oils are applied all over the body by two to four trained therapists in a special rhythmic way continuously for about 60 to 90 minutes per day for a period of 7 to 21 days. This treatment is very useful for Rheumatic diseases like Arthritis, Parlysis, Hemiplegia, Paralysis-Agitanus, Sexual Weakness, Nervous Weakness and Nervous disorders.



Njavarakizhi:

The whole body or any specific part thereof is made to perspire by the application of certain medical puddings externally in the form of Boluses tied up in muslin bag. Two to four therapist applies this for about 60-90 minutes per day for a period of 14 days. This Treatment is for all types of Rheumatism, Pain in the Joints, Emaciation of limbs, High blood pressure, Cholesterol and certain kinds of skin diseases.

Dhara:

In this process, some Herbal oils, medicated milk, medicated butter milk etc. are poured on the forehead in a special method for about 45 minutes in a day for a period of 7-21 days. This treatment is mainly for Insomnia, Vatha Predominated diseases, Mental tension and certain skin diseases.



Vasthi:

Certain herbal oils and herbal extracts are applied through the rectum daily for a period 5 to 25 days. This Treatment is for Arthritis, Paralysis, Hemiplegia, Numbness, Bastric complaints associated with Rheumatism and constant constipation.

Sirovasthi:

Certain lukewarm herbal oils are poured into a cap fitted on the head for 15 to 60 minutes per day according to the patient's condition for a period of 7 days. This treatment is highly effective for facial paralysis, Dryness of nostrils, mouth and throat, Severe headaches, and other Vatha originated diseases.

Udvarthanam:

A typical massage with herbal powder for about 30 to 45 minutes daily for a period of 14 to 28 days, this treatment is for the diseases like Hemitplegia, Paralysis, Obesity and certain Rheumatic ailments.

Abhyangam:

Special type of oil massage in which strokes are given according to the diseases for 45 minutes per day for 14 days, this treatment is very useful for Obesity, Especially for Diabetic Gangrene and many more.



Nasyam:

Herbal juices and medicated oils are applied through nose for 7 to 14 day. This treatment is highly effective for certain kinds of Headaches, Paralysis, Mental disorders and some types of skin disease.

Snehapanam:

Mediated Ghee is given internally in a proportionally increased quantity for a period of 8 to 12 days. This treatment is for Osteoathritis, Psoriasis and Leukaemia.

Kizhi:

Herbal leaves and herbs or herbal powders are applied to the whole body in boluses with hot medicated oils for 45 minutes per day for a period of 7 to 14 days. This treatment is for osteoarthritis, arthritis with swelling, spondilosis and sports injuries.

Dhanyamla Dhara:

Warm herbal liquid is poured all over the body in a rhythmic way through a special vessel for 45 minutes to 1-hour daily. This treatment is very effective for Hemiplegia, Paralysis Rheumatic complaints and other such diseases.

Yoni Prakshalanam:

Herbal oils and decoctions are applied through the vaginal route. This treatment is good for gynecological disorders. It is also a purification process for genital organs.

Kativasthi:

In this process specially prepared warm medicated oil is kept over the lower back with herbal paste boundary, This treatment lasts for 45 minutes to 1 hour and it is good for any type of back pain and spinal disorders.

Urovasthi:

Like Kativasthi warm medicated oil is kept over the chest for 45 minutes this is an effective treatment for asthma, other respiratory problems hearth diseases and muscular chest pain

Ksheeradhoomam:

This is fermentation with medicated cow milk. This treatment is good for facial paralysis, Bell's palsy, speech disorders and other nervous disorders of the face.

Thalam:

Special powder mixed with medicated oil is applied on the top of the head for 20 to 45 minutes. This treatment is helpful for ENT problems, insomnia and migraine.

Lepanam:

This is a process by which medicated herbal paste is applied on the affected part and is useful for various types of inflammatory conditions.



The premium Ayurvedic centres in Kerala include Nagarjuna Ayurvedic Centre, Kalady that bagged the 2002-03 award for Best Ayurvedic Centre by Kerala tourism, Sera Sankara Ayurveda Vaidyasala, Perunnai, Changanacherry , Kottackal Arya Vidhya Sala and Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort, Palakkad.

Backwaters of Kerala

The beauty of Kerala lies in its backwaters that are unique in the entire world. Brimming with natural beauty and economically viable, this uniqueness of Kerala, makes it a heavenly delight for its visitors. It features 41 West-flowing rivers of Kerala that are the highlights of this fabulous gift of nature. In earlier times, this water highway covered the entire expanse from the South of Kerala to the northernmost part of the state but many of these waterways have been closed now. According to a legend, it was the warrior sage Parashuraman who threw his battle-axe and 'reclaimed' the land from the seas created Kerala. Today, Kerala remains a land of canals, lagoons, lakes and rivers, which constitute the so-famous Backwaters of Kerala, which have played an important part in the lifestyle of the people living on its shores. For the benefit of the tourists, the old waterways are being re-opened.



Kerala's backwaters
provide a gateway to the visitors to see the true rural life of the region. The traditional lifestyle of Kerala's villages is tough, slow and highly labor intensive and the chief occupations of the people are boat building, prawn cultivation, sand mining, coir manufacture, limestone collection (by the specialist divers), rice farming and duck rearing, which is in sharp contrast to that of the teeming crowds of visitors who come to the place. Alapuzha is an ideal starting-point of the journey because of its large network of canals from where one passes through several small canals that come out into the Vembanad Lake, to the land of Kuttanad, which was once known as the rice bowl of Kerala, because of its cultivation of paddy fields that used a clever system of dykes and bunds. It is exciting to note that this place is one of the few places, which are below sea level.



Kumarakom has been recently discovered and have now blossomed into a beautiful backwater holiday destination with its spectacular lagoon fringed by coconut groves that have almost become an icon of Kerala tourism. This place also boasts of a 14-acre bird where one can spot several of avian species such as water ducks, cuckoos and Siberian storks. Coconut Lagoon and Englishman Henry Baker's bungalow that has now been converted into a heritage hotel by the Taj group are the chief attractions of the place.

Today, one may enjoy the backwaters of Kumarakom whole sailing in the local houseboats, called 'Kettuvallam' that are unique to this region.

Kollam with its maze of rivers, lakes and lagoons, is a popular destination where one can see splendid views of the glorious Kayamkulam Lake and the Ashtamudi Lake. Kochi, the commercial Capital of Kerala, is not far behind with its treasure of myriad lagoons, rivers and lakes.

Monsoons here are even more beautiful because of the traditional snake boat races with the 130 feet long Chundan boats as their highlights. Some of the major boat race events are the Nehru Trophy Boat Race held on the second Saturday of August and the Aranmula Boat Race, which is more traditional and is associated with temple festival at Aranmula. The boat carnival starts on the day of Thiruonam, the most auspicious day of the Kerala festival, Onam.

Besides these backwaters of Central Kerala, there are other places too such as Veli in South Kerala, and Kadinamkulam, Edava, Anjengo, Madayara, Peravur, Ashtamudi, Kayamkulam, Kodungalur, Chetuva and Valiyaparamba in North Kerala.

Honeymoon Holiday at Kerala Houseboat

After wedding, the most important moment for a couple is honeymoon. For every couple, honeymoon is the time for romance, excitement, and leisure. Couples look for an ideal destination that can provide them suitable ambiance with privacy, luxury, serenity and off course security. They face difficulties to find such destination and often confuse where to go? To assist you to select a honeymoon destination, travel agents or honeymoon planners can assist you. Also they offer exciting honeymoon tour packages for different destinations.

There are several honeymoon holiday destinations in India which captivates couples from all around the world. Such a mesmerizing honeymoon destination is Kerala (also popularly described as the God’s Own Country) situated in India. It is one of the most beautiful states and tourist destinations of India. Its unique geographical and cultural features deserve the attention of families, lovers, couples, honeymooners, etc.

Kerala has a lot of options to offer couples and honeymooners by which they can make their honeymoon holidays in more and memorable ways. There are beautiful beaches, beautiful landscapes, verdant hill stations, lovely lakes, rich flora & fauna, breathtaking backwaters, luxury packed houseboats, etc in Kerala which are enough to make perfect honeymoon holidays for couples. No anywhere in other states of India, honeymooners can find so many options for their precious honeymoon.



One of the most popular honeymoon options in Kerala is house boats and backwater tours. Honeymooners or couples from all around the world come here for Kerala backwater tours and house boat tours.

Kerala houseboats & backwater honeymoon package is one of the most desired honeymoon packages in the world. Floating over the breathtakingly beautiful backwaters the luxury packed house boats provide facilities like five star hotels. House boats generally have one of two fully furnished bedrooms with attached bathrooms, sunbath deck, an open lounge, Dinning area, and a well-equipped kitchen.



Cruise along the palm-fringed waterways on your Kerala backwater and house boat honeymoon package. Floating over scenic backwaters, House Boat Kerala India takes you though sightseeing of coir villages, water lilies, lush paddy fields, historic & modern towns, temples, lively traditional villages, people at daily life, palm coconut groves, water birds playing with water, beautiful landscapes, etc. The journey will be surly a captivating experience for you and your loved-one too. On your Kerala honeymoon cruise you will have also excellent opportunity to enjoy traditional Kerala’s delicious & mouthwatering cuisine.

There are several Kerala houseboat packages available which make enable honeymooners to enjoy and explore the breathtaking beauty of backwaters. Kerala houseboat cruise also take you the periphery of wildlife and bird sanctuary. Some house boat cruise operators also provide facilities to enjoy water funs and sports.



One of the most important backwater destinations of Kerala which are very popular among couples is Alleppey or Alappuzha (popularly described as the Venice of the East). This is a small but beautiful town and provides complete backwater experience which will surly add special charm to your honeymoon. The lovely Vembanad Lake is an ideal spot for Alleppey Houseboats honeymoon cruise. If you too want to celebrate your honeymoon holiday in Kerala with houseboat cruise over breathtaking backwaters, you are welcome to this beautiful state of India.

Visit Internationally Famous Kovalam Beach on Your Tours in Kerala

Kerala, also popularly known as "God’s Own Country", is a beautiful state of India. It is predominantly famous for its beautiful sun-kissed beaches dotted with palm coconut groves and breathtaking backwaters blessed with exceptional nature beauty. Kerala has some of finest beaches of world that can be visited on Kerala tour to India.

Cherai Beach, Varkala Beach, Alappuzha Beach, Fort Kochi Beach, Fort Bekal Beach, Kappad Beach, Kovalam Beach, etc are some of world famous beaches of Kerala. Tourists, honeymooners, beach-lovers, etc tour to Kerala to explore these breathtaking beaches.

One of the most popular and famous beaches of Kerala is Kovalam Beach. It is internationally known for its unique charm. It is developed as the world class beach resort. It has three adjacent crescent beaches that add to charm. A massive rocky cape on the beach has created a beautiful inlet of tranquil water that is ideal for swimming and sea bathing.

The Kovalam beach offers a plenty of and diverse options like swimming, sunbathing, ayurveda, herbal body massaging, cruising, cultural programs, sunset watching, etc. Surly spending few days on Kovalam beach will be a unique and pleasant experience that will last forever.

In ancient times, the beautiful Kovalam was a fishing village and a favorite hippy haunt. It has also been a favorite haunt for foreigners especially for Europeans since 1930s. Today, Kovalam is developed as one of the most beautiful and finest beaches of the world. Travellers from all around the world visit Kovalam to spend their holidays in memorable ways. Azure water and pleasant climate of Kovalam create magical ambiance for pleasant and memorable holidays.

Kovalam beach is great place for sun-bathing and swimming. There are lots of water funs and activities that can be enjoyed at Kovalam beach. They are sun-bathing, sea-swimming, kayaking, surfing, skiing, cruising, etc. You too will love to indulge in these enjoyable activities on your Kovalam beach tour to Kerala South India.

Kovalam beach is also known for ayurvedic treatment and every year a large gathering of people come here especially for ayurvedic treatment. In this way people take double enjoyment – ayurvedic treatment as well as tourism. There are several ayurvedic treatment & massage and yoga centers. You will too love to get rejuvenated and freshen up at these centers on your tours in Kerala, South India.

Kovalam is located at the very short distance of 16 km from Trivandrum – the capital of Kerala, South India. Trivandrum is also a worth visiting city where you can visit several interesting places like Napier Museum, Sri Chitra Art Gallery, Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Ponmudi Hills, etc.

Kovalam beach is dotted with several world class resorts and cottages. So, you can find here well accommodation. In other way, Kovalam beach is perfect for spending holidays whether they are family holidays or honeymoon holiday or sightseeing tours or just for beach fun and activities.

There are several Kerala tour packages for Kovalam beach in the market made available by various tour operators and travel agents. You can book on of them and get start you Kerala tours. Well, visit Kovalam Beach and take with you a pleasant and lifetime experience.