We live in a world of instant gratification ranging from fulfilling the hunger of food to tapping the notification option on the phone as quickly as it shows up to popping a pill for instant relief. Science and technology was developed to be a boon for the human race but in recent times it is actually proving to be more of a bane than a boon.
Stress is not an outcome of just one reason but accumulation of multiple reasons which in turn is one of the main causes for more health issues than you can even count on your fingers. Popping pills for even a small health issue in order to get immediate relief has just become like eating food when hungry while we ignore the side effects of medicines.
It is high time to think seriously about the alternatives of chemical pills and generate awareness. Ayurveda which is an ancient healthcare system originated in India and has spread its wings across the world. Ayurveda originated in Kerala which is considered the best place for Ayurveda treatment.
Kerala – land of Ayurveda
The ancient and unbreakable attachment of Ayurveda with Kerala has emerged victorious over centuries and still maintains its status. The Ayurvedic Vaidyas were the first and last resort for Kerala’s ailing people with different types of ailments.
For centuries, the Ashta Vaidyas, which means the ‘eight families of Vaidyas’ along with their followers treated the people of Kerala. Unlike many other states of India, Ayurveda is mainstream mode of healthcare in Kerala.
As Kerala is famous for Ayurveda all over the world and the only method of treatment for its people, the Vaidyas of Kerala had the great responsibility to explain the theories of Ayurveda and connect them with healing systems that would work in the modern times and everyday life.
History and origin of Ayurveda
Ayurveda came into being in India around 5000 years ago which was introduced by the Vedas making it a part of one of the four Vedas which is called Atharva Veda. It is an ancient, natural holistic system of healing, called Ashtavaidyan (‘Ashta’ means eight) as it is divided into 8 parts.
Ashtavaidya became famous during the period between 13th and 17th centuries, supported by the royal families and they promoted research in this field and related areas.
There was a time in Kerala when 18 families practiced Ashtavaidyans but now it has become considerably less. Each family came up with their own specific procedures of treatment which were passed on to generations one after the other. Some stories trace the evidence of Ashtavaidya families in Kerala.
One such belief is that the Brahmins were brought to Kerala by Lord Parashurama, and were allotted the eight branches of Ayurveda to eight different families, called Ashta Vaidyas which means eight physicians.
There is another belief that there was a physician Vagbhata who followed the Ashtangahridayam and his eight main disciples were known to be the original Ashta Vaidyas.
Now, you would think why to go to Kerala by ditching all other fancy places that give Ayurveda treatment. Here are the reasons why you should consider Kerala for your Ayurveda treatment:
Kerala is the homeland of Ayurveda
Similar to Rishikesh being famous around the world for yoga, Kerala is the place to be if you are searching for any type of Ayurveda treatment or therapy. The history of the ancient form of healing lies in the southern state of Kerala.
The roots of Ayurveda lie in the Vedic era and are based entirely on the traditional texts and ancient practices. You will not be disappointed by the experience of Ayurveda in Kerala where it exists in the purest form. There are a number of reasons to visit Kerala ranging from getting and learning the art of Ayurvedic massage in order to get healed and heal others to learning cooking according to Ayurveda to attending a class to understand the basic concept of the ancient science.
One of the reasons why this state has the best Ayurvedic treatment is that it is a vital part of the culture and history of Kerala that has produced a large number of Ayurveda professionals over a long period of time. The climate and nature of Kerala provides the perfect balance and support for growing herbs and other medicinal plants that are used in the Ayurvedic treatments.
The Ayurvedic therapies and massages in God’s own country will be a rejuvenating experience that you will never forget.
Ayurveda centers and qualified Ayurveda professionals
Ayurveda is practiced as a mainstream medical system in Kerala whereas in other states of India, it is practiced as an alternative method but is gaining importance. The Ayurveda treatment is based more on the insight gained from centuries of experience and less on clinical tests. Kerala has the biggest hub of Ayurvedic studies along with the most renowned Ayurvedic centers where people from all over the world come to study Ayurveda and get treated. As Ayurveda is present in every aspect of Kerala’s culture, it has produced some of the best Ayurveda professionals and gurus.
Kerala will cater to your every need ranging from a luxurious centre offering Ayurvedic massages and training or Ayurveda courses in Kerala at affordable prices. If you are a beach person, you can add it to your list and take advantage of these in one place.
Ashtangahridayam is an Ayurvedic text which is vastly and genuinely used in Kerala and rarely used in other parts of the world where Ayurveda is practiced. The prominent scientific research in Ayurveda takes place in Kerala as it holds the largest number of Ayurveda practitioners as compared to other places.
Natural beauty of Kerala
Kerala has been given the tag of God’s own country and once you are there you will know why. The stunning beaches, beautiful hill stations that will take your breath away and leave you awestruck, waterfalls and all the sceneries are the pride of Kerala which make it a heaven on Earth.
The natural beauty of Kerala is relaxing alone apart from the Ayurveda training, therapy courses, and retreat programs which are organized here which will add up to your whole experience in Kerala. The experience of Ayurveda is relaxing and rejuvenating while you are in the lap of nature where you will understand the true essence of life in its simplest and natural form.
Kerala experiences a pleasant climate throughout the year with moderate temperature, adequate rainfall, humidity which makes for the perfect setting for the ancient science of Ayurveda. There are more than 900 species of herbs and other medicinal plants in the forests of Kerala. Agasthyakoodam, a peak in Kerala has the rarest forms of Ayurvedic herbs and medicinal plants out of which many are native to that region. The Western Ghats have a rich biodiversity and has more than 700 medicinal plants.
Ayurveda is known to have many health benefits and some of them are mentioned below:
Approach to being healthy
Ayurveda connects the balance of your environment with your health and believes firmly about health being the natural state. You will be healthy if there is a perfect balance between you and your, and unhealthy if that balance is disrupted.
These imbalances will not occur overnight but take its course slowly. You can consult an Ayurvedic professional who will determine your dosha and then suggest you to intake some foods and avoid others as per your dosha. They can also suggest you to make changes in your environment to have a better impact on your body.
Clear the energy
We live in a busy world where we meet so many people and their energies are transferred to us unknowingly. In order to be healthy and well, it is important to clear out the unnecessary energies from the body and mind which make you unwell, thereby making room for something better.
In order to clean your system, you should follow an Ayurvedic diet as per your dosha, and cleanse your mind with meditation and yoga regularly which will help you to rejuvenate and develop inner peace.
Reduce the toxins in the body
Our body has toxins called ama that build up in our digestive system due to eating unhealthy and wrong foods. If you do not clean up the accumulated ama in your body over a period of time, it will circulate in your body, which will cause feelings of distress and imbalance. Ayurveda has practices, which suggest that lunch should be the largest meal of your day, as it is the time when sun is at its highest. This way the toxins will be stopped from developing further in your body.
If you are searching for something to change your health and overall lifestyle, Ayurveda might be the perfect thing for you. It has been tested over centuries and has a strong belief system and medical guidelines which will bring a major transformation in your overall well being.
