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 practised 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 the individual as a whole, making it the natural way to perfect health and harmony of life.

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.

Rejuvenation Therapy of Kerala
'Rasayana Chikitsa' It tones up the skin and rejuvenates and strengthens all the tissues so as to achieve ideal health and longevity. Increases 'Ojas' (Primary Vitality) and improves 'Sattva' (Mental Clarity) and thereby increases the resistance of the body.
Includes head and face massage with medicated oils and creams, body massage with herbal oil or powder, by hand and foot, intake of rejuvenate medicines and medicated steam bath. Herbal baths are also used.

Body Immunisation And Longevity Treatment
'Kayakalpa Chikitsa' Prime treatment for retarding the aging process, arresting the degeneration of body cells and immunization of the system.

The treatment includes intake of 'Rasayana' (special Ayurvedic medicines and diet) and comprehensive body care programs. The program is most effective for either sex if undertaken before the age of 50.

Body Sudation
'Sweda Karma' Medicated steam baths eliminate impurities from the body, improve the tone and complexion of the skin, reduce fat and are recommended for certain rheumatic diseases, particularly for pain.

Precious herbs and herbal leaves are boiled and the steam is passed over the entire body for 10 to 20 minutes daily. Hand massage with herbal oils or herbal powder improves blood circulation and tones up the muscles.

General Massage Therapy For Rejuvenation
'Abhyanga' This total body massage with herbal oils tones up the skin and rejuvenates and strengthens all the tissues so as to achieve ideal health and longevity, strengthens the immune system, is beneficial for the eyes and gifts sound sleep. This is also a cure for rheumatism.

Some of the prime body treatments and body care in Ayurveda are given as under:-

Abhyangam (14 Days)

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 etc.

Dhanyamla Dhara (14 Days) :

Warm herbal liquid is poured all over the body in a rhtthmic way through a special vessel for 45 minutes to 1 hour daily. This treatment is very effective for hemiplegia, Paralysis Rheumatic complaints etc.

Dhara (14 Days)

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.

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 nback pain and spinal disorders.

Dhara - Kerala AyurvedaKizhi (14 Days) :

Herbal leaves and herbes 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, sports injuries etc.

Ksheeradhoomam

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

Lepanam

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

Nasyam (14 Days)

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

Njavarakizhi (14 Days)

It is a process by which 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. This is applied by two to four therapist for abut 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.

Pizhichil - Kerala Ayurveda Pizhichil (14 Days)

In this treatment, lukewarm herbal oils are applied all over the body by two to four trained therapists i 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 Wakness and Nervous disorders etc.

Sirovasthi (14 Days)

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

Snehapanam (14 Days)

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

Thalam

Special powder mixed with medicated oil applying on the top of the head for 20 to 45 minutes. This treatment is helpful for ent problems, isomnia, migraine etc.

Udvarthanam (14 Days)

This is 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.

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

Njavarakizhi - Kerala AyurvedaVasthi (14 Days)

Certain herbal oils, herbal extracts etc. 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.

Yoni Prakshalanam (7 Days)

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

The small town of Kottackal in Malappuram district is home to the famed Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Shala, one of the pioneer institutions of Ayurveda, the traditional system of health and medicine, in Kerala.

Founded in 1902 AD, by Vaidya Ratanam P.S.Warrier, the well known physician and social reformer, the institution has branches all over the Kerala as well as in Delhi and Madras.

One of the best Ayurvedic centres in the Kerala, the Arya Vaidya Shala runs an Ayurvedic research centre, a nursing home and a hospital. People from all over the world come here to undergo various Ayurvedic therapies of Kerala.

The chief physician can be consulted by appointment only, made atleast 10 days in advance. Accommodation options at the nursing home including family blocks, double rooms, single rooms and suits.

Sahyadri Ayruvedic Centre is a well-established Ayurvedic Hospital, Sahyadri, managed by the Peermedu Development Society in Pallikunnu, is well known for its curative and rejuvenating treatment packages.

The centre has well-appointed treatment accommodation facilities, a unit for manufacturing Ayurvedic medicines and a well-maintained raw drugs museum where more than 200 varieties of rare and endangered herbs are preserved.

More than 400 herbs used for medicines are grown in the hospital's own garden spread over 35 acres.

For permission to visit the Herb Garden, contact the Director - Peermede Development Society, Peerumede, Idukki.