Ayurveda and Ayurvedic treatments

Ayurveda is made up of two words "ayus" and "veda". "Ayus" means life and "Veda" means knowledge or science. The complete term "Ayurveda" means the science or knowledge of life. The main purpose of Ayurveda is to prevent illness, heal the sick and preserve life. Ayurveda originated in India and is considered a few thousand years old science. Ayurveda in Kerala is being practiced for such a long time that a very popular term "Kerala Ayurveda" has come up.Kerala Ayurveda packages are being widely searched by people looking for ayurvedic treatments.

The best thing about Ayurveda is that one does not have to be sick to gain from Ayurveda. Even a healthy person can benefit from Ayurveda. There are various Kerala Ayurveda Packages available like Ayurvedic Rejuvenation Treatments Package, which is aimed at improving general health and well-being of the people. The Rejuvenation Package includes various specialised Ayurveda treatments, therapies and massages, some of which are Abhyangam (full body massage), Shiro-Abhyangam (Head massage), special Shoulder, Neck, Face, Foot massage with reflexology and full body Herbal Steam. Medicated oil applications as per the body constitution and vitiated doshas, Body polish, Nassayam are also included in the package. Yoga and Meditation included in the package also help in yielding better results. As Ayurveda offers specialised treatments, the final treatments/therapies/massages/medicines to be administered are decided by the Ayurveda Doctors after detailed consultation with the guest.

The basic principle of Ayurveda is that the universe is made up of five elements viz Air, Fire, Water, Earth and Ether. All these five elements are represented in human body by three "Doshas", namely Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Excess accumulation of these doshas in the body causes imbalance and results in various health issues. Specific treatments, therapies, massages, diets and some lifestyle changes are suggested by Ayurveda to overcome these.Special attention is given to diet as it forms the basis of all treatments. The diet is prescribed by the Doctors based on individual constitutional type. A detailed diet chart is prepared for individuals and different categories of food are included. Fruits, Vegetables, Grains, Legumes and Nuts and Dairy products form an integral part of the diet.

Panchakarma is one of the most popular treatments of Ayurveda. As the name suggests 'Panch' meaning 'five', it consists of five major procedures. It is meant to purify the whole body by elimination of accumulated toxins. The Panchakarma is as effective for a healthy person as for someone facing various health conditions and problems. It has a preventive, restorative and rejuvenative effect on the body. First the body is prepared for the actual process of elimination with Deepana and Pachana, which includes oral medication. After this, Oleation is done both internally and externally. Medicated ghee/oils are administered and specialised massages are done to lubricate the body channels and loosen the toxins. In the Eliminative phase, the final Panchakarma treatments are done based on one's body type.

As mentioned above, there is no fixed package in Ayurveda and the treatments/therapies shown in the packages are indicative only as to what kind of treatment/therapies one can expect. The final treatments/therapies are decided by the Doctors only after a detailed consultation in person, which makes Ayurveda special and effective.

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Travel With Health and Peace Packages

In recent times, there has been a phenomenal growth in wellness tourism. One of the main reasons for this growth is the modern day lifestyle and that the life has become very hectic due to social and economic compulsions. Managing both professional and personal fronts together with additional alarming factors like air and water pollution, quality of food, general illness or disease, lack of exercise, substance abuse, smoking, etc. are some of the main factors causing stress at all levels and for all age groups. This scenario is forcing people to look for ways to rejuvenate their body and soul after regular intervals. The importance of rejuvenation is being felt as people have become more aware of their wellness and well being. They know that ‘sound mind in a sound body’ is the need of the day.

According to the Wellness Tourism Worldwide, wellness industry is a multi-trillion dollar industry. They also conducted a market study on this industry and prepared a report titled 4WR: Wellness for Whom, Where and What? Wellness Tourism 2020. As per the report, “Wellness is a state of health which comprises an overall sense of well being and sees a person as consisting of body, mind and spirit. Lifestyle and self-responsibility for health are paramount in the quest for a better quality of life. Wellness is the optimal state of health of individuals and groups.”

India has been associated with wellness or holistic-health since ancient times. More and more people are exploring and returning to experience wellness packages in India. India is known for its various ancient holistic and spiritual well being treatments. The wellness packages in India not only target the physical but the rejuvenation and healing of the mind and soul as well.

Ministry of Tourism in association with National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) and the Department of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH) has been working on the strategies to promote wellness tourism in India.

There are various Spas and Ayurveda centers that are promoting Rejuvenation packages in India and then the other specialized ones focused on holistic health or wellness. As an outcome, the number of tourists visiting India for wellness has increased remarkably. Wellness packages being offered in India involve various treatments involving Ayurveda, Western, Oriental treatments to Yoga and Meditation. The wellness packages in India are being tailor made taking into consideration the needs and requirements of the individuals. There are various Ayurveda centers in India, which are promoting wellness through Ayurveda. In these centers  a day schedule is generally packed with treatments, yoga, meditation, organic food, herbal health drinks, herbal medications and nature walk. Various Spas are also offering wellness packages involving Ayurveda Inspired Rituals, Revitalizing body therapies, Skin & Nail care, Specialty baths and various other skin and beauty treatments and massages.

In a recent study of foreign tourist arrivals in India, it was found that almost 15% of tourists engaged in wellness related pursuits in India. This number is expected to grow substantially over the next 3 years.  

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