Tuesday 19 June 2012

Destination India can be a great experience


India is a diverse country and has tremendous promise both as a business as well as a tourist destination. The country is a tourist magnet where tourists from all over the world throng to check out the innumerable options that are available to them in terms of culture, diversity, heritage, nature and India’s own holistic health practices of Yoga, Meditation and Ayurveda. A holiday in India is all about an enriching experience that you will cherish for the rest of your life. You can never run out of holiday destinations in the country and there are many things to do and diverse cuisine to enjoy.

A trip to India would present in front of you the opportunity to experience the heady cocktail of many religions, cultures, festivals, customs, colors, sights and sounds. From the tip of Kashmir up North to Kanyakumari in the south, the country offers many awe-inspiring experiences. From Arunachal Pradesh in the east to Gujarat in the west, the miscellany can be felt across the nation. The majestic mountains, the meandering rivers, beaches, coasts, deserts, forests, seas, sanctuaries, national parks and regional diversity are sure to astound you. On top of that, numerous temples, palaces, forts, mosques, museums and above all the warm people are what make the country so unique.

If you are planning on a trip to India then getting International Flights at cheapest airfare can be ensured by making your flight bookings in advance. The same way, choosing the best holiday deal would mean your writing down the exact experience you seek from this diverse land and at least a month in advance. While travelling across a vast country, it is important to plan as much as possible and ideally by hiring the services of a travel and tour operator to have a pleasant and satisfying holiday trip. India is a land that represents different things to different people visiting the country. India can provide you a unique experience and you need an experienced trip advisor to guide you through this exciting country. If the itinerary is not planned ahead, getting the most suitable domestic flight tickets can be a bit of an exercise. The tour operator also ensures that minimum wastage of time happens and you get your money’s worth everywhere that he has made a booking. The Knowledge of local customs and tourist traps that a good Tour operator shares with guests guarantees that you have that expected great experience.

As a holiday destination India is a bit of an enigma to many. No two places in the country appear to be the same but the cultural heritage binds people in unity. The richness in the cultural heritage of an ancient civilization along with the modern layout makes the country an amalgamation of the old with a touch of the new. The cuisine is excellent which can be best enjoyed through the knowledge of the finest hotels and restaurants around the country. From the wonders of the world to the simplicity of a beach, India is where you would want to return every time. Sometimes, the poverty of some of the people can cause you mental turmoil but as many travellers have put ‘the smiles never fade away’ from those poor people’s face. Believe it or not, they live on hope and the culture takes care of the downtrodden and they are happy for that moment. The memories shall be enough to fill a thousand family albums. Embrace the colors and the sounds of the country to make your holiday trip worth the while.

The holiday destinations in the country are never ending and a trip to the exotic land would be a highlight of your life. Take a decision for your life changing vacation now.

Monday 18 June 2012

Ayurvedic treatment in India and other countries


Based on research published by KPMG and other agencies, Ayurvedic treatment market (which is a part of the Beauty and Rejuvenation market) in India is estimated at INR 50 Billion / approx.US$ 1bn on date. India is a popular destination for ayurvedic therapies leading to a large number of foreign tourists visiting local spas and ayurvedic treatment centres. Inbound medical tourism in India is therefore growing at a 12 percent CAGR.

In a welcome development, the Ayurvedic treatment spas are re-gaining popularity even within India and are now visited for wellness as well as curative treatment for various kind of disease. While all major 5star properties in India boast of an Ayurvedic spa, the spa has moved from a mere luxury and is now moving to a different level being looked at as a place for healing the mind, body and soul. With over 2300 spas(IMF data) operating in India and many of those already offering Ayurvedic therapies, the market is projecting big growth numbers. Such development has also opened up a fresh opportunity for Ayurvedic medicine manufacturers. In addition to the India clientele even the foreigners are now starting to follow this line of medicine for various cures. According to a report by FICCI and PWC released
in 2011, wellness services employ around one million people. By 2015, the total employment potential of wellness services in India is expected to touch around the Ayurvedic treatment.

Ayurvedic treatments in other countries
Dr. Marc Halpern, the founder and President of the California College of Ayurveda noted in his work “Status & Development of Ayurveda in the United States” that interest in Ayurveda in US started in 1970′s due to the contribution of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi organization of Transcendental Meditation and later through the work of Dr. Vasant Lad, Dr. Sunil Joshi and Dr. B.D. Triguna. In the late 1980′s Dr. Deepak Chopra wrote “Perfect Health”, his famous introductory book on Ayurveda for the general public.
Today the acceptance and growth of Yoga and Ayurvedic treatments across the world is such that you can find at least 1 Yoga studio and Ayurveda centre in almost all major areas of US and Europe. However, the style of Yoga and treatment may have been adapted by the local practitioner to suit the
population or socio-cultural impacts. The fact remains that there are institutions imparting training of Ayurveda and training professionals all over US and Europe. Regular events organised by many associations and universities are aiding the growth of Ayurveda in these countries.

While in those countries, the number of institutions in comparison with India may be far less the regulatory framework ensures delivery of quality service (only) by trained professionals. The prices, however, are not really as competitive as those in India. A panchakarma treatment can mean investing
3 to 4 thousand dollars easily and a consultation with Ayurveda doctor can set you back by an average 75US$.

Summing up
For reasons mentioned above, it makes a lot of sense to plan a Well-being trip in India and make use of numerous Ayurvedic packages being offered by renowned Resorts and centres. If you want a consultative selection then a specialist in Ayurveda and spa wellness tourism to india may be a good
choice. They not only offer a range of Ayurvedic packages but are also helpful to match your budget with the best available facility in the region that you want to visit.

Tuesday 31 January 2012

Spa Benefits



The idiom ‘Spa’ was taken from the name of ‘Spa’ municipality of Belgium, which is famous for its healing hot springs. Although hot springs can be found in many countries all over the world, but the hot springs of Spa, Belgium are believed to have special health giving and healing powers. Dating back from the pre-historic times, people have been travelling to far-off and famous places having hot or cold springs with the hope of getting cure of different ailments. Even in the modern world, the purification through water ritual is followed in religious ceremonies of Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, Christians, etc.

In recent times, due to various constraints and factors like time and money which prevent people from visiting these far-off springs, various Day Spa and Spa resorts have come up in most of the cities. India is fast emerging as one of the popular spa destination. There are various famous Spa resorts in India. The Spa resorts in Himalayas top the list of famous Spas in India. The Spa in Himalayas are famous for their world class treatments. Most of the major cities in India have a few renowned Spa centres. Most of the ingredients used in the spa treatments are based on natural products, hence very popular among the health conscious.

The Spas offers various non-medical procedures and treatments to cure ailments and rejuvenate the body. The most popular treatments offered by Spas are Aromatherapy, different kind of Baths, various kind of massages, skin exfoliation, etc. The therapies offered are Ayurveda, Oriental and Western style. The Exfoliating body treatments result in stimulating circulation, lifts away dead skin and boosts absorption of other treatments. The steam therapies result in increased metabolic rates, helps in burning calories thereby resulting in water-weight loss & reduction of cellulite and hydrates the skin. Regular spa therapies enhances spiritual awareness, increases body’s energy flow, soothes the muscles and body joints, reduces the ageing effects, detoxifies the body and heals emotional stress.

Depending upon one’s requirement and the body type, the Spas offer customized treatments. Although the therapy procedures do not change generally, but the therapies given are often based on individual needs, which are given separate or combined with other therapies for better results, for example, exfoliating body treatments, when combined with steam baths results in more calorie and weight loss.

Depending upon their area of expertise, Spas offers various kinds of massages. Some of the very popular massages are deep tissue massage, concentrated reflexology, scalp and face massage, Swedish massage, hot stone therapy massage, hot oil massage and medicated massages. Massages have been a part of our health routine for a very long time. It calms the nervous system, thereby promoting relaxation and well being. It improves blood circulation, reduces tension and anxiety and stimulates the lymphatic system. Various Ayurvedic spas offer special medicated massages and treatments like Shiro-dhara, Abhyangam, Hot Herbal Poultice therapy, Padabhyanga, Shirodhara and Shirobhyanga. Also on offer are various Revitalizing body therapies, Skin & Nail care, Speciality baths and various other skin and beauty treatments and massages, which result in relaxation and rejuvenation.



Friday 13 January 2012

Benefit Of Ayurveda

Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word, which means the ‘Knowledge of Life’ (‘Ayu’ means ‘life’ and ‘Veda’ means ‘knowledge’). Ayurveda and Ayurvedic medicines were created by God Dhanvantri, an Avatar of Indian god ‘Lord Vishnu’, also known as the physician of Gods. Ayurveda is one of the most ancient holistic medical systems. It has extensive documentation and is considered safe and efficient.
 Ayurveda can be defined as a system, which uses the inherent principles of nature, to keep a person’s body, mind and spirit in perfect equilibrium. To create a state of holistic health for every individual, thereby creating a healthy society is the eventual goal of Ayurveda. Ayurveda considers that there are three Doshas of Vata, Pitta and Kapha and every individual is either a combination of these three or one dosha. All the metabolic activities of an individual are governed by these three doshas, which keeps adjusting with the changes of nature. 
 The most beneficial aspect of Ayurveda is that it focuses on the causes rather than the symptoms of the problem/illness. The study before administering medicine takes into account the individual’s daily routine, diet, different body parts such as nails, tongue, face, eye, etc. as well, rather than just looking at the visible symptoms. To heal the body and augment the mind & soul, treatments are precisely planned and  include various Ayurvedic medicines, diet and lifestyle changes. The unique rejuvenating and longevity enhancing method of ‘rasayana’ was born out of Ayurveda to take mankind on the path of spirituality.
 Ayurveda is being widely recognized as an alternate of modern medicine. More and more people from all over the world are looking for various Ayurveda packages in India. In the recent years, there has been a tremendous increase in the number of tourists coming to India for various Ayurvedic treatments. There are various Ayurvedic centres all over India, which offer Ayurveda packages for rejuvenation and various treatments.
 The Ayurveda packages in India are customized for every individual, based on their dosha, requirements and needs. For rejuvenation and illnesses, Abhyanga, Shiro-dhara, Navarakizhi, Panchakarma etc. are offered. Abhyanga improves concentration, intelligence, confidence and youthfulness. It increases the metabolism, which leads to better tissue respiration and circulation, causing the body to flush out its waste products more efficiently. It helps in alleviating rheumatic disorders and provides comfort to the eyes, sound sleep, and tones up the body, improves flexibility, softness and firmness of the skin and for long life.  Navarakizhi (Rice pudding massage) is the most rejuvenating and relaxing treatment in which the patient is anointed with suitable medicated oil all over the body and is massaged with boluses of Navara in seven different postures. This treatment is useful in all kinds of rheumatism, paralysis, polio congenital deformity of limbs, dislocation of bones and joints etc. The main indications are all types of diseases of nervous system, chronic rheumatic diseases, pain in  joints, emaciation of limbs and diseases borne of vitiated blood. It also makes the body strong and sturdy with well developed musculature.
 Panchakarma (Detoxification, Cleansing & Body Purification) is considered very useful for rejuvenation.  The constant metabolic activities in the body result in toxins/free radicals which damage the body cells resulting in wear and tear of the body leading to aging. The process of aging is further accelerated by prolonged stress and strain, irregular life style and unhealthy food habits. The Panchakarma package generally includes various rejuvenation therapies, such as Kayaseka, Shirodhara, Abhyanga, Synchronized massage, Medicated steam bath, Navarakizhi, etc. and is most beneficial when taken over a span of 3-4 weeks.
Yoga, Meditation, Ayurveda Massage therapies and Ayurvedic herbal medicines are generally a component of all the Ayurveda packages in India.
                   

Sunday 8 January 2012

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.