Kerala is the place, which practices Ayurveda with total dedication. Due to the equilibrium in climate, natural abundance of herbs and medicinal plants made this southern tip of India the 'The land of Ayurveda'. Monsoon is the best season for practising curative and restorative treatments.

Ayurvedic treatment is said to be the best for several diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, paralysis, facial palsy, motor neuron disease, spondylitis, acute infective poly neurosis, various spinal problems and gastric disorders. It also performs prosthetic surgery to replace limbs, cosmetic and facial surgery, caesarean section, and even brain surgery even though it is not much in practice.

Some of the common therapies in Ayurveda are Abhyanga, Panchakarma and Nasyam.

Abyanga
Abyanga is a type of oil massage which is used in conjunction with traditional ayurvedic medicine which makes the skin soft, stimulates blood circulation, strengthens muscles, improves digestive power and revitalizes the whole body. According to the nature of each person's body, special oils and herbs are used to help balance of elements, Vata (air), Pitta (fire), and Kapha (water). This will enhance the activity of lymphatic system and also stimulates the removal of toxins from the cells. In addition, each individual has energy points (marma) which, when stimulated, can help balance the elements of the body. The specific marma points which may contribute to your health concerns and imbalances are massaged with more oil and herbs. A pair of massage therapists, who follow a specific sequence of movements, performs Abyanga.

Panchakarma
The Panchakarma therapy of Ayurveda comprises of five basic types of advanced treatment for the rejuvenation of the body by the evacuation of Doshas (toxic materials).

Pizhichil - Pizhichil is an ideal ayurvedic treatment for rejuvenating the nervous system and is proved to be good for general weakness, circulatory problems, pain and stiffness of the joints. The treatment is done by pouring medicated oil and simultaneous massaging.

Navarakizhi - This is an important rejuvenating technique, which is said to help the body become stronger, suppler, remove sluggishness and improve metabolism. A special kind of rice (Navarre) is cooked in milk and applied over the body causing the body to perspire.

Larkish - said to help relieve joint pain, especially backache, improve circulation, and lubricate joints. Fresh herbs are cooked in oil, packed into bags, and applied to the body.

Udavarthanam - dry herbal massage said to be excellent for skin conditions, weight loss, edema, and muscle/joint pain.

Shiro Dhara - said to help insomnia, decrease stress and mental fatigue, calm nerves, and gives the skin a healthy glow. Warm oil is poured on the forehead in one of the most divine, relaxing therapies one can experience.

Nasya
In ayurveda the nose is beleived to be the entrance to the brain and it is also the doorway to consciousness. The nasal administration of medication is called nasya. An excess of bodily fluids accumulated in the sinus, throat, nose or head areas is eliminated by means of the nearest possible opening, the nose.

There are six main types of nasya,
1. Pradhamana Nasya (cleansing nasya)
Pradhamana nasya is mainly used for kapha types of diseases involving headaches, heaviness in the head, cold, nasal congestion, sticky eyes, hoarseness of voice due to sticky kapha, sinusitis, cervical lymph adenitis, tumors, worms, some skin diseases, epilepsy, drowsiness, Parkinsonism, inflammation of the nasal mucosa, attachment, greed and lust.

2. Bruhana Nasya (nutrition nasya
This treatment is beleived to be good for for vata disorders - migraine, dryness of voice, dry nose, nervousness, anxiety, fear, dizziness, emptiness, negativity, heaviness of eyelids, stiffness in the neck, dry sinuses and loss of sense of smell.

3. Shaman Nasya (sedative nasya)
This treatment is used according to which dosha is aggravated but mainly for pitta-type disorders such as thinning of hair, conjunctivitis and ringing in the ears. Generally certain herbal medicated decoctions, teas and medicated oils are used.

4. Navana Nasya (decoction nasya)
is used in vata-pitta or kapha-pitta disorders and is made from decoctions and oils together.

5. Marshya Nasya (ghee or oil nasya)

6. Prati Marshya (daily oil nasya)
is performed by dipping a clean little finger in the ghee or oil and inserting into each nostril, lubricating the nasal passage with gentle massage as described above. This helps to open deep tissues and can be done every day and at any time to release stress.

There are several resorts, hotels and ayurvedic centres, which offer rejuvenation packages. Given below are the addresses of some of such places.

Surya Ayurvedic Health Resorts
Surya Ayurvedic Health Resort situated in Munnar provides total health care with natural Herbal medicines. It is a quality Ayurvedic resort offering traditional food, comfortable stay and good hospitality which will make your stay memorable.

For more Information contact:
A M Road,
Chittirapuram, Munnar- 685 668, Kerala, Ph: 091- 4865 -63204, 63213, Fax: 091- 487 - 331347
E-mail: surya@kerala.com

Kairali Health Centre
Kairali Ayurveda is a pioneering venture initiated by Mr.K.V.Ramesh and Mrs. Gita Ramesh. The couple hail from a family of Traditional Ayurvedic Physicians like Late. Dr.Sankunny Vaidiar (Grand father of Mr.K.V.Ramesh) and Late Dr.K.S.Vasudevan (father of Mr.K.V.Ramesh), who have over the past three generations devoted themselves to the research and development of Ayurvedic Medicines like Lipidex for Obesity, Durance for Sexual Disorders, Duravin Forte for Aphrodisiac properties and Spaliv for Liver Disorders.

Corporate Office
120, Andheria Modh, Mehrauli, New Delhi - 110 030, INDIA
Tel: 0091-11-6802106 / 4879 / Fax: 0091-11-6804879
E-mail: kairali@giasd101.vsnl.net.in

Branch Offices
C-30, Rockland, Panchsheel Enclave,
New Delhi - 110 017, INDIA
Tel: 0091-11-6491803 / 04
E-mail: kairlpgt@md3.vsnl.net.in

Palkkad
Kodumbu, Palakkad District,
Kerala - 678 551, INDIA.
Tel: 0091-492-322553 / 623 / 732/ 324402 / 03 / 04
Fax: 0091-492-322732

Khajuraho
Opposite Khajuraho Airport,
Khajuraho,
Madhya Pradesh - 471 505, INDIA.
Tel: 0091-7686-72219

Rajah Healthy Acres
Rajah Healthy Acres is an Ayurvedic health centre offering complete curative care to the mind and body through time-tested traditional methods. Coupled with the heart-warming natural surroundings of the center, Ayurveda's health restorative techniques take on miraculous healing power at Rajah Healthy Acres.

For more details:

Rajah Healthy Acres
Palakkad
Ph: 0487 - 556425, Fax: 556822
Email: rajah@webindia.com
Website: www.webindia.com/rajah

Nagarjuna Ayurvedic Resort
This company is committed to the implementation of the three basic treatment approaches of ayurveda, namely the preventive, the rejuvenative and the curative therapies by setting up hospitals, exclusive treatment clinics and creating standards in treatment. Besides hospitals, an exclusive ayurvedic clinic is functioning on the banks of river Periyar at Kalady in Kerala where the entire range of ayurvedic treatments are provided along with comfortable accommodation as well as vegetarian food.

For more Information contact:
Nagarjuna Ayurvedic Resort
Kochi
Ph: 0484 - 463350, Fax: 395851
Email: nagarjun@giasmd01.vsnl.net.in
Website: www.nagarjun.com

Somatheeram Ayurvedic Beach Resort,
Thiruvananthapuram
Ph: 0471 - 48160, Fax: 480600
Email: soma@richsoft.com
Website: www.richsoft.com/soma.htm

Source: www.keralatourism.org and other websites