Kerala is considered the home of Ayurvedic herbal medicine,
a holistic and sacred ancient science of life, healing
and rejuvenation. Although Ayurveda, which dates back
to the sixth century, is also popular in Sri Lanka,
nowhere in the world has contributed more to its dramatic
revival in the past few decades than Kerala. Almost
every hotel in the state now offers some form of Ayurveda
massage and in the cities some hospitals and institutes,
including the Ayurvedic Medical College in Thiruvananthapuram,
have won mainstream respect in the medical world.
According to Ayurvedic philosophy, your body is a combination
of three doshas or bio-energies: Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
These three energies define your personality and are
as unique as our DNA. In simple terms, Ayurveda aims
to achieve an equilibrium between these three energies
to produce a state of health and natural well-being.
Disease or illness is indicative of imbalance. Ayurveda
therapy includes massages with oils, herbal steam baths,
careful attention to your diet to eliminate certain
toxins, and a general approach of moderation in terms
of your lifestyle.
There are several forms of Avurveda including: Rasayan
Chikitsa, a rejuvenating therapy that advocates head
and face massages using medicated oils, body massages
using hands and feet and medicated steam baths; Kayakalpa
concentrates on diet and aims to control the aging process;
Sweda Karma uses steam baths to reduce fat and tone,
helping certain rheumatic problems; Dhara concentrates
on mental problems and Pizhichil is used for nervous
disorders.
This ancient art is now mushrooming in popularity amongst
Europeans as well as Asians, especially in Germany where
there is a widespread acceptance of Avurveda as a means
of both retaining and restoring one’s health.
Some people like to incorporate some rejuvenating Ayurveda
massages and treatments into their general holidays,
while others travel specifically for a concentrated
dose of treatment. The best time to travel for treatment
is during the monsoon months from June to November when
the atmosphere is free of dust and the temperature is
cool.
There are hundreds of hotels offering Ayurveda in Kerala
but it is worthwhile seeking out the hotels that really
take it seriously and employ the best physicians. We
have recommended a handful of hotels that have excellent
reputations for their Ayurveda and wellness centres.
Recommended hotels:
Kalari Kovilakom, Vengunad
Kalari Kovilakom, run by the CGH Earth Group, prides
itself it a strict adherence to Ayurveda’s traditional
and holistic roots. This is a haven for those that are
serious about Ayurveda and retreating from the fast
lane of modern life in search of balance, vitality and
good health. They offer only 14 day, 21 day or 28 day
all-inclusive packages. There are four main treatments
offered: Rasayam Chikitsa (anti-aging – 28 days),
Manashanthy (stress relief – 14 days), Pancha
Karma (rejuvenation – 21 or 28 days) and Sthanlyyakina
Chikitsa (weight reduction – 21 or 28 days). The
costs include accommodation (Kovilakom or Vengunad suites),
Ayurvedic diet meals, all treatments and therapies as
prescribed by the “Vaidyan” and Ayurveda
Life Programmes (e.g. yoga, meditation, talks and cultural
programmes).
Muthoot Cardamom County, Thekkady
Located in spice-growing Thekkady, Cardamom County has
a well-respected Ayurveda Centre called Ayura that offers
a range of packages: 1-3 day packages for wellness and
rejuvenation and 7-day packages for more serious stress-busting
treatments. Therapeutic treatments of particular illnesses,
with healing plans designed by Ayura’s physicians,
usually last from between 14 to 35 days depending obviously
on the individual problem being addressed. The brochure
says: “At Ayura, you will be treated according
to your individual body type, Prakruthi. Looking beyond
your inner self, Ayura offers more than just a holiday
experience – lifestyle counselling, dietary prescriptions
and enhanced self awareness; a complete Ayurvedic encounter.”
Travancore Heritage, Chowara
The Travancore Heritage’s Ayurvedic Centre offers
a variety of therapeutic packages, rejuvenation therapies,
clinical treatments and beauty care courses. They even
maintain their own medicinal herbal garden. Relaxation
programmes can be organised for 3, 5 or 7 night stays.
Stress relieving programmes last for 7 nights and rejuvenation
programmes last for between 14-35 nights. Clinical treatments
focus on insomnia, rheumatic arthritis, asthma, psoriasis
and weight loss.
Taj Green Cove Resort & Spa, Kovalam
The Taj Green Cove has a wonderful spa, called Jiva,
offering a wide range of Ayurvedic and aromatherapy
massages, deep muscle massages, body scrubs and wraps,
manicures, pedicures and facials. They have three two-hour
signature treatments called Jivaniya (invigorate), Shudhikara
(detoxify) and Sama (balance). This is not a dedicated
Ayurvedic Centre, but it is perfect for those wishing
to blend rejuvenation and relaxation treatments with
their holiday.
Estuary Island, Poovar
Estuary Island, a beach-cum-lagoon resort just south
of Kovalam, away from the packages hoards, has an Ayurveda
Centre with an incredible range of short-term and long-term
packages. Choose from a general one-hour herbal oil
massage to a 14-day body purification therapy. The centre
also has specific long-term programs to boost the immune
system, slimming therapies, spin and neck care programmes
and an anti-arthritic programme.
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