Kerala Health Tours

Ayurveda & Other Indian Systems of Medicine

Ayurveda

AYURVEDA` is the science of life which is considered as the natural healing system of mankind.This is the oldest holistic system of medication in the world that uses a constitutional model. Ayurveda originated as part of `Vedic science`. The Word Ayurveda is from Sanskrit language derived from the words`AYU` means life 'VEDA' means science, so literally 'AYURVEDA' means science of life.

Ayurveda treatment includes herbal medicine, Dietities, body work, surgery, psychology and spirituality. AYURVEDA is part of a new movement towards a global medicine that includes the best developments in the medicines of all lands of all the medical systems. Ayurveda is probably the best point of synthesis for such a global medicine.

Yoga

Yoga, the science of man, based on ancient Indian wisdom and culture, is an art of living a healthy, balanced, peaceful and contented life. Yoga, being a total integrated system, studies man in his wholeness - body, mind and spirit and is integrated to certain principles, ideas, values, attitudes and a way of life for personal and social benefits.
Conceived by the great sages in their quest for self-realisation, it has come to be recognised during its.

Eight stages in ashtangayoga :
Disciplined behaviour (yama)
Self purification (niyama)
Bodily postures such as the lotus position (asana)
Control of breathing (pranayama)
Control of the senses (pratyahara)
Fixing of the mind on a chosen object (dharana)
Meditation (dhyana)
Samadhi - a state of being where you experience absolute tranquility and well being.

Kalari

In the southernmost part of the Vedic land of India is the state of Kerala. The enchanting combination of seas, lagoons, backwaters, coconut trees, and rainforests, earned it the sobriquet, “God’s own country”. Legend has it that Sage Parashurama created the land from the sea. In this legendary land, emanated a clan of skilled fighters whose practice was called as Kalaripayattu. Derived from the Sanskrit word, kaloorika, meaning the place where we practice.

Kalaripayattu draws its inspiration in the pristine ethos of the land of its origin, Kerala. The natural beauty, cultural aestheticism and spiritual magnificence of the land are delectably mirrored in every element of this martial art form. The beauty of Kalaripayatt lies in its inherent harmonious union of art, science, medicine, and spirituality to evolve a complete way of life

Naturopathy

Naturopathy is a system of natural cure originated in west and in India almost during the same early part of 1900s. Naturopathy gained large scale acceptance in India in the first half of 20th century. Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation once said Naturopathy is the most accessible kind of treatment form available to Indians.Some elements of naturopathy can be found in yoga and Ayurveda, but majority of them are not.

Mind, body and soul concept is present in naturopathy principles. Body is self healing is another concept that is similar to that of Ayurveda’s. However, Ayurveda doesn’t rely too much on sunlight, water, sand or such items for curing.
There are a number of institutes that offer courses on naturopathy.

Unani

Unani (also spelt Unaani), the system of medicine originated in Greece and flourished in Asia, especially India bears similarities with Ayurveda. Practiced mostly by Muslims, Unani practitioners are found in all parts of India, and a large number of them in Kerala.

Unani is an Arabic word which means Greek.
Unani principles are so close to that of Ayurveda’s.

According to Unani, the basic elements of nature are earth, water, air and fire. These four elements are known as ARKAN.
Each element has its own properties and goes into the making of everything in the universe.
These four elements are set in a balanced state called mizaj-e-mutadil. Mizaj-e-ghair-mutadil is an imbalanced state.

Siddha
Siddha
	Herbs and minerals found in the nature are used in the production of Siddha medicine. The medicines are simple, yet effective. All types of diseases have medicine in Siddha. The materials used in the production of Siddha medicines include leaves, bark, root and other parts of plants and trees, metals like silver, gold, iron and mercury. It is to be noted the metals are not used as such, but prepared through vigorous purification processes that lasts over several days. After purification, the metal is called bhasma (ash), which the body can use. Not all Siddha vaidyas are knowledgeable about the preparation of metal bhasmas.

The ultimate aim of Siddha medicine is moksha or salvation from the cycle of the pangs of births and deaths by strengthening the body. The goal is similar to that of yoga. Siddha medicine tries to reach this stage by giving immortality to body.