Ayurveda – the Ageless Medical Tradition
Ayurveda is the oldest and the unbroken tradition in medical science. The history of this ancient science goes back as far as 3,500 years. Today Ayurved or the ‘Science of Life’ has taken the whole world by storm. Tourists and travellers from far off countries are pouring into India for Ayurveda treatment. This ageless system has been descended from master to disciples. Kerala is the only place where ayurveda is practised with absolute dedication. Thaliyola (palm leaf) was used for writing the medical details while Narayam (iron pin) was in use as the pen. What is to be noted is the fact that the disciples had to stay in their master’s house called Gurukula.
Ayurveda Today in Kerala
These days Ayurveda has achieved a crucial place in the field of science. Through various scientific researches and studies, this ancient science has been improved upon for producing better results. The state of Kerala has been blessed with a number of Ayurveda colleges. The course duration for an Ayurveda course at these colleges is 5 years. After completing the course successfully and having six months of internship, the graduate doctor in Ayurveda is considered to be as good as doctors of the modern medical science.
Ayurveda Principles
Principles of Ayurveda are based on the Vedic philosophy of healthy living. The Vedic text on Hindu philosophy the Atharvaveda prescribes ways to live a healthy life. Ayurveda attempts to provide remedies for various forms of sicknesses and illnesses. The Ayurvedic medicines, however, are not mass produced. Medicines have to be prepared to suit an individual.
Ayurveda Constituents
Ayurveda states that the human body comprises of 3 constituents- Vatha, Pitha and Kapha. Collectively, these constituents are termed as Tridoshas. These constituents, however, vary from person to person. One of the three constituents predominates the other two. This predominance is determined by an individual’s physical and emotional characteristics. That is why, two people suffering from the same disease can be prescribed different medications in ayurveda therapy to suit their individual constitution.
Ayurveda & Modern Medical Scinece
Health of a human being depends on the Tridoshas. To stay healthy, it is mandatory to get the Tridoshas function harmoniously. These three constituents have to further work in harmony with the five basic elements of the universe. These basic elements are Air, Water, Fire, Earth and Ether. A disharmony or imbalance between any of the two Tridoshas can lead to illness. Difference between the modern science and Ayurveda lies here that Ayurveda does not kill an infections like the antibiotics do. On the contrary, it strengthens the immune system of the body to fight against that disease or infection.
Ayurveda Therapy and Treatments
The Rejuvenation Therapy forms the core of the Ayurveda treatment. These therapies include various kinds of oil massages and herbal massages. Yoga is the other essential part of the Ayurveda treatment. Ayurveda is a better alternative for patients suffering from ailments like jaundice, paralysis, arthritis, Parkinson’s Disease, spinal problems, gastric and peptic ulcers.
Ayurvedic Centres in Kerala
- Somatheeram Ayurvedic Beach Resort, Kovalam, Kerala
- Anugraha Health Centre, Vanchiyoor
- Sree Sankara Ayurveda Vaidyasala, Kumily
- Nagarjuna Ayurveda Resort, Kaladi, Ernakulam, Kerala
- Sreedhari Ayurvedic Health Resort, Thrissur, Kerala
- Ayurveda College, Trivandrum, Kerala
- Sree Sankara Ayurveda Hospital, Kottayam, Kerala
- Government Ayurveda Hospital, Malappuram
- Sree Sadan Ayurveda Oushadhasala, Kannur, Kerala