Offering a host of herbal therapies, the Ayurveda resorts in Kerala are proving to be great vacation options for those looking for natural cures to rejuvenate their mind and body

How about a month long vacation in the backwaters of Kerala? Who wouldn’t want to rest and unwind in the lap of Mother Nature? Especially if there are mind and body therapies to perk you up with the goodness of Ayurveda.

God’s Own Country, Kerala, is the place that popped up in mind when I was looking for a peaceful destination. With the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats in the east and some 44 rivers flowing through the state, Kerala has a balm like effect.

It’s the ultimate destination if the backwaters—a necklace of lagoons, lakes, canals and rivers that run through the length of Kerala—in on your mind. If it’s hill stations and exotic wildlife that excite you, then it’s there, too. If long shorelines with serene beaches are what you like then Kerala is you your heaven. And lastly if Ayurvedic treatments are what you are looking for, head to Kerala for sure.

IT’S A TREAT (MENT)

Ayurveda, the science of life, is believed to be the oldest treatment in the world. More than 3500 years old, this branch of medicine, which uses plants to make medicines, believes in harmonizing the body, mind and soul.

The equable climate of Kerala, the natural abundance of forests, unending wealth of herbs and medicinal plants and the cool monsoon season make it an ideal location for an Ayurvedic vacation. The reason is Ayurvedic therapy responds well in a calm, quiet atmosphere where one gets a feeling of peace and relaxation.

HEAL YOUR AILMENT

There is slew of Ayurvedic resorts, which can cure arthritis, paralysis, obesity, sinusitis and migrane. The therapies are based on Ayurvedic oil massages which cure, detoxify and rejuvenate the system, help in improving blood circulation, building up immunity, ridding the body of toxins and decreasing excess fat. Some of the prime treatments available at the resorts are Pizhichil, Njavrakizhi, Sirodhara, Vasthi, Sirovasthi, Nasya, Udvarthanam, Abhyangam, Nasyam, Snehapanam, nad Kizhi among others.

Pizhichil is the best among the traditional therapies and specialty. This therapy is a beautiful combination of two classical Ayurvedic treatments – Snehana and Swedana. It’s all about applying lukewarm oil in a special rhythmic way to cure arthritis, paralysis, and nervous disorders. Njavarakizhi is a massage where after a liberal application of medicated oil, small cotton cloth boluses filled with cooked njavara rice are applied to cure high BP, cholesterol and joint pains.

In Shirodhara, luke warm herbal oil is poured in a continous stream onto the forehead, while the head is gently massaged. This revitalizes the body and mind. Another great massage is Sirovasthi where Luke warm medicinal herbal oil is poured into a cap fitted on the head for 15 to 60 minutes every day. It’s a great therapy for treating paralysis, insomnia and depression.

In Nasya the face, shoulders and chest are massaged with a herbal oil and the patient is made to perspire while herbal oil in exact doze is put into the nostrils. After this, the area around the nose, chest, palms and foot are massaged vigorously. This Ayurvedic therapy can provide a miraculous remedy for congestion, allergies, sinusitis, headaches, migrane and other nasal infections. And the best thing about an Ayurvedic massage is that it has no side effects. To cut it short, an Ayurvedic vacation in Kerala is all about getting each environment acting as a catalyst. So for once take a break and head to Kerala for an Ayurvedic sojourn. Oil’s well that heals well!!

TRAVEL TIP

If you are an Ayurvedic buff make sure you bring back loads of massage oils. These oils are prepared with a variety of herbs, which are most effective for treating chronic, ailments. It can cure hair loss too!!!

Best Time To Visit

All year around for Ayurvedic treatments approximate Cost; it’s Rs. 500 onwards for each treatment. But most of the resorts offer packages, which include stay and treatment.