Introduction
Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word, derived from two roots: Ayur, which means life, and Veda, means knowledge. Knowledge arranged systematically with logic becomes science. Ayurveda medical system, which was evolved in India, is around the 5,000 year old.

Ayurveda believes in the treatment of not just the affected part, but also the individual as a whole. Making it the natural way to refresh you, eliminate all toxic imbalances from the body and thus regain resistance and good health. It has its root in ancient Vedic literature and encompasses our entire life, the body, mind and spirit.

According to Ayurvedic philosophy the entire cosmos is interplay of the energies of the five great elements Space, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. Vata, Pitta and Kapha are combinations and permutations of these five elements that manifest as patterns present in all creation. Click here for Ayurveda Centres

Vata, Pitta and Kapha: the Three Doshas
In the physical body, Vata (composed of Space) and Air (the subtle energy associated with movement). It governs breathing, blinking, muscle and tissue movement, pulsation of the heart, and all movements in the cytoplasm and cell membranes. In balance, Vata promotes creativity and flexibility. Out of balance, Vata produces fear and anxiety. Pitta, made up of Fire and Water, expresses as the body's metabolic system. It governs digestion, absorption, assimilation, nutrition, metabolism and body temperature. In balance, Pitta promotes understanding and intelligence. Out of balance, Pitta arouses anger, hatred and jealousy.

Kapha is formed from Earth and Water and is the energy that forms the body's structure bones, muscles, tendons. It provides the "glue" that holds the cells together. Kapha supplies the water for all bodily parts and systems. It lubricates joints, moisturizes the skin, and maintains immunity. In balance, Kapha is expressed as love, calmness and forgiveness. Out of balance, it leads to attachment, greed and envy.

According to Ayurveda, there are seven body types which are mono-types (Vata, Pitta or Kapha predominant), dual types (Vata-Pitta, Pitta-Kapha or, Kapha-Vata), and equal types, (Vata, Pitta and Kapha in equal proportions). Every individual has a unique combination of these three Doshas. To understand individuality is the foundation of healing according to Ayurveda, "The Science of Life".

Ayurveda and Kerala
Kerala's equable climate, natural abundance of forests (with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants) and the cool monsoon season (Jun - Nov) are the best suited for Ayurveda's curative and restorative packages. Even today, Ayurveda is widely practiced in Kerala, due to its rich traditional heritage and medicinal herb abundant around the Western Ghats. Click here for Ayurveda Centres

Ayurveda Packages - Rejuvenation Packages

Rejuvenation Therapy
( Duration: One and a half hours/day for 07 to 14 days)
This is a complete rejuvenation therapy comprising of synchronized special massage, Herbal steam bath, Njavarakizhi, Pizichil etc. This health program is directed towards improving the vitality. It will also go on long way to tone up the skin and improve complexion.

Body Immunisation
( Duration: One and a half hours/day for 07 to 21 days)
This therapy is carried out after consultation with Ayurveda Doctor. It differs from person to person. This package consists of Panchakarma (05 elements) Therapy. This Therapy is directed towards strengthening the immune system in order to achieve ideal health. This therapy enhances the bodies' ability to develop immunization within itself to prevent common seasonal diseases.

Body Sudation
( Duration: One hour per day for 07 days)
This package comprises of synchronized massage followed by herbal steam bath. This is meant for improving body resistance, improves the eyesight, inducing deep sleep, reduces high blood pressure and elimination of impurities in the system etc.

Body slimming
( Duration: one hour per day for 07 days)
This package is deep massage using herbal powders. This reduces obesity, imparts, mobility to joints, strengthens muscles and refreshes the body.

Panchakarma Therapy
( Duration: 02 Hours a day for 07 to 14 days)
The package contains the famous Panchakarma [05 therapies] and some of the sub therapies. It is a total and integrated health pack meant for both the healthy and the sick. Therapies include synchronized massage, herbal steam bath, Njavarakizhi, Pizichil Sirodhara etc. followed by Panchakarma therapy.

Pizhichil
( Duration: 14Days)
In this treatment, lukewarm herbal oils are applied all over the body by two to four trained masseurs in a special rhythmic way for about 60 to 90 minutes per day for a period of 7 to 21 days. This treatment is very useful for Rheumatic diseases like arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia, paralysis-agitanus, sexual weakness, nervous weakness.

Njavarakizhi
( Duration : 14 Days)
It is a therapy by which the whole body or any specific part thereof is made to perspire by the application of certain medical puddings externally in the form of boluses tied up in a muslin bag. Two to four masseurs apply this for about 60 to 90 minutes per day for a period of 14 days. This treatment is for all types rheumatism, pain in the joints, emaciation of limbs, blood pressure, cholesterol and certain kinds of skin diseases.

Dhara
(Duration: 14 Days)
In this Treatment, herbal oils, medicated milk, medicated butter milk etc., are poured on the forehead in a special method for about 45 minutes in a day. This treatment is mainly for insomnia, Vata predominated diseases, mental tension and certain skin diseases.

Vasthi
( Duration: 14 Days)
Certain herbal oils, herbal extracts etc., are applied through the rectum daily for the period of 5 to 25 days. This treatment is for arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia, numbness, gastric complaints associated with rheumatism and constant constipation.

Shirovasthi
(Duration: 14 Days)
Certain lukewarm herbal oils are poured into a cap fitted on the head for 15 to 60 minutes per day according to the patient's conditions for a period of 7 days. This treatment is highly effective for facial paralysis, dryness of nostrils, mouth and throat, severe headaches, burning sensation of head and other Vata originated diseases.

Udvarthanam
( Duration: 14 Days)
This is a typical massage with herbal powders for about 30 minutes daily for a period of 14 to 28 days. This treatment is for the diseases like hemiplegia, paralysis, obesity (excess fat) and. certain rheumatic ailments.

Abyangam
( Duration: 14 Days)
Special type of oil massage, in which strokes are given according to the diseases for 45 minutes per day for 14 days. This treatment is very useful for obesity, especially for diabetic Gangrene (a condition due to lack of blood circulation in the extremes of the body) etc.

Nasyam
( Duration: 14 Days)
Herbal juices, medicated oils etc., are applied through nose for 7 to 14 days. This treatment is highly effective for certain kinds of headaches, paralysis, mental disorders, certain types of skin diseases etc.

Snehapanam
( Duration: 14 Days)
Medicated ghee is given internally in a proportionally increased quantity for a period of 8 to 12 days. This treatment is for Osteoporosis, Arthritis, Sporaris, and Leukemia etc. Kizhi
( Duration: 14 Days)
Herbal leaves and herbs or herbal powders are applied to the whole body in boluses with hot medicated oils for 45 minutes per day for a period of 7 to 14 days. This treatment is for Osteo-Arthritis, arthritis with swelling, spondilosis, sports injuries etc.

.
Books on Ayurveda
The Complete Illustrated Guide to Ayurveda: The Ancient Indian Healing
Tradition by Gopi Warrier, Deepika Gunawant (Paperback - August 1997).
.
The Ayurveda Encyclopedia: Natural Secrets to Healing, Prevention, & Longevity
by Swami Sada Shiva Tirtha (Paperback - June 1998).

Heaven's Banquet: Vegetarian Cooking for Lifelong Health the Ayurveda Way by Miriam Kasin Hospodar (Hardcover - April 1999).

The Handbook of Ayurveda : India's Medical Wisdom Explained
by Shantha Godagama (Paperback - May 1998).

Ayurveda and Panchakarma
by Sunil V. V. Joshi (Paperback - September 1997).

Click here for Ayurveda Centres

Ayurveda Centres

Trivandrum
Ideal Ayurvedic Centre *, Mr.J.Christudas, Chowara Beach,
Balaramapuram Trivandrum - 695 501, Kerala,
Tel/Fax: 091 - 471 - 482496, 481632
Email: idealresort@eth.net
Website: www.idealayurvedicresort.com

Somatheeram Ayurvedic Beach Resort *, Mr.Baby Mathew, Chowara P.O
South Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram 695 501,
Tel/Fax: 091 - 471 - 481 600, 480600
Website: www.somatheeram.com

Gopals Ayurvedic Beach Resort, Ms.S. Bindumol, Main Beach Kovalam
Thiruvananthapuram - 695 527,
Tel: 091 - 0471 - 480 833, Fax: 091 - 471 - 453 499

Devaki Ayurvedic Health Care Centre, Vazhuthacaud, Thiruvananthapuram.
Tel: 091 - 471 - 326022.

Hotel Samudra, The Manager, Kovalam,
Tel: 091 - 471 - 480089
Fax: 091 - 0471 - 480 242,
Email : ktdc@giasmd01.vsnl.net.in

Santhigiri Hospital Complex, Mr.R.Gopalakrishnan,
Koliacode P.O, Pothencode

Ayurveda College, Tel: 091 - 471 – 460823

Ayurveda Hospital, Tel: 091 - 471 – 340938

Homeopathy Hospital, Tel: 091 - 471 – 472600

Ayur Health Centre, Padmatheerthakara, Tel: 091 - 471 – 477799

Sri Dhanwantari Matam, Ambujavilasom Road, Tel: 091 - 471 – 477980

Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala, Tel: 091 - 471 - 463439

Triveni Ayurvedic Nursing Home, Tel: 091 - 471 - 470450

Vasudeva Vilasam, Tel: 091 - 471 – 451636
Ashok Beach Resort, Kovalam,
Tel: 091 - 471 – 480101

Archana Ayurvedic Dispensary,
Tel: 091 - 471 – 477084

Avittom Ayurvedic Research Centre, Pettah,
Tel: 091 - 471 - 460018

Rugma Ayurvedic Clinic, Chitra Nagar,
Tel: 091 - 471 – 340262

Vasudeva Vilasom, East Fort,
Tel: 091 - 471 – 477799

Ayushya Ayurvedic Centre *,
Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram

Anugraha Health Centre, Vanchiyoor,
Tel: 091 - 471 – 473997

Sreedhari Ayurveda Kendram,
Tel: 091 - 471 - 320304, Fax: 331138

Soft Touch (ITDC), Ashok Beach Resort, Kovalam,
Tel: 091 - 471 – 480101

Franklin Ayurvedic Centre, Kovalam,
Tel/Fax: 091 - 471 - 480870

Kollam
Susrutha Ayurvedic Research Centre, Karunagappally,
Tel: 091 - 474 – 621230

Nedumpunth Pharmacy center, Kollam

Aquaserence Ayurvedic Resort, Kollam

Alappuzha
Medical College Hospital, Vandanam,
Tel: 091 - 477 – 272367

Edison's Siddha Vaidyasala, Pazhavangady Church Road
Nature Cure Centre, Arattuvazhy,Opp.Sakthi Auditorium,
Tel: 091 - 477 – 241468

Sreenikethan Ayurveda Hospital, Cherthala
Mysore Sankar Pharma, Arattuvazhy

Govt. Ayurveda Panchakarma Hospital, Kaithavana
Sanjeevini Avurvedic Health Centre,
Tel: 091 - 477 – 252793

Chittayil Oushadhavanam, Cherthala,
Tel: 091 - 478 – 522577

Keraleeyam Heritage Home and Ayurvedi Resort,
Thathampally,
Tel: 091 - 477 - 241468

Srnjeevini Ayurveda Health Care Center, Alappuzha
Kottayam

Chempakasseril Ayurveda Hospital, Palai, Kottayam
Arya Holistic Health Projects, Kottayam
Sree Sankara Ayurveda Vaidyasala and Gardens, Perunnai, Changanacherry

Ernakulam
Nagarjuna Ayurveda Resort * , Dr.K.K.Krishnan Namboothiri CMO
Thannipuzha Okkal P.O, Kaladi,
Tel: 091 - 484 - 483350, 463350
Fax: 091 - 0484 - 395851,
E-mail: nagarjuna@giasmd01.vsnl.net.in

Ayurveda Hospital, Kacheripady, Ernakulam
Kerala Ayurvedic Pharmacy, Alwaye
Kerala Ayurveda Pharmacy Ltd. (KAPL), Kochi,
Website: www.kapl-ayur.com

Idukki
Sree Sankara Gardens *, Mr.M.C. Balachandra Das,
Managing Director
Pambupara P.O (Via)Vandanmedu,
Anakkara Kumily, Tel/Fax: 091 - 0486 - 362322
E-Mail: sscac@md2.vsnl.net.in

Surya Ayurvedic Health Resorts, Chithirapuram,
Munnar, Tel: 091 - 486 – 563204
Sahyadri Ayurvedic Hospital, Peermed

Thrissur
Surya Ayurvedics Ltd * , Mr. K.P Balakrishnan,
Surya Ayurvedics Ltd, Kanjany,
Thrissur,
Tel: 091 - 0487 - 333635,
Fax: 091 - 0487 – 331347

Sreedhari Ayurvedic Health Resort *,
Mr.Vasudevan Namboothiri,
Managing Partner
Koottala P.O, Thrissur 680 652,
Tel: 091 - 487 - 782 441
E-Mail: kentucky@md3.vsnl.net.in

Rajah Healthy Acres *,
Mr.Abdul Rasheed, Managing Director, PB.No.2
Chavakkad - 680 506,
Tel: 091 - 487 - 556425, Fax: 091 - 487 - 556822
E-Mail: rajah@webindia.com

Govt. Ayurveda Hospital, Tel: 091 - 487 – 334599

Aryana Ayurvedic Physio Care Centre, Tel: 091 - 487 – 642190

Sri Ram Ayurvedic Centre, Thrissur

Palakkad
Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort *,
Mr.K.V. Ramesh, Olassery Post, Kodumbu
Palakkad - 678 551,
Tel: 091 - 492 - 322553, Fax: 091 - 492 - 322732
E-Mail: kairalipgt@md3.vsnl.net.in

Santhigiri Health Care Centre *,
Mr.Jayakrishnan, Coordinator
Olasseri Post, Palakkad - 678 551,
Tel: 091 - 491 - 523 874

Keraleeya Ayurveda Samajam Hospital and Nursing Home *, Dr.Sasidharan, MD
Shornur - 679 123,
Tel: 091 - 492 - 622 403,
Fax: 091 - 492 - 2798.

Rajah Healthy Acres, Perumannoor,
Chalissery, Palakkad District, Kerala

Malappuram
Arya Vaidyasala Kottakal, Tel: 091 - 493 – 742216

Govt. Ayurveda Hospital, Ponkudi Mana, Manjeri Road

Ponkudi Mana Ayurvedic Hospital, Manjari road

Kozhikode
Taj Residency Ayurvedic Centre * , P.T Usha Road, Calicut - 673 032
Tel: 091 - 495 - 765354,
Fax: 091 - 495 - 766448
Email: residency.calicut@tajhotels.com,
Website: www.tajhotels.com

CVN Kalari, Nadakkaw, Tel: 091 - 495 – 768214

Kappad Ayurvedic Beach Resort, Tel: 091 - 495 – 683760

Primebody Health Club, Nadakkaw, Tel: 091 - 495 - 767454

Kannur
Sree Sadan Ayurveda Oushadhasala,
Haji Road, Tel: 091 - 497 – 703496

Dhanwanthari Ayurvedic Supplies,
Stadium Complex, Tel: 091 - 497 - 700268

M K Ummerkoya Memorial Hospital Complex,
Parassinikadavu
Tel: 091 - 497 - 780250