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KERALA AYURVEDA
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Ayurveda, the 5000-year-old natural herbal health care system has been recognized the world over as the most perfected
body-mind health care system. Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word, derived from two roots: Ayur, which means life, and Veda, which
means knowledge. It is fair to say that Ayurveda is the science of life.Ayurveda is a science dealing not only with the treatment of some diseases but is a complete way of life. It is |
the only system of medicine which incorporates suggestions & remedies for both healthy & diseased people.
Kerala, the tropical paradise on the southwest coast of India, is well known as the heart land of Ayurveda. Kerala's equable
climate, natural abundance of forests with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants, and the cool monsoon season starting from
June to November are best suited for Ayurveda's curative and restorative programs.
In fact, today Kerala is the only State in India, which practices this system of medicine with absolute dedication. Monsoon
is considered to be the ideal time for rejuvenation. Ancient texts recommend monsoon to be the best season for Ayurveda
regimens. The atmosphere remains dust-free and cool, opening the pores of the body to the maximum, making it most receptive
to herbal oils and therapy.
Kerala, the confluence of different natural herbal systems, enriched and fine-tuned Ayurveda. While the Ayurvedic system was
enriched by Siddha and Marma systems in southern Kerala, it joined hands with Kalaripayattu and Kalari Therapy in northern
Kerala which resulted in the emergence of a new stream noted for its special procedures and formulations.
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| Basic Principles of Ayurveda |
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Ayurveda was revealed to the sages of India thousands of years ago. Ayurveda is the science of life or science of longevity
which promises better health, prevents diseases and helps in achieving a long life. According to Ayurveda, the right balance
of the three subtle energies, called Vata, Pitta and Kapha, is what maintains health. The biological air humour, Vata is
responsible for all the movements in the body. The biological water humour or Kapha is responsible for strength and immunity
while the biological fire humour or Pitta is responsible for digestion and metabolism. |
| Vata |
Ether and air combine to form the biological humour, Vata, which is responsible for controlling destruction. The different
sub-types of Vata are Prana (life energy) - its main function is respiration and control of all sense organs; Udana ( upward
movement from naval-diaphragm) - it helps the process of speech and memory; Vyana -this is responsible for the circulation of
blood and nutrients obtained from food to all the cells of the body; Samana (balance) - it brings all the digestive juices
from the tissues intothe hollow organs for digestion and metabolism and Apana (downward moving energy) - it is responsible for the action of all pelvic organs.
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Pitta |
Pitta or Fire, the thermogenic humour, organizes body activities after transformation. The various sub-types of Pitta are
Pachaka (the main site is the stomach and it helps in digestion); Ranjaka (its main site is liver and it is responsible for
secondary or tissue digestion); Sadhaka (resides in the heart and brain and is responsible for the digestion of knowledge and
the preservation of our cognitive memories); Alocchaka( It is in the |
eye and enables proper vision); and Bharahaka (in the skin and responsible for digestion and absorption of all oil massages. |
| Kapha |
Water and earth combine to form the biological humour Kapha, which is responsible for maintaining creation. The five
sub-types of Kapha are Kledaka (resides in the stomach and protects the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract from
the hot and irritant fluids of pitta secretions); Avalambaka (it is in the heart, lung apparatus and vertebral column and
protects them from wear and tear); Bodhaka (is in the mouth and protects the mucous membrane and the tongue to give proper
taste to food); Tarpaka |
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(in the spinal chord; it protects the spinal chord and is also responsible for mental peace); and Shleshaka (in the joints; it prevents wear and tear of the joints during movements) |
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