A traveller’s guide to India Ayurveda holiday itineraries and India Ayurveda tour packages
Ayurveda Special Tour
Ayurveda stresses on the prevention of ailments in addition to
curing them. Ayurveda was evolved in India around 600 BC and this is a
complete natural healing system that depends on the diagnosis of the
person's body humours to achieve the right balance and thus regain immunity
and good health. Ayurveda is a perfect ancient science of life.
The word AYUR literally means ' life ' and VEDA means '
the science of knowledge '. Ayurveda briefly explains the knowledge of the
do's and dont's one has to follow, which flavours the well being of each
individual to lead a healthy, happy, comfortable and advantageous life both
physically, mentally and socially.
Ayurveda is also known as Asthanga Veda. The word literaly means "Eight
branches of knowledge" as it is divided into eight specialized
branches, which are :
1. Kaya Chikilsa - General Medicine
2. Kaumara Britya - Paediatrics
3. Graha Chikilsa - Psychiatry and psycho somatic diseases
4. Shalakya Tantra - Diseases of eye, ear, head, nose, throat and
its surgery
5. Shalya Tantra - General Surgery
6. Agada Tantra - Toxicology
7. Rasayana Chikilsa - Rejuvenation Therapy
8. Vajeekarana Chikilsa - Aphrodisiac Therapy
The objectives of Ayurveda is to establish prime healthin every living
being, physically, mentally and spiritually. The basic concepts and
fundamental principles aim at establishing such a condition through correct
and thorough knowledge of healthy living. Ayurveda states wrong behaviour
and food habits disturbs the harmony and lead to diseases.
KEY TO THERAPIES : -
I. SYNCHRONISED MASSAGE
This is subjecting the body with comfortable strokes along with the
application of medicated oils. This therapy comforts the person, improves
blood circulation, prevents absorption of inflammatory exudations, removes
obesity and pain in the body, relieves fatigue and promotes development of
muscles.
II. STEAM BATH
It is procedure by which the person is made to perspire by the application
of medicated steam all over the body, except the head. Indicated for
neurological aliments, rheumatism, pain all over the body, stiffness of
back, arthritis, skin diseases etc.
III. NJAVARAKIZHI
By this procedure, the whole body or a particular part there of is made to
sweat by the gentle massage with medical puddings as boluses tied in cloth.
Indicated for neurological diseases, rheumatism, arthritis, emaciation of
limbs for restoration of health.
IV. PIZHICHIL
It is a suedation therapy done by pouring warm medicated oil over the body
from a particular height with a regular speed of flow. This is effective in
paralysis, hemiplegia, arthritis, stiffness of limbs, spastic conditions. It
is also a rejuvenation therapy.
V. SIRODHARA
It is a process by which medicated oil, milk etc. are poured in a
continuous stream in the forehead. Indicated for neurological diseases,
insomnia, depression, chronic head aches, sleeplessness and burning
sensation in the head.
VI. UDWARTHANAM
It is deep dry massage using herbal powders. This reduces obesity, imparts
mobility to joints, strengthens muscles and refreshes the body.
VII. SIROVASTHI
This is a treatment for brain strength. In this, a cap, made up of flexible
leather will be fixed on the head and slightly warm oil will be poured
inside. Duration - 1 hour.
VIII. KADIDHARA
It is a sedation therapy done by pouring warm liquid extract of cooked
fermented grains over the body with nozzled pitcher. This is effective in
all rheumatic complaints especially in rheumatoid arthritis.
IX. THAKARADHARA
It is a sedation therapy done by pouring warm medicated buttermilk in the
forehead. Indicated for insomnia, depression and burning sensation in the
head.
X. ELAKIZHI
This is a herbal treatment for stiffness, body pain, etc., especially in
the arthritis and paralysis. Boluses of fried herbal leaves will be warmed
by dipping in medicated warm oil and massage with it all over the body.
XI. THARPANAM
Pouring medicated ghee on eyes for improving eyesight.
XII. CHOORNASWEDAM
In this procedure, the whole body is made to sweat by massaging with herbal
powder as boluses tied in cloth. Indicated for neurological disorders,
rheumatism and arthritis.

Njavarakizhi
AYURVEDIC-PACKAGES
1. REJUVENATION THERAPY
Duration: 1hour 30 minutesa day for 7 or 14 days.
This is complete rejuvenation therapy comprising of synchronised special
massage. Herbal steam bath, Njavarakizhi etc. This carefully planned health
programme is directed towards improving vigor and vitality. It will also go
a long way to tone up the skin and improve complexion. That is, it is a
return to the eternal youth.

Herbal oil massage
2. BODY IMMUNIZATION
Duration: 1 ½ hour a day for 7 or 14 days
This is a complete immunization therapy comprising of the relevant
rejuvenation therapy and panchakarma therapy, which changes person to
person. The Ayurveda doctor in the centre will suggest the suitable
programme. This carefully planned health programme is directed towards
strengthening the immunise system in order to achieve ideal health and
prevent seasonal diseases.
3. BODY SUEDATION
Duration: 1 hour a day for 7 days
This package comprises synchronised massage and Herbal steam
bath. This is meant for improving physical consistency, better eye sight,
inducing sound sleep, reduces high blood pressure, elimination of impurities
in the system. It improves the complexion and texture of the skin and
provides shinning and softness to the skin.
General body massage
4. BODY SLIMMING
Duration: 1 hour a day for 7 days
This package is deep dry massage using herbal powders. This reduces
obesity, imparts mobility to joints, strengthens muscles and refreshes the
body.
Sirodhara
5. PANCHAKARMA
Duration: 2 hours a day for 7 or 14 days
The package contains the famous panchakarma (5 therapies) and
some of the sub therapies. We call it the completeness as it is a total and
integrated health pack meant for both the healthy and sick. This is
indicated in diseases like paralysis, arthritis, rheumatism, skin diseases
and mental disorders the five fold purification therapy (Panchakarma) is
employed. This includes medicated oil enema (Snehavasti) decoction enema
(Kashayavasti), purgation with medicines (Virechana), induced vomiting with
medicines (Vamana) and nasal medication (Nasya). Panchakarma is a
prerequisite of Rasayana therapy (formal rejuvenation therapy) and also is
useful is cases of subfertility and impotence.
5.1 Vamana
This is induced vomiting and is done by giving emetic drugs orally along
with a large quantity of liquids. The subject is allowed to vomit all
contents of stomach. Indicated for bronchial asthma, cough, psoriasis,
epilepsy, anaemia, insanity etc.
5.2 Virechana (Purgation)
It is done by oral administration of purgative drugs. Indicated for skin
diseases, urinary disorders, fistula in ano, flatulence, anaemia,
stomatitis, insanity, arthritis etc.
5.3 Snehavasthi (Oil enema)
This is a special enema where the main ingredient is a medicated oil.
5.4 Kashays Vasthi (Special enema)
It is a enema with medicated mixtures. Indicated in rheumatism, asthritis,
low back pain, sciatica, fistula in ano, flatulence, pain in hip joints,
hemiplegia etc.
5.5 Nasya (Errhines)
This is done by administering medicines generally medicated oil into the
nostrils. Indicated in headache, bronchial asthma, neuralgia, ear ache,
sinusitis, facial paralysis etc.