Angela Bernetta
India is the country of origin of the classical Ayurveda. Especially in Kerala in the southwest of the country there are a lot of Ayurveda clinics and health resorts. They offer a wide range of treatments that attract a lot of people from overseas. Real Ayurvedic treatments have little in common with the ones that are practised here. Nevertheless, even in India, there are many different treatments. Every clinic or resort has its own concept. The treatments are even handled differently from region to region.
The reasons to choose an Ayurvedic treatment are mainly to get a break from a stressful life, to cure minor health problems and to obtain new strengh. Each treatment starts with a medical check by an Ayurvedic doctor. They find out about the leading doshas (states of mind, see box) and establish an individual treatment plan for each person. Massages, diet and medicine are key parts of every treatment. Various pills and pastes have to be taken several times a day.
Purification and regeneration treatments last at least two weeks. The first one is meant for purifying the body, including massages and herbal medicine. Even if they appear innocent their effect is very intensive and the body needs time to adjust. According to Ayurvedic theory the purpose of oil massages and herbal medicine is to open up the channels of the body so that the accumulated toxic substances can be removed. Every change of temperature, for instance swimming and sun bathing leads to a closing of the so called „srotas“. This could influence the success of a treatment.
As already mentioned diet plays an important role in Ayurveda. Together with the treatment plan, each guest receives a list of food items that are recommended to them personally. The meals can be chosen from a buffet where the restaurant of the resort or clinic offers one. During the treatment one should avoid alcohol, nicotine, coffee, tea, meat and fish. Recommended beverages are herbal tea, water, fruit and vegetable juice.
Should health complaints worsen during the first days of treatment, the doctors should be consulted immediately. In almost every clinic and resort they should be available 24 hours a day. It is also possible that the intensive smell of the oil and spices could cause sadness or confusion. This may result in tearfulness, headaches or the reappearance of old conflicts. This is a normal part of a cure, as the intensive treatments have an effect on the psyche. Everyone who takes an Ayurveda treatment should be aware of the fact that they will struggle with themselves as well.
Advocates of a serious Ayurveda treatment advise people against going to a beach resort, as too much beach and sun could be detrimental to the cure. Traditional resorts and clinics are often located in the interior of the country, and it is said that the smaller the place the better the care. The number of therapy rooms and therapists should be adequate for the number of guest rooms. Fashionable clothes can be left at home, as the herbal oil discolours everything. Comfortable clothes are perfect. Also short skirts and tight tops are not a good choice in conservative India. During an Ayurveda treatment skin cream and make up are not necessary. Because of the daily oil massages the skin does not need any additional oils.
Where possible, arrival a few days before starting the treatment is recommended. This can also allow the possibility of gaining an insight into the culture of the country. India is a fascinating and wonderful place with old traditions and modern developments. Any excursion should be taken before the Ayurveda treatment. The best time for a treatment is during the rainy season from June to August/September. The heavy rain makes it a good time to have a rest, and because of the high humidity the herbal oil draws into the body quite easily and achieves the full effect.
After the treatment the body needs time to recover. There should be enough rest, especially in the first two weeks after returning home, and one should try to get on with a conscious life-style. The full effect of a treatment appears often only a few weeks after it has been finished.
The term Ayurveda has its roots in Sanscrit. It is composed of ayu (life) and veda (knowledge) – the science of life. 2000 years ago Ayurvedic medicine appeared for the first time in the Vedas (the holy scriptures of Hinduism), but it probably had been practiced a long time before.
Ayurveda is based on the idea of an inner order of the world. If this is damaged the natural balance is disturbed and illnesses can result. According to the Ayurvedic philosophy everyone has three ”doshas“ (states of mind): ”vata“ (wind or air); ”pitta“ (fire) and ”kapha“ (water/earth). Together they are called “tridoshas“ and illnesses are the result of an imbalance between the three elements. Although every human being has all of them, one is dominant and determines the temperament of a character. Too much or too little of one ”dosha“ causes health problems. Too much ”vata“ leads to dizziness and exhaustion, too much ”pitta“ causes fever, inflammation or infection. ”Kapha“ is responsible for the control of fluids. A lack of it leads to rheumatic pains and influenza.
Ayurvedic treatments restore the balance and make the person healthy. There are two main methods: the ”panchakarama“ (purification) and massages.
The herbs used for the treatments grow very well in the humid climate of Kerala. Every dosha belongs to certain meals. Therefore diet and nutrition are a very important part of Ayurveda. Massages that are offered in Kerala are especially helpful for people who suffer from chronic illnesses such as arthritis and rheumatism. There is a special massage oil for every illness. More than one treatment is necessary for lasting results. This means a cure should last at least 15 days including a special Ayurvedic diet, herbal medicine, exercises and massages.
|
